EPISODE #37: BALANCING A FAMILY WHILE RUNNING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS WITH COCO MCKOWN PHOTOGRAPHY 

A history about today's guest, Coco McKown.

Getting to know Coco and her journey from bride to wedding photographer.

How to know when you can start making a living out of wedding photography.

Having loved ones support you and believe in you can propel your wedding photography business forward.

A change of perspective; create relationships and be professional and kind.

The wedding day positives and challenges for a wedding photographer. 

Juggling life, and prioritizing your schedule is an evolution.

Tangible tips for aspiring and new wedding photographers.

Inspiration for new photographers; a confidence boost from shooting a VIP event with the Vice President.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:30] Introduction and housekeeping things.

[4:14] History about our guest, Coco McKown.

[6:54] Start of the interview and introduction of Coco McKown.

[17:55] Understanding when your wedding photography business can be profitable.

[23:00] The importance of having a support system.

[31:57] Perspective change, and tips for beginners.

[36:49] The positives and challenges of a wedding day.

[44:31] Discussing how to prioritize your schedule.

[50:36] Tangible tips for new wedding photographers to implement.

[56:41] Inspiration from shooting a VIP event.

[1:03:07] Wrap up of interview.

[1:06:48] What's next for Coco?

[1:11:36] Conclusion and highlights from the interview.

[1:17:14] Wrapping up the episode.

[1:18:42] Coming up on future episodes of the Wedding Photography Podcast.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.cocomckown.com/ — Coco McKown’s wedding photography website.

• http://www.facebook.com/cocomckownphotography — Coco’s Facebook business page.

• http://www.instagram.com/cocomckownphoto — Coco’s Instagram.

• http://www.pixalien.com — Pix Alien Coco’s website designers.

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

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

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode37 — direct link to today’s episode.

• 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 #36: GOING FROM COMPLETE STRANGERS TO HAVING A COUPLE BOOK YOU

Answering specific wedding photography questions from listeners.

Do not get caught in the micro details; remember the main goal.

Building your reputation and strengthening referral relationships can open opportunities for your wedding photography business. 

Setting up a client meeting; pros and cons of different meeting locations.

"Sealing the deal" without being too pushy.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction and updates.

[5:07] Overview of the episode topic.

[6:58] Answering questions from listeners.

[15:25] Discussing the micro goals versus the macro one.

[20:02] Understanding how clients find you and how to make a first impression.

[24:05] Examples of tracing the source of your clients.

[31:29] Learning how to set up a client meeting.

[35:43] How to convince the couple to book you, and seal the deal.

[41:35] Wrapping up the episode.

[43:42] Conclusion.

[45:24] Coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — my adventure travel blog.

• 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/episode36 — 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 #35: TOP 10 WAYS TO VALIDATE YOURSELF AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

There is more to wedding photography than being a photographer: reflecting on an email from a listener.

The chaos and perks on the battlefield of being a wedding photographer.

Validating yourself as a wedding photographer: the top 10 list.

Overview of the "Top 10 Ways to Validate Yourself as a Wedding Photographer" list:

1. Produce high quality work.

2. Display a higher quantity and range of work.

3. Have a professional website and logo/brand.

4. Increase the number of reviews you have online.

5. Get your work featured in wedding publications.

6. Establish a strong background in wedding photography.

7. Seek out awards and recognitions.

8. Network in organizations and associations.

9. Host workshops, classes or seminars.

10. Have a strong social media presence.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to episode 35, and updates.

[9:15] Reflecting upon an email from a listener.

[13:40] Understanding the freedom of being a wedding photographer.

[16:43] Discussing the top 10 ways to validate yourself as a wedding photographer.

[41:43] Overview of the list of top 10 ways to validation.

[42:47] Wrapping up the episode.

[44:53] Conclusion.

[46:40] Coming up next time.  

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/episode35 — 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 #34: THAT ONE TIME I HAD MY CAMERA EQUIPMENT STOLEN AT A WEDDING  

How the wedding day excitement and atmosphere creates a perfect opportunity for thieves. 

