From the floors of Imaging USA 2025 In Dallas Texas, Tim and Lindsay open the phone lines up to some of our listeners. They talk about the importance of maintaining strong client relationships in photography, particularly transitioning wedding clients to family photography. They discuss strategies for effective communication and engagement, including the significance of online reviews and how to leverage them positively. The conversation also explores the value of podcasting as a platform for photographers to express their brand and connect with their audience, while emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection in the creative process. Finally, a light-hearted cultural debate about poutine versus chili-cheese-fries.

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Chapters

00:00 Valentine's Day Festivities and Podcast Introduction

Tim and Lindsay do a dive into the data from Pic-time's Industry Data: How Photographers Shot in 2024. They discuss camera brand preferences, busy seasons for photographers, and optimal days for delivering galleries, providing valuable insights for both new and seasoned photographers. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of photography, including the best times for photoshoots, the shift towards vertical photography, and the expectations clients have regarding the number of images delivered. They also explore the evolution of photo galleries and how advancements in technology, such as AI, are enhancing client engagement with their photos. In this conversation, Tim and Lindsay discuss the impact of AI on image discovery, the importance of understanding client preferences in wedding photography, and the significance of group photos. They explore trends in wedding details, the necessity of building vendor relationships, and strategies for maximizing print sales. The discussion also covers the top-selling photography products and the best print finishes, concluding with thoughts on future trends in the industry.

Pic-time's blog post: https://blog.pic-time.com/blog/photography-industry-data-2024

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00:00 Introduction to Photography Journey

Martina Lanotte, a queer wedding photographer based in Copenhagen, shares her journey from studying linguistics to specializing in queer elopements. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in wedding photography, the need for inclusivity and representation in the industry, and the role of language in making all couples feel welcome. Martina discusses the challenges of navigating beauty standards and the importance of building trust with diverse clients. She encourages photographers to reflect on their portfolios and language to ensure they are genuinely inclusive, especially in a world that is increasingly aware of the need for representation. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of embracing values in business, particularly in the photography industry. They emphasize the need for inclusivity and representation, especially for LGBTQ+ clients, and the responsibility photographers have in shaping societal narratives. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for building a diverse portfolio and the unique experiences that come with different types of weddings, such as City Hall ceremonies. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the political nature of photography and the need for photographers to actively support marginalized communities.

Martina's Website: https://www.marlanph.com/

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Wedding Photography

Talking about physical health and wellness for photographers, particularly focusing on injuries sustained from the demands of the job. They explore the importance of maintaining physical fitness, the significance of core strength, and the mind-body connection in photography. The conversation also touches on fun and engaging physical activities that can help photographers stay active and healthy, as well as practical tips for preventing injuries related to camera gear and posture. In this episode, They discuss the importance of choosing the right gear for photographers, emphasizing the balance between aesthetics and functionality. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with different camera bags and the impact of gear weight on physical health. The conversation transitions into the significance of self-care, nutrition, and mental resilience, highlighting how these factors contribute to a photographer's performance and well-being during demanding wedding days.

Lindsay's Small Rig Cobb Light: http://surl.li/vpbwal

Back Mechanic (book recommendation): http://surl.li/eembpr

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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00:00 Introduction and Vision Board Inspiration

Timothy  and Lindsay Coulter dive into the world of destination weddings. They discuss their personal experiences, how to book destination weddings, the importance of having a solid portfolio, and the legal considerations photographers must keep in mind when working abroad. The conversation is filled with insights on marketing oneself as a destination wedding photographer and the unique challenges and rewards that come with this niche in the wedding industry. In this conversation, Timothy discusses the intricacies of destination weddings, focusing on the legalities, logistics, gear challenges, and the impact of weather. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws, the necessity of proper planning, and the potential pitfalls photographers may face while shooting in foreign locations. The discussion also highlights personal experiences and anecdotes that illustrate the unpredictable nature of destination weddings, ultimately providing valuable insights for photographers considering this niche.

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Destination Weddings

Lindsay's switch from Canon to Nikon. They explore the reasons behind the switch, the challenges faced with different camera systems, and the importance of gear in producing quality work. The conversation delves into personal experiences, technical aspects of various camera systems, and the emotional connection photographers have with their equipment. In this conversation, they discuss the transition from Canon to Nikon, sharing insights on navigating the challenges of switching camera systems, rediscovering creativity in photography, and managing client expectations. The importance of timing when making such transitions, practical advice on selling old gear, and reflections on how changes in editing styles can impact the final product. Concluding with a "What's in her bag" reveal of Lindsay's dope new kit!

