EPISODE #57: TOP 10 MYTHS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PART 1

Myth #1: it will be easy to become a successful wedding photographer, right off the bat.

Myth #2: I can be a photojournalistic photographer, the invisible fly-on-the-wall.

Myth #3: thinking that with reviews and a website, bookings will be flooding in.

Myth #4: assuming that wedding photography is only about being a photographer. 

Myth #5: thinking you can have a long-term career as a wedding photographer.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Announcement.

[0:38] Introduction to episode.

[4:10] Shout out to a WPP listener.

[06:07] Overview and premise of the topic.

[8:28] Myth #1.

[15:06] Myth #2.

[21:24] Myth #3, for all wedding photographers.

[28:21] Myth #4, for photographers going full-time.

[34:04] Myth #5, how you think about your business.

[40:32] Summary and call to action.

[41:06] Conclusion and wrap-up.

[41:46] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free wedding photography cheat sheet.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/jumpstart — link to coaching program updates.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode57 — direct link to today’s episode.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to

  webinar.

• http://aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography business website.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #56: YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION TO BRIDES AND GROOMS IS EVERYTHING.

The premise; the importance of that first impression when booking clients.

Two types of first impressions; your website and the meeting.

Your actions prior to a face-to-face meeting lay the foundation for a positive first impression.

The meeting; consider what you would expect as the client, and go above and beyond.

The dos and don'ts of a virtual meeting.  

The phone call; a confident voice and a concrete plan are sure to seal the deal.

Reminding yourself of second-nature actions can be the key to a successful first impression.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Announcement.

[0:40] Introduction to episode 56 and updates.

[8:59] The premise of today's topic.

[16:43] Discussing different types of first impressions.

[19:39] Understanding the importance of pre-meeting actions.

[22:08] The first scenario: meeting face-to-face.

[26:11] The second scenario: virtual meeting.

[32:05] The third scenario: a phone call meeting. [37:06] Understanding your second-nature responses.

[37:48] Conclusion and wrap up.

[39:37] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode56 — direct link to today’s episode.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode15 — link to episode 15, discussing the importance of a website.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography business website.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #55: MY ALL-NEW SUCCESS IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MEMBERSHIP SITE

Stuck in a hamster wheel of excuses preventing your business growth? It is time to make a change.

Core values guide your career and ultimately enables the fulfillment of your life.

What is the quickest, easiest, and most efficient way to achieve your values?

What is the Success in Wedding Photography Membership?

Who is Henry Chen? A background of proof for a sound investment.

An in-depth look at the exclusive content available with a Success in Wedding Photography Membership.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:  

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Announcement.

[0:38] Introduction and updates.

[5:22] Discussing the premise behind the membership website.

[12:25] Understanding core value.

[16:07] Why valuable content can take you beyond your goals.

[23:37] The meaning of success in wedding photography.

[25:27] Who is Henry Chen?

[32:04] Discussing what is included with a membership.

[46:12] The cost of the membership and final details.

[52:08] Conclusion.

[52:49] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography business website.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode55 — direct link to today’s episode.

• http://www.successinweddingphotography.com — Success in Wedding Photography membership site.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #54: STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

There is a fine line between having role models and drowning your wedding photography business in comparison.

Role models pave the way for other wedding photographers to become successful.

The flip-side: comparison can become a vicious cycle that consumes you.

Relatability, and finding value in connections with industry leaders can push comparison aside. 

Too much of a good thing, is a bad thing - moderation is key for your wedding photography business.

Do not forget to be proud of who you are and what your business stands for.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction and announcements.

[7:57] Premise of the episode topic.

[12:30] The differences between admiration and comparison.

[19:54] Understanding relatability to squander comparison.

[26:02] Moderation is key; find the balance for success.

[33:32] Learning how to be proud of what your business stands for.

[35:10] Wrap up of the topic.

[36:31] Important podcast update and announcement.

[41:33] Conclusion.

[43:10] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.yourweddingpodcast.com — my new podcast called Your Wedding Podcast.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode54 — direct link to today’s episode.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #53: TURNING WEDDING CLIENT CRITIQUES INTO A POSITIVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Multiple communication points require a high level of attention to detail.

Consequences of not having a game plan can force you into the danger zone of getting unwanted, bad reviews.