The story: that one time I had my camera equipment stolen at a wedding.

Lessons learned from having my camera equipment stolen.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to the episodes, and updates.

[4:42] Premise and overview about episode topic.

[8:32] The full story of how my camera equipment got stolen.

[30:47] Lessons learned from having my equipment stolen.

[44:43] Conclusion and episode wrap up.

[46:45] Discussion on what's coming up on future episodes.  

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — my adventure travel blog!

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

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode34 — 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 #33: POSSIBLE CAREER CHANGE INTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER.

Introduction to the topic of transitioning into full-time wedding photography.

Answering a question from a listener; how to optimize your workflow and save time.

Am I really going to do wedding photography full-time? 12 important questions to consider before making the transition.

List of things to consider before doing wedding photography full-time:

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — my adventure travel blog!

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

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com — the new podcast website.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode33 — 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 #32: WEDDING DAY TIPS WITH PLANNER EXTRAORDINAIRE NOZZA STUDIO

Wedding photographers and wedding planners work hand-in-hand together.

A little bit more about Trini Leon.

Lessons learned from expanding a business in the wedding industry.

Why it's important to have a wedding planner when it comes to wedding photography.

The importance of chemistry and working with vendors you can trust.

Critical traits of wedding photographers that make them attractive to the wedding coordinator's team.

Why it is critical for wedding photographers to think beyond the wedding day.

Tips for the bride and groom if they do not have a wedding coordinator.

How to build relationships and get referrals from other wedding vendors.

Connecting with clients means connecting with your brand.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to the 32nd episode.

[1:35] Background on our guest, Trini Leon, and what she will share today.

[5:25] Start of the interview.

[7:41] Introduction and more detail about our guest.

[11:41] Trini's tips on expanding her wedding planning business.

[17:19] Discussion one why it is important to hire a wedding coordinator.

[20:42] Why working with vendors you can trust makes a big difference.

[24:05] Discussing specific beneficial traits critical to wedding photographers.

[28:10] Advice to wedding photographers to think beyond the wedding day.

[32:11] Recommendations to upcoming brides and grooms.

[36:11] Tips on how to get referrals from other wedding vendors.

[43:55] Connecting with Nozza Studio, and the personality of the brand.

[49:13] Wrap up of the interview.

[50:14] Final comments on the interview.

[55:54] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.nozzastudio.com — website for our podcast guest, Trini Leon.

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

• [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 #31: WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS VERSUS WORKING IN YOUR BUSINESS

Updates and news from my life.

Are you a prisoner of your own business?

How to recognize if you are on a hamster wheel, not going anywhere with your business.

You want to always have control of your business, not the other way around.

When you are caught up in the busy-ness, you are only seeing the trees and not the forest beyond them.

A few extra hours can change your entire business.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:28] Introduction and shout outs to my listeners.

[2:59] Update on what's been happening.

[5:05] Discussing why you feel like a prisoner of your business.

[7:20] Understanding how to notice that your business is not growing.

[18:20] Explaining why it's important to have control.

[24:07] Difference between working in your business and on it.

[30:13] How outsourcing can create time for you to work on your business.

[33:44] Conclusion and feedback reminders.

[37:02] 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/ — new Instagram account.

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com — my adventure travel website.

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com/podcast — subscribe to the podcast here.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com — the new podcast website.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode31 — show notes to Episode #31.

• [email protected] — direct email contact.

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

• http://www.nozzastudio.com/blog/ — website for next week’s podcast interview guest.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #30: WHAT IF I’M GIVEN A PHOTO SHOT LIST FROM MY COUPLE?

As a wedding photographer, take a step back from your work and focus on serving your clients.

So what do the bride and groom really mean when they give you a shot list?

Tips on communicating with your bride and groom regarding their "shot list".

Should you even be upset about the shot list?