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Please consider helping our friends in California experiencing the destruction from wildfires: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

00:00 Introduction to Gear Changes

Jacqueline Poole-Montesano , a wedding photographer accused of scamming clients and vendors. Tim and Lindsay explore the implications of her actions on the wedding industry, the lack of regulation for wedding vendors. The conversation highlights the need for better practices and accountability in the photography business. Timothy shares the first-hand accounts from 4 brides who shared their stories with us. The discussion highlights the emotional and financial impact on clients, the importance of accountability in the wedding industry, and the need for mental health awareness among professionals. Lindsay and Tim discuss how clients can protect themselves when hiring vendors and emphasizes the significance of building a sustainable photography business with proper systems in place.

News sources:

NOW: https://nowtoronto.com/news/very-vindictive-ontario-couples-report-being-scammed-by-the-same-wedding-photographer-police-investigating/

CTV: https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/brides-and-vendors-claim-they-were-ripped-off-by-barrie-photographer-1.7043092

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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00:00 Introduction to the Wedding Vendor Crisis

03:12 The Jacqueline Poole Scandal Unfolds

06:02 Understanding the Impact on Clients and Vendors

08:45 The Business Model Behind the Scam

11:47 The Dangers of Associate Photography

15:09 Client Stories: A Deeper Look

18:03 The Need for Regulation in Wedding Photography

20:53 Conclusion and Next Steps for Clients

23:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

35:45 The Impact of Unreliable Vendors

38:32 Navigating the Wedding Photography Minefield

42:35 Mental Health and Professional Responsibility

49:46 Finding Support and Resources

55:28 Red Flags for Clients

01:01:45 Building a Sustainable Photography Business

Timothy and Lindsay discuss the evolving landscape of photography in 2025, emphasizing the importance of ethical AI usage and the necessity of building strong partnerships within the industry. They explore the implications of AI in photography, particularly in wedding scenarios, and share insights on how to effectively establish preferred vendor relationships to enhance business opportunities. In this conversation, Timothy discusses various strategies for photographers to enhance their business in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of building connections with venues, the value of analog photography, and the significance of pre-selling albums to clients. Tim also highlights the need for tangible memories, effective marketing strategies, and the resurgence of blogging as a powerful tool. Additionally, he addresses the role of AI in photography and the necessity of maintaining human connections in a digital world.

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Chapters

00:00 The Future of Photography and AI

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays friends! There is no episode this week. All we ask is that you hold your loved ones close, drink your drinks, chew your favourite foods and look forward to next Monday's full episode. 

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Tim and Lindsay welcome Chris Denner, a seasoned photographer with 27 years of experience. The conversation explores Chris's unique approach to photography, his cultural influences, and the evolution of his career. They discuss the importance of community, branding, and innovative marketing strategies, including the effective use of social media and wedding fairs. Chris shares insights on client engagement and the significance of building relationships throughout the photography journey. In this conversation, Timothy Muza discusses the importance of effective communication and transparency in the wedding photography industry. He emphasizes the need for photographers to engage with clients throughout the planning process, manage expectations, and build trust. Muza also addresses the significance of pricing strategies and the shift towards transparency in pricing, advocating for a more open approach to pricing that reflects the value provided to clients. He shares insights on finding a niche market and the importance of understanding client needs to create a personalized experience. In this conversation, Timothy Muza discusses his journey in the photography industry, particularly focusing on the challenges and changes in the destination wedding market post-2020. He emphasizes the importance of having a unique selling proposition to stand out in a saturated market and highlights the need for better representation in wedding photography. Timothy also shares insights on maintaining creativity, the difference between inspiration and imitation, and his future aspirations in the industry, including a desire to move into education and public speaking.

Chris' Band on Spotify (The Rebel Yell$): https://tinyurl.com/4zneutm4

Want us to feature your question, photography story, or industry hot take on an episode? Send us a DM, voice note, or video on instagram @TheShootYourShotPodcast. Your privacy is important to us. If you want to remain anonymous just let us know :)

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chris Denner and His Photography Journey

03:05 Cultural Influences and Market Dynamics in Photography

05:57 Building Connections in the Photography Community

09:00 The Evolution of a Photographer's Career

11:49 Starting Out: The Early Years of Wedding Photography

15:06 Transitioning to Full-Time Wedding Photography

17:58 The Importance of Sales and Client Relationships

20:48 Branding and Marketing Strategies for Photographers

24:01 Leveraging Social Media and Wedding Fairs

27:01 Innovative Client Engagement and Workflow Strategies

31:14 Engaging with Clients: The Importance of Communication

33:08 Transparency in the Wedding Photography Industry

34:57 Managing Client Expectations and Building Relationships

39:05 Pricing Strategies and Value Perception

48:23 The Shift Towards Pricing Transparency

56:22 Finding Your Niche and Target Market

01:03:42 Re-entering the Destination Wedding Market

01:06:32 The Importance of Unique Selling Propositions

01:08:48 Representation in Wedding Photography

01:12:23 Creativity as a Muscle

01:19:20 Finding Inspiration vs. Imitation

01:24:10 Future Aspirations and Industry Changes