The primary responsibility of communication falls on the wedding photographer, not the couple.

Communication starts even before prospective couples have made their initial inquiry.

Setting expectations goes hand-in-hand with communication and will guide the outcome of each client experience.

Scenario 1: The engagement session.

Scenario 2: The wedding day product quality.

Scenario 3: The wedding day service level.

Effective communication and setting expectations needs to become second nature to you as a photographer.

Post wedding day expectations should not only be set, but exceeded.

The top two client critiques photographers receive after the wedding day.

How to turn the negative into a positive and learn from each critical mistake.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction and updates.

[4:27] Understanding the premise and topic.

[6:51] Discussing the importance of having a game plan.

[8:20] Why it is important to have a mitigation strategy.

[11:28] The importance of up-front communication.

[16:13] Learning how to set expectations for level of service.

[19:12] Discussing the engagement session scenario.

[22:45] Diving into the wedding day scenarios.

[30:52] Examples of specific wedding day situations to plan for.

[33:08] Talking about areas of concern after the wedding day.

[37:25] The top two client critiques after the wedding day.

[42:53] How to turn a negative into a positive.

[52:41] Conclusion and episode wrap up.

[55:05] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.yourweddingpodcast.com — my new podcast called Your Wedding Podcast.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode53 — direct link to today’s episode.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #52: THE MOST IMPORTANT DOLLAR YOU’LL EVER MAKE AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The story of my very first wedding, all the way back in the summer of 2007. 

What I learned from my first wedding and how trust is critical to establishing your path as a wedding photographer.

Word of mouth can make or break your reputation as a new wedding photographer.

Your personality and cultural experience plays a role in a bride and groom’s decision to book you.

You have to pay your dues and start somewhere in order to make it to a higher level of success.

Beggars can't be choosers, so you cannot take any opportunity for granted.

So what does earning your first dollar really mean to you?

The most important dollar you make is not about the money, it is about the mindset shift.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction and updates.

[6:08] Discussing a new podcast launch, Your Wedding Podcast.

[11:19] Diving into the premise of the episode topic.

[15:16] Storytelling, all the way back to my very first wedding in 2007.

[20:33] Discussing what I learned from my first wedding.

[27:13] Understanding why it is important to pay your dues.

[29:14] Talking through the concept of "beggars can't be choosers".

[34:39] Conclusion and summary.

[39:03] Wrap up of the episode.

[41:20] Coming up on future episodes. 

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography company website.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar replay.

• http://www.yourweddingpodcast.com — my new podcast called Your Wedding Podcast.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode52 — direct link to today’s episode.

EPISODE #51: WHY NOT HAVING A SENSE OF URGENCY IS KILLING YOUR BUSINESS

Mentorship and accountability is key to creating a sense of urgency in your business to push you to that next level.

When urgency is absent, reevaluate to find out exactly what you are giving up.

The wake up call; what, why, and who are you doing this for?

Defining success for you and your wedding photography business is critical in finding your path.

A sense of urgency allows you to focus on the goal, be assertive, and take action to grow your business.

A sense of urgency is found by looking inside yourself to find your core drive on why you want to be a wedding photographer. 

Knowing your limits and understanding what to prioritize is critical in uncovering your sense of urgency.

When being overwhelmed gets in the way of your sense of urgency, it is time to cut the noise and get focused.

Circumstances may dictate your lack of urgency, but that does not make it okay. 

Do not let your fear of failure eliminate your opportunity to grow a successful wedding photography business.

Find a way to see the forest beyond the trees, keeping your future goals in mind at all times.

Conclusion: 

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction and updates.

[7:16] Discussing today's episode topic.

[9:38] Update on show notes and the newsletter.

[11:24] Shout out to Albert, a new listener from Uganda.

[13:15] The episode premise: the importance of a sense of urgency.

[17:37] Understanding the importance of goals and metrics.

[19:16] Discussing the definition of success, for you.

[20:36] Uncovering that business growth requires action.

[24:21] The question: what is your reason for being a wedding photographer?

[30:28] Discovering where your sense of urgency is.

[36:30] Understanding how your fears can hold you back from success.

[43:47] Parting words and key reminders to prioritize.

[45:41] Discussing the alternatives.