Plan ahead; use a wedding photography questionnaire as a cheat sheet to replace a shot list.

What if they come to you with a shot list before they’ve even booked you?

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[0:27] Introduction to the 30th episode of the Wedding Photography Podcast

[1:35] Shout out to one of my listeners, a past groom of mine.

[2:31] Reading the review from Kevin, about this podcast.

[4:01] Recap of what's been happening in the last couple of days and weeks.

[6:46] Discuss the importance of serving your clients first.

[11:25] Tips on communicating with the bride and groom about their shot list.

[16:33] Should we really be upset?

[22:29] How to turn a questionnaire into a wedding day cheat sheet.

[30:57] Discussing when it's best to turn away a prospective client.

[37:52] Conclusion and wrap up.

[40:29] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/episode30 — show notes to Episode #30.

• [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 #29: THE MOST CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING WEDDING I'VE EVER PHOTOGRAPHED

Every wedding certainly is challenging, and every wedding is rewarding.

The story: a dinner hangout that lead to a wedding inIndia.

What is a visa?

Discovering India and meeting the bride and groom.

The pre-wedding photoshoot, Mehndi, and Sangeet celebration.

The big day, and our journey back to NewDelhi.

Expect the unexpected.

The biggest challenge of all: fighting the crowds atIndia Gate.

The home stretch: getting to the reception.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:.

Outline of this episode:

[00:30] Welcome note and an update on what I've been up to recently.

[05:28] Break down of certain challenges that you face as a wedding photographer.

[07:48] The story of my most challenging but rewarding wedding I've ever photographed.

[13:21] The logistics of visiting and working in India.

[16:40] Landing in India, and the travel experience.

[20:07] Arriving at Neemrana Fort Palace, and finally meeting the bride and groom.

[23:31] Describing the big day, and all the pre-wedding activities.

[29:14] The journey back to New Delhi for the big day.

[35:17] Discussing the challenges and how important it is to expect the unexpected.

[41:09] Facing the challenge of photographing the couple at India Gate.

[44:06] The journey to the reception, how I completely zonked out on the way over there.

[52:39] Conclusion and wrap up of this episode.

[54:16] Reminders and information about this episode.

[55:21] Coming up next time!

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com — the new podcast website.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources —new resources page on the site.

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

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com/podcast — brand new travel podcast hosted by my wife and I.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!

EPISODE #28: WHAT I LEARNED FROM RECENT MEETINGS WITH LOCAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Side note: a brand new travel podcast called Only A Day Away, and a recent website facelift. 

Follow up to "Jason's" story: client relations is integral to having a successful wedding shoot.

To remove the awkward moments, it is paramount to build a rapport with your clients, especially as the second shooter.

Honesty, and understanding what you are comfortable with, builds trust.

The vision for Aevitas Weddings and how new team members will make it come to life.

Common trends from local photographers in the wedding photography business.

Conclusion:

Coming up on future episodes:

Outline of this episode:

[00:26] Welcome and introduction to a new episode in a brand new month.

[01:58] Discussing what's been happening the last couple of weeks, including a new podcast launch.

[02:49] The podcast website facelift, and what new information you can find there.

[04:09] Overview of the episode.

[05:23] Reading through a follow up email to "Jason's" story.

[10:10] Break down of the most important aspects of being a second shooter.

[16:55] How honesty creates and builds trust in a working/client relationship

[20:31] Overview of the rebranding of Aevitas Weddings.

[25:23] The "meat" of this episode and what I learned during my interviews with local photographers.

[36:29] Conclusion of the common trends.

[37:15] Episode wrap up and reminders.

[40:00] Coming up on future episodes.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

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

• http://www.weddingphotojobs.com — my wedding photography company job positions.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com — the new podcast website.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/resources — new resources page on the site.

• http://www.weddingphotographypodcast.com/contact — the new contact page.

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

• http://www.onlyadayaway.com/podcast — brand new travel podcast hosted by my wife and I.

Subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes!