Shoot Your Shot Photography Podcast

the Messy Middle of Wedding Season

Lindsay and Tim discuss the challenges photographers face during the busy wedding season, emphasizing the importance of managing stress and anxiety. They share practical tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, effective client communication, and the significance of self-care. The conversation also highlights the need for photographers to embrace their unique journeys and celebrate small wins, while providing actionable advice for navigating the hectic nature of the industry.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Grounding Exercise02:30 Navigating the Messy Middle of Wedding Season05:08 Understanding Stress vs. Anxiety07:55 Helpful Daily Habits for Photographers10:38 Client Communication and Managing Expectations13:29 The Importance of Personal Touch in Client Relations15:59 Staying Cool and Comfortable During Shoots18:36 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Photographers21:22 Avoiding Comparison and Embracing Your Journey24:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

The best wedding lenses 2025 ranked

Lindsay and Tim explore the world of wedding photography lenses, ranking various Nikkor lenses based on their performance and suitability for wedding photography. The ranking covers a huge range of lenses, from the high-end 58mm F0.95 Noct to the versatile 70-200mm F2.8, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses for wedding photographers. There is an emphasize the importance of choosing the right lens for specific scenarios, making this episode a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced photographers. Tim and Lindsay also share personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences in the field, making it a rich resource for both aspiring and seasoned photographers.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the S Tier Lens Ranking02:58 Understanding the S Tier Concept05:43 Ranking Wedding Lenses: The Nikkor Series08:22 Exploring the 58mm F0.95 Noct Lens11:24 The Versatility of the 85mm F1.8 Lens14:12 The 24-50mm F4-6.3: A Beginner's Lens17:01 The 17-28mm F2.8: A New Favorite19:49 The 24mm F1.8: A Solid Choice22:42 The 135mm F1.8: A Portrait Lens25:47 The 70-200mm F2.8: The Wedding Photographer's Go-To28:24 The 50mm F1.8: A Must-Have Lens31:15 The 180-600mm F5.6-6.3: Not for Weddings34:10 The 24-120mm F4: A Versatile Option37:14 The 800mm F6.3: A Specialized Lens47:53 Creative Wedding Ideas51:03 Gear Acquisition Syndrome51:26 The 28mm F2.8 Lens Discussion53:33 Comparing Focal Lengths54:29 Client Interactions and Podcast Insights55:12 The 85mm Lens Debate57:16 Control Rings and Their Usefulness58:32 The Importance of Quality Glass59:50 Weight Considerations in Lenses59:58 The 85mm 1.2 S Lens Evaluation01:00:54 The 35mm Lens Discussion01:03:23 The 14-24mm Lens Review01:05:33 The 100-400mm Lens for Wildlife01:06:49 The Versatility of the 24-70mm Lens01:09:07 The 50mm Lens Comparisons01:10:33 The 51.4mm Lens Evaluation01:12:45 The 51.2mm Lens Discussion01:16:02 The 35mm F1.4 Lens Review01:17:13 The 50mm Macro Lens Discussion01:21:02 The 35mm F1.8 Lens Evaluation01:23:59 The 40mm F2 Lens Review01:27:17 The 28-75mm F2.8 Lens Discussion

Styled shoot turned into a real wedding.

Episode 66 of Shoot Your Shot podcast, hosts Tim and Lindsay share a dramatic story about a content day that unexpectedly turned into a wedding, leading to discussions about creative control, compensation, and the legal implications of such situations. The conversation also delves into the psychology of group dynamics in professional settings and the importance of clear communication in photography projects. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of boundaries within the creative industry, particularly in photography and event planning. They explore the implications of a styled shoot that turned into a surprise wedding, highlighting the importance of clear communication and expectations among vendors. The role of AI in legal matters is also examined, along with the challenges of standing up for oneself in a competitive environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support and the value of knowing one's worth as a creative professional.
BIG thanks to Bekah Melko from @rosemoon_photography for sharing this story with us and the 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 Introduction and Podcast Setup03:11 The Concept of 'Shot or Not'05:54 Creative Control in Photography08:51 The Story of the Content Day Turned Wedding11:45 The Aftermath and Legal Implications15:02 Understanding Styled Shoots vs. Real Weddings18:03 The Psychology Behind Group Dynamics21:04 Clarifying Expectations in Photography Projects23:52 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned32:03 Navigating Boundaries in the Creative Industry35:07 The Role of AI in Legal Matters37:32 Expectations vs. Reality in Styled Shoots41:48 Communication and Transparency Among Vendors46:33 Understanding the Wedding Tax and Value of Services52:43 Legal Implications and Standing Up for Yourself56:16 Community Support and Industry Challenges