[49:13] Conclusion and wrap up of the episode.

[51:36] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/free — free workflow worksheet.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography company website.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/webinar — link to webinar replay.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode51 — direct link to today’s episode.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #50: HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO THIS PODCAST...THANK YOU ALL!

Never take reviews for granted, whether for your podcast or even your wedding photography business.

Taking a trip down memory lane, discovering the motivation behind the Wedding Photography Podcast launch.

This podcast truly saved my wedding photography business.

In order to improve, you have to take the risk and put your work out into the world.

Making a difference for just one listener fueled the re-launch of the Wedding Photography Podcast.

Your life's purpose should reflect who you are as a person, and be a true passion.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to the one year anniversary episode.

[3:19] Sharing a recent iTunes review from a listener.

[8:21] Taking a trip down memory lane and how the podcast started.

[20:26] Sharing an audio recording from Garry Lun, a photographer from Georgia.

[25:07] Continuing the story of the launch of WPP.

[26:55] Sharing a snippet from episode one of WPP, or "Learn From Henry Podcast".

[28:03] Discussing how improvement comes from taking a risk and getting feedback.

[37:14] Going further down memory lane, the rebrand of the WPP.

[47:50] Sharing another voice message, from Vince, a photographer and supporter.

[53:50] Final points and reminders to take that next step.

[58:17] Conclusion and wrap-up.

[1:00:29] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.youtube.com/c/weddingphotographypodcast — YouTube channel.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/toolbox — Wedding photography toolbox.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography company website.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Instagram page

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode50 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/itunes — direct link to leave a review on iTunes.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #49: WHAT ARE BRIDES AND GROOMS REALLY PAYING FOR WHEN THEY HIRE YOU?

So what are couples paying for when they make the decision to have you as their wedding photographer?

Effectively communicating your brand image can convert inquiries to bookings. 

So what else can you do as photographers to stand out in a crowded industry?

Understanding the vision of your couples can ensure that their dream comes to life.

Without consistency in all aspects of your business, fostering a trustworthy relationship can be difficult.

Your presence and ability to create a comfortable atmosphere is a skill that must be perfected.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction and updates.

[7:32] Overview and premise of the topic.

[13:13] Discussing the importance of communicating your brand image.

[18:47] Taking it a step further, discussing what else couples are paying for.

[27:13] Understanding what it means to align with the couples' vision.

[28:00] Discussing how consistency and organizational skills build trust.

[32:26] How to create a comfortable environment for prospective couples.

[39:16] Wrap-up and conclusion.

[41:32] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/youtube — link to YouTube channel.

• https://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/toolbox — Wedding photography toolbox.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography company website.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Instagram page

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode49 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/itunes — direct link to leave a review on iTunes.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #48: WHY I DECIDED TO COMPLETELY REBRAND MY BUSINESS A YEAR AGO

If your business seems stuck, your next step may be a complete rebrand.

The elevator speech of my rebranding process, and the events that led to the eventual tipping point.

What if I wanted to introduce video to my company? How rebranding helped me keep up with technology.

Changing the name of your business can have some technical drawbacks that need to be considered.

Challenges of a rebrand can create more questions than answers, so it is key to know how to navigate the change.

Reviews can save your business in critical times of change.

Creating a name that encompasses your values can elevate your brand.

To smooth out the rebrand, use your old business website as a “Band-Aid" for the transition.

Rebrand launch: was it worth all the investment?

Are you thinking of rebranding? Here are some critical questions to consider.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode and recap of last week's information.

[3:39] Reading a review from a listener.

[6:01] Overview of today's topic, rebranding.

[8:15] The elevator speech of my rebranding process.

[23:37] Discussing the technical aspects of a business name change.

[27:00] The challenges of the rebrand.

[29:33] How reviews saved my business during the rebrand.

[30:53] The meaning behind the name Aevitas Weddings.

[39:49] Understanding how to use your old website as a "Band-Aid".

[42:15] The official launch of Aevitas Weddings.

[52:44] Critical questions to ask before rebranding.

[55:12] Conclusion and wrap up.

[57:59] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.youtube.com/c/weddingphotographypodcast — YouTube channel.

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com — my wedding photography company website.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Instagram page

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode48 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/itunes — direct link to leave a review on iTunes.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!