EP 45: podcast party: live photography q&a
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Summer School! This episode is a special one as we hosted a live Q&A podcast party in Tacoma, Washington, at Shed Studios - the creative playhouse of Wyat Taylor. Surrounded by an amazing audience, we discussed a range of topics, including some of the most challenging and memorable moments I've faced as a wedding photographer. From dealing with difficult clients to an unexpected wedding crasher story, it was a lively and insightful session. We also talked about navigating the wedding industry, building relationships with planners and venues, and the importance of in-person networking. I shared updates on my upcoming coaching program launch, changes in my business approach, and the exciting news about our baby girl, Georgia Grace. It was an engaging conversation filