EPISODE #47: PATREON: HELP ME, HELP YOU BECOME A SUCCESSFUL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Turning negative frustrations into a positive resource can be the key to success. 

I hang my business “hat” on two principles: quality photography and exceptional customer service.

A more personable approach is key in successfully connecting with your audience. 

The reality of not having enough time has led to a fork in the road.

Patreon: is this something for you?

The reward levels of Patreon are suited to individual commitments and requirements.

Patreon allows patrons to have access to exclusive content, down to the nitty-gritty details.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction to the episode topic.

[1:36] Housekeeping items and updates.

[2:48] Announcing the new Wedding Photography Podcast YouTube channel.

[4:29] Sharing a review and a comment from listeners.

[7:33] Premise and context of episode topic.

[12:54] Discussing key teaching points of this podcast show.

[18:02] Overview of listener feedback and suggestions.

[27:13] Understanding the restrictions of time and expense.

[31:13] An overview of Patreon.

[36:12] Understanding the rewards of the Patreon membership.

[47:18] Discussing how Patreon will help me to help you.

[50:09] Episode recap. [52:39] Conclusion and wrap-up.

[55:31] 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.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode47 — 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 #46: THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS OVERNIGHT SUCCESS IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Questions from listeners. 

Patients and persistence go a long way in creating a successful business.

Success in wedding photography is found in a window of opportunity.

My photography story, and how continuous improvement are the key to personal success.

Building a wedding photography business requires both a time and monetary investment to grow.

Do not be misguided by the illusion of false hope in the wedding photography industry.

Your success is dependent on more than just time; other skills and factors can make a huge difference.

There is a fine line between giving your business too much time and not enough.

Investment in a mentor can expedite your journey to success.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction and welcome to episode 46.

[2:50] Review from a listener, the reason this podcast continued.

[4:21] Reading emails and questions from listeners.

[9:28] Premise and overview of episode topic.

[14:48] My personal wedding photography story.

[19:03] Discussing time and monetary investments.

[23:00] Describing the illusion and false hope of the industry.

[27:44] A practical example to tie together the points of this episode.

[30:50] Finding the line between too much time and not enough of it.

[33:43] Discussing ways to speed up the growth process.

[37:05] Conclusion and wrap-up.

[38:48] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode46 — 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 #45: IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST TAKE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS ANYMORE

Building your portfolio takes persistence and a proactive approach to your career goals.

Considering a well-rounded approach to your wedding photography business can take it to new a level.

Understanding where your work falls on the spectrum can help you be realistic.

Building your brand and pricing strategy can convert inquiries into paying clientele.

Wearing multiple hats extends beyond prospective clients and carries through to the wedding day.

What are you next steps?

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode 45 and overview.

[2:27] Sharing comments and messages from listeners.

[12:25] Overview and premise of today's topic.

[18:30] Discussing how to analyze your work on the spectrum.

[23:23] Understanding branding and pricing.

[26:27] Connecting valuable customer service with personality.

[32:17] Recommendation for plan of action.

[35:12] Conclusion and episode wrap up.

[37:25] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

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

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode45 — 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 #44: WHY DON’T I EVER HEAR BACK FROM PROSPECTIVE BRIDES AND GROOMS?

The foundational elements of your existing brand can help launch your rebranding strategy.

Marketing your willingness to take on destination weddings can be a great first step towards landing those clients.

There are many reasons why prospective couples do not follow up, so don't take it personally.

Making a memorable first impression through email can be critical in getting a follow up response.

Prospective clients are always looking for the best value for their investment.

A clear call to action can turn an inquiry into a client.

Professional and considerate communication is a must, even when prospective clients are non-responsive.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to the episode.

[4:50] Reading through reviews from listeners.

[9:32] Answering the first question from a listener about the rebranding process.

[14:12] Answering question two, how to land more destination weddings.

[19:18] Overview of the episode topic.

[24:55] The importance of email communication to booking prospective clients.

[29:24] Discussing the three main factors: pricing, style, and reputation.

[33:23] Understanding the impact of a call to action.

[37:36] What to do even after implementing all these tips.

[45:28] Conclusion of this episode.

[48:06] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

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

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode44 — 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 #43: WORKING ON THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE AT THE SAME TIME

Being able to multi-task and wear multiple hats is critical in order to take your business to the next level.

Understanding time frame can help put into perspective the tasks for growing your business.

Examples of the past, present, and future mindset.

Personal examples of my wedding photography business.

Be conscientious and deliberate to change your mindset within.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction to episode 43, and episode overview.

[6:39] Premise for today's episode, and the critical skill of multi-tasking.

[9:52] Time frame; how to understand each task.

[13:20] Examples of the past, present, and future.

[23:20] Personal examples for my wedding photography business.

[29:22] How to have the mindset change within you for success.

[36:10] Wrap up of episode.

[37:27] Conclusion.

[39:45] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

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

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode43 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www/weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #42: WHY YOU HAVE TO HUSTLE JUST TO GET A CHANCE AT SUCCESS

How to deal with high maintenance clients, and knowing when it is not a good fit.

What to do if you do not hear back from couples after you have handed over their images.

So where did the idea of "hustle" come from?

What does it mean to me to hustle?

Specific examples of what it means to hustle as a wedding photographer.

Do no wait for the worst case scenario before hustling and giving it your all.

When is it time to look in the mirror and ask yourself the tough question: "Am I really good enough?"

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode 42, and topic overview.

[5:52] Answering a question from a listener about when to refuse service.

[13:32] Answering another question, what to do if you do not hear back from clients.

[21:35] Discussing the topic at hand, the hustle mindset.

[26:02] Explaining what it means to hustle in a wedding photography business.