Should You Have a Photography Studio in 2025?

Lindsay and Tim discuss their experiences with their podcast studio, including the journey of refreshing the space, the value of owning a studio, and the considerations that come with studio ownership. They talk about the multifaceted benefits of owning a studio space, including cost-sharing, fostering creativity through collaboration, and building a community. They explore how a dedicated creative environment can enhance professionalism and attract clients, while also addressing the complexities of commercial leases and the importance of community engagement in business growth.
 
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 Studio Refresh Journey04:30 The Value of Studio Ownership15:24 Considerations for Studio Space16:21 Cost Sharing and Studio Benefits19:40 Creative Collaboration in Studio Spaces20:45 Building a Community and Client Base25:12 Hosting Events and Community Engagement30:10 The Importance of a Dedicated Creative Space34:43 Navigating Commercial Leases and Business Growth

Wedding Photography Sales Strategies

Timothy and Lindsay are joined by Ben Joubert, a sales manager at Focal, to discuss the intricacies of sales in the photography industry. They explore common booking mistakes, the importance of effective communication, and how to handle objections without resorting to sleazy tactics. Ben shares his journey into sales, emphasizing the value of helping clients and understanding their needs. The conversation also delves into what couples look for in wedding photographers and how photographers can improve their sales strategies to connect better with clients. In this conversation, Ben Joubert and the hosts discuss the intricacies of customer profiling in sales, particularly in the context of wedding photography. They explore the importance of understanding intrinsic motivations behind purchases, the role of confidence in sales, and how to navigate common objections from clients. The discussion also highlights the significance of identifying customer types—budget-oriented versus value-oriented—and the impact of economic factors on sales strategies. Additionally, they emphasize the necessity of a well-structured website that communicates a photographer's story and builds trust with potential clients. In this segment, the conversation delves into the significance of transparency in pricing for photographers, emphasizing how it builds trust and attracts the right clients. The speakers discuss the importance of listening to clients during sales conversations and the effectiveness of follow-up strategies in securing bookings. They also explore flexible payment options that can enhance client satisfaction and increase conversion rates. In this conversation, Ben Joubert and the hosts discuss the intricacies of wedding photography sales, focusing on client financial concerns, effective follow-up strategies, and the Ignite program designed to help photographers improve their sales processes. They emphasize the importance of understanding client needs, setting expectations for follow-ups, and the value of asking questions to build rapport. The discussion also covers the Ignite program's structure and how it can benefit photographers looking to enhance their booking rates.
 
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 Sales and Photography02:59 Ben's Journey into Sales05:56 Understanding Sales Through Experience09:06 The Importance of Customer Interaction12:00 Focal's Role in Photography Sales14:51 Connecting Photographers with Clients17:59 What Couples Want from Photographers20:57 Overcoming Sales Resistance23:56 Real-Life Sales Experiences27:02 Conclusion and Key Takeaways27:59 Understanding Customer Profiling in Sales30:40 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivations33:50 Sales Confidence and Value Perception36:14 Navigating Common Sales Objections39:56 Identifying Customer Types: Budget vs. Value42:36 The Role of Website in Sales Strategy49:37 Adapting to Market Changes and Economic Factors53:42 The Importance of Transparency in Pricing59:10 Building Trust with Clients01:03:07 The Art of Listening in Sales01:07:09 Effective Follow-Up Strategies01:13:15 Flexible Payment Options for Clients01:18:44 Understanding Client Financial Concerns01:21:03 Effective Follow-Up Strategies01:24:58 The Ignite Program Overview01:32:00 Sales Strategies for Photographers01:37:58 Lightning Round Insights

