Shooters Wedding Podcast | Wedding Planning, Photography, Videography | Supplier Real Talk

Wedding season nearly broke them, social media is getting more ridiculous by the week, and Toby and Jon are back with a catch-up on what really happened behind the scenes.

After a four-month gap, the two wedding photographers reopen the mics to talk about the realities of juggling nonstop bookings, editing queues, kids, day jobs, and the impossible idea that self-employment means free time.

They dig into the tools and habits that are actually saving their sanity this season, from culling at weddings and backing up in the car to using Aftershoot for straightening, exposure, and white balance, while still keeping full creative control over the final gallery.

You'll hear their unfiltered take on AI editing, why letting software choose wedding images can go too far, and why curation still matters when you're delivering the best version of a couple's day.

They also compare turnaround times, swap venue stories, and get into the little details that make or break a wedding supplier experience, including the ongoing fury around overpriced soft drinks for vendors.We break down the biggest talking points in the industry right now, including the debate around whether wedding venues should worry about changing ceremony laws, the rise of rage-bait on Instagram, and the growing tension between photographers trying to stay relevant, visible, and authentic online.

Toby and Jon also tackle the age conversation head-on, making the case that confidence, communication, and experience often matter more than being the youngest person in the room.There are also stories from standout weddings, unusual guest requests, hot-weather survival tactics, and a listener Q&A covering everything from food vs entertainment budgets to the real differences between summer and winter weddings. Along the way, they share the kind of sharp, funny, slightly chaotic honesty that makes this podcast feel like catching up with mates who also happen to know exactly what wedding season does to your head.

Toby Lidstone and Jon are wedding photographers with years of hands-on experience shooting, editing, and surviving the realities of the industry. This episode is essential listening if you're a wedding photographer, supplier, or couple who wants a candid look at what the job really involves.

Welcome back to Episode 12 of the Shooters Wedding Podcast.

This week Toby somehow manages to lose the game and disappear after the intro, leaving Chris and Jon to go head-to-head in the ultimate wedding industry showdown: TOG vs VOG.

Photographers and videographers work alongside each other every weekend, but do we actually see weddings the same way?

In this episode we debate some of the biggest topics in the industry:

📸 Is photography easier than videography?

🎥 Is wedding videography still viewed as a luxury?

📱 Are photographers too obsessed with Instagram?

🎬 Do videographers spend too much time chasing cinematic shots?

🚁 Are drone shots overrated?

📷 Is documentary photography genuine storytelling or just an excuse to do less?

We also end up talking about content creators, film photography, singing waiters, wedding trends, and for reasons nobody can fully explain… Pogs.

Plus, Agony Uncles returns with another batch of wedding industry dilemmas, including a makeup artist with a very specific complaint, a groom refusing to include someone in the group photos, and a bride questioning her fiancé’s choice of best man.

Whether you’re Team Tog or Team Vog, there’s plenty to argue about in this one.

Thanks for listening.

Episode 11 is here! 🎙️

This week it’s just Chris & Toby as Jon takes some well-earned time away after welcoming a baby boy into the world 👶❤️

In this episode:
🚁 A drone pilot gets instant karma after bragging all day
🐷 Toby nearly dies eating a hog roast at a wedding
👶 A baby lets rip during a church prayer
👔 A groom discovers his suit still has the security tag attached
🦷 A drunk wedding guest flushes her teeth down the toilet
🤣 Agony Uncles returns with more terrible advice

A very chaotic catch-up episode full of wedding supplier stories, behind-the-scenes madness and absolute nonsense.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

This week on the Shooters Podcast, we tackle real wedding day dilemmas in our “What Would You Do?” episode.

From missing suppliers and bad weather to awkward couples and difficult guests — we give honest, no-BS answers from behind the lens.

Plus:
🔥 Industry gossip (AI photo scandal)
🔥 Agony Uncles returns
🔥 Real wedding planning advice (kind of…)

If you’re planning a wedding or work in the industry — this one’s for you.

We might’ve slightly lied to make this one happen… 😅 (KIDDING!)

Episode 9 of the Shooters Wedding Podcast is here — and we’re joined by Andrew Keher 🎙️

If you’ve seen those painfully accurate wedding photography reels online… yeah, that’s him. But behind the humour is a seriously smart creator, and in this episode we get into what actually works when it comes to content, booking couples, and building a name in the industry.

We also throw Andrew straight into Agony Uncles 🔥 so expect a mix of solid advice, honest chat, and a bit of chaos.

If you’re a wedding photographer, videographer, or supplier trying to stand out — this one’s for you.

Got a dilemma? Send it in for the next episode 👀

Social Media Is RUINING Wedding Planning (Or Is It?)Description:Is social media actually making wedding planning easier… or way more stressful?In this episode of the Shooters Podcast, wedding photographers Jon Warr and Toby Lidstone break down the truth about planning a wedding in the age of Instagram, TikTok, and viral trends.From inspiration overload to unrealistic expectations, we talk about what couples are really dealing with—and how to cut through the noise.👇 Topics we cover:* Is social media helping or hurting wedding planning?* Why couples feel overwhelmed when planning weddings* Instagram vs Google: how couples actually find suppliers* Wedding trends vs real weddings (the truth)* Are weddings becoming too performative?* The problem with styled shoots and expectations* Should you ban phones at your ceremony?* Supplier etiquette disasters (this one gets spicy…)🎯 Whether you're planning your wedding or working in the industry, this episode will change how you think about social media.

Wedding season is coming… are you actually ready for it?

In this episode of the Shooters Wedding Podcast, we’re talking about how to survive double headers, triple headers, and the chaos of peak season - without completely burning out.

We get into:

• How to prep properly for busy wedding weekends

• Why hydration, food, and rest actually matter (more than you think)

• The mental toll of editing vs shooting

• Why teasers/sneak peeks are part of your marketing - not just tasty for couples

• Managing expectations with couples

Plus, we dive into some classic industry frustrations:

• Vicars and registrars making life difficult 😬

• Supplier meals - expected or appreciated?

• Venues not engaging on social media

• And the absolute chaos of sweet carts and evening food 😂

We also answer your Agony Uncles questions, including:

• What to put in supplier gift bags

• Dealing with awkward ceremonies

• Wedding day logistics and planning tips

Real talk, honest opinions, and a few controversial takes along the way.

💬 Got a question or something you want us to cover?

Drop us a message - we might feature it in the next episode.

⭐ If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave us a 5-star review… and feel free to roast us while you’re there.

🚩 Red flags in the wedding industry… and how to spot them.

In this episode, Chris & Toby break down the biggest warning signs couples should look out for when booking suppliers - from hidden fees and pressure selling to poor communication and lack of reviews.

We also flip the script and talk about red flags suppliers see in clients 👀

Plus:

• A disastrous pre-wedding grooming story 👀

• A fake 1-star review saga

• And Agony Uncles returns

If you’re planning a wedding or working in the industry, this one’s for you.

🎙 Shooters Wedding Podcast - Episode 5: Why We Love This IndustryAfter last week’s debate about AI in the wedding industry, we thought we’d balance things out with something a little more positive…So in Episode 5, we’re talking about why we genuinely love working in weddings.Because despite the long days, the travel, the editing marathons, and the occasional chaos… there’s a reason so many photographers, videographers and suppliers stay in this industry for decades.In this episode we chat about:📸 Why weddings don’t actually feel like “work”👷 Toby’s journey from building sites to wedding photography🏢 The corporate jobs we escaped from🎥 The creative freedom of running your own business😂 Some of our funniest moments at weddings🎧 Another round of Agony Uncles answering your questionsPlus the usual chaos, questionable advice, and random tangents that seem to happen whenever the three of us get together.If you work in weddings, or you’re just curious what it’s really like behind the scenes - this one’s for you.⸻👍 If you enjoyed the episode:• Like the video• Subscribe for future episodes• Drop us a comment with your thoughts or questions for the next Agony Uncles or an episode you'd love to hear!⸻🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:Search Shooters Wedding Podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram:@shootersweddingpod📸 Find the hosts:Jon – @jwarrphotoChris – @diamondfilmweddingsToby – @tobylidstonephotography⸻Weddings might be chaotic… but we wouldn’t have it any other way.⸻

Episode 4 – Is AI Helping the Wedding Industry… or Slowly Killing It?

AI is everywhere right now - editing photos, writing emails, planning weddings, even creating art. But is it actually helping wedding suppliers… or quietly replacing them?

In this episode of The Shooters Wedding Podcast, Chris, Jon, and Toby dive head-first into the AI debate.

We talk about:

• How wedding photographers and videographers are already using AI in their workflow

• Whether tools like ChatGPT are a game-changer for running a business

• The hypocrisy around people complaining about AI while happily using AI-powered editing tools

• The environmental impact of AI (and whether it’s actually as bad as people say)

• How couples might start using AI to plan their weddings

• Why artists like caricaturists and illustrators might be the most affected

Plus the usual mix of tangents, blunt opinions, and questionable takes from three wedding suppliers who probably shouldn’t be trusted with microphones.

Is AI the future of the wedding industry… or the beginning of the end?

Let’s talk about it.