[29:28] Specific examples of what it means to hustle in wedding photography.

[41:06] Discussing how you have to give your all, before it's too late.

[46:05] Understanding the reality of whether or not wedding photography is for you.

[51:23] Conclusion.

[52:29] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

• http://pixieset.com/ — Pixieset, online gallery system.

• https://www.smugmug.com/ — SmugMug, alternative online gallery system.

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

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode42 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #41: WHAT SHOWS UP WHEN A COUPLE GOOGLES MY BUSINESS NAME?

Sharing a clients email, and understanding how we can all get "a piece of the pie".

The premise; why is it so important to define your business search, especially in this tech age.

The importance of first impressions. 

Putting your best foot forward and prompting past clients for reviews can lead to your success.

You cannot simply do everything, so the key is to prioritize and find your focus.

Use the tools available to avoid sending prospective clients into a "dead end".

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction of episode 41, and updates.

[1:57] House-keeping things, and episode overview.

[6:38] Sharing of a listeners email.

[10:19] Premise and why SEO results matter.

[14:08] The importance of first impressions and reviews.

[26:23] Understanding how to prioritize and focus on the most important things.

[30:49] Discussing how to avoid creating a dead end for prospective clients.

[36:44] Conclusion and episode wrap-up.

[38:39] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

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

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com/jobs — current job positions with Aevitas Weddings.

• https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/aevitas-weddings/d3d52c211e50d469.html — WeddingWire.

• https://www.facebook.com/aevitasweddings — Facebook fan page.

• http://www.yelp.com/biz/aevitas-weddings-los-angeles-4 — Yelp listing.

• https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/aevitas-weddings-alhambra-ca-959400 — The Knot.

• http://www.modwedding.com/tag/aevitas-weddings/ — MODwedding feature.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode41 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #40: WEDDING POST PRODUCTION TIPS AND TRICKS WITH LEON SANDOVAL OF ESSENTIALEDIT

Background on Leon Sandoval from EssentialEdit.

Find out more about Leon Sandoval and EssentialEdit:

Advice for starting photographers and when to outsource. 

The toughest thing about being a photographer is a lack of time to perfect your editing skills.

Three key points of advice; do not get caught in the rabbit holes of time-wasters.

Perfect your behind the camera skills to cut down on the post production work required.

Hard deadlines can benefit photographers, and increase client satisfaction.

Tips for photographers who are unwilling to "give up" the creative process by outsourcing.

Final thoughts and encouragements from Leon.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction of episode 40.

[7:12] Welcoming Leon Sandoval, start of interview.

[13:58] Advice to photographers starting out.

[17:22] Understanding the time limitations and how that impacts your editing skills.

[19:10] Discussing the three points of advice for new photographers.

[34:00] Discussing the importance of improving your camera skills.

[37:53] Understanding how photographers can benefit from having a hard deadline.

[42:53] Tips for photographers who struggle to trust others with the editing process.

[54:34] Finals thoughts from Leon.

[1:02:02] More information about EssentialEdit, Leon's company.

[1:06:13] Episode wrap up, after interview.

[1:09:47] Conclusion.

[1:10:50] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — our adventure travel blog and podcast.

• https://www.instagram.com/henrychen1/ — my travel Instagram account.

• http://www.essentialedit.com/ — Leon Sandoval’s company website.

• https://www.instagram.com/essentialedit/ — EssentialEdit’s Instagram account.

• [email protected] — direct email for Leon.

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

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com/contact — contact form for wedding photography website.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode40 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #39: ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS PART 1

Where you spend the majority of your time will determine your success in life.

Let your wedding photography business be the engine to your life.

Treating others the way you want to be treated can create an exceptional customers service experience.

When starting from scratch, networking and building genuine connections are key.

Road maps: will they be making a comeback?

Pick equipment based on their ability to allow you to get the outcome you desire.

How do you deal with a difficult bride, post-wedding?

Practice makes perfect; get prepared well ahead of time.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode 39.

[1:59] Discussing the importance of where you dedicate your time.

[5:52] Understanding how your wedding photography business can fuel your hobbies.

[7:38] Overview of today's episode.

[8:39] First question from Gary; creating exceptional customer service.

[17:11] Vince and Gary's question answered; how to start from scratch.

[20:59] Answering Gary's third question; which lens combinations are best for weddings.

[30:08] Stee's question; how to deal with a difficult bride post-wedding.

[37:28] Ryan's question; tips for directing couples for poses.

[43:57] Conclusion and episode wrap up.

[45:56] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com/contact — contact form for wedding photography jobs.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/contact — podcast contact page.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode39 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www/weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

• http://www.garylun.com — Atlanta wedding photographer.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #38: HOW DO I KNOW WHEN OR IF I'M EVER READY TO PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?

You have to be your own self-motivation, and have the discipline to gain experience.

Utilize your strengths and build your reputation to draw in prospective clients.

You cannot wait for the “magical miracle” to jump-start your business.

What if you're not progressing anywhere?

When is enough enough?

Reassessing your progress can be absolutely critical for reaching your goals.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode 38.

[7:07] Overview of today's topic.

[8:21] The importance of self-motivation.

[12:17] Understanding how to build your reputation.

[22:46] Discussing why waiting for the magical moment is holding you back.

[28:41] How to be real about your lack of progression.

[32:30] Knowing when enough is enough.

[37:38] Goal setting, and understanding the importance of reassessing your progress.

[44:14] Wrap up of the episode and conclusion.

[47:47] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.aevitasweddings.com/contact — contact form for wedding photography website.

• https://www.instagram.com/weddingphotographypodcast/ — Podcast Instagram account.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode38 — direct link to today’s episode.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

• http://www/weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — resources page.

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

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!