5 Things you need to know about shooting big and small weddings

Tim and Lindsay discuss the importance of consistency in photography, particularly when balancing different types of photography businesses such as elopements and larger weddings. They emphasize the significance of branding, emotional intelligence, and the experience provided to clients, regardless of the scale of the event. The conversation also touches on the importance of patience in capturing authentic moments and how to structure photography packages effectively to reflect the level of service offered. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of wedding photography, focusing on pricing strategies, the importance of communication, and the innovative concept of pop-up wedding chapels. They discuss the balance between personal branding and business identity, emphasizing the need for consistency in client experience. The conversation also highlights the versatility of wedding photography and the significance of making small adjustments over time to enhance business sustainability.
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 Consistency in Photography03:04 The Duality of Photography Businesses06:08 Branding and Consistency Across Different Photography Styles09:08 The Importance of Patience in Photography12:05 Creating Exceptional Experiences for Clients15:06 Structuring Photography Packages Effectively21:34 Pricing Strategies and Value Perception27:26 Streamlining Communication in Wedding Photography30:31 The Benefits of Pop-Up Wedding Chapels33:45 Balancing Personal Branding and Business Identity39:40 Niche Versatility and Business Sustainability

How to Safeguard Your Images from Unauthorized Use

Lindsay and Tim delve into a significant copyright case involving photographer Michael Greco and the unauthorized use of his images. They discuss the implications of copyright infringement for photographers, the importance of understanding the discovery rule versus the injury rule, and how to protect creative work in a digital age. The conversation also highlights real-world examples of copyright issues, the financial risks associated with infringement, and strategies for managing vendor relationships to safeguard one's work. This conversation delves into the complexities of copyright registration and protection for creative works, particularly in photography. The necessity of registering work to claim statutory damages, the differences in copyright laws between countries, and the importance of clear communication with clients regarding usage rights. They emphasize the value of creative work and provide practical advice for photographers to protect their images and navigate legal challenges effectively.
 
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 Copyright Issues in Photography03:08 The Michael Greco Case: A Copyright Infringement Story05:55 Understanding the Discovery Rule vs. Injury Rule08:57 The Importance of Copyright for Creators11:58 What is Covered by Copyright?14:55 Real-World Examples of Copyright Infringement18:02 Navigating Vendor Relationships and Copyright21:07 Using Technology to Protect Your Work24:08 The Financial Implications of Copyright Infringement26:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways29:45 Understanding Copyright Registration32:07 Copyright Protection Across Borders34:45 The Importance of Copyright Registration38:39 Best Practices for Protecting Your Work47:29 Navigating Client Agreements and Usage Rights51:44 Empowering Creatives to Protect Their Work

Spring Cleaning for Photographers: A Seasonal Guide

Lindsay and Tim discuss the importance of spring cleaning for photographers. They explore various aspects of cleaning and organizing, including gear maintenance, workspace optimization, and SD card management. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clean and organized environment to enhance productivity and creativity in photography. They also share personal anecdotes and practical tips for maintaining gear and creating a conducive workspace. In this conversation, the speakers share personal anecdotes and practical tips on managing their lives and businesses, particularly focusing on the importance of organization, client communication, and workflow efficiency. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a clean car as a photographer, revamping client experiences, and streamlining communication to enhance overall productivity.
 
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 Spring Awakening: The Importance of Spring Cleaning02:54 Gear Maintenance: Cleaning and Upgrading Equipment05:55 Workspace Optimization: Creating a Productive Environment09:01 SD Card Management: Best Practices for Photographers11:59 The Importance of a Clean Workspace15:00 Car and Camera Bag Cleaning: Keeping Your Gear Ready17:55 Final Thoughts: Embracing Change and Upgrading Gear26:24 Life Lessons from a Messy Car36:45 Revamping Client Experience49:52 Streamlining Workflows and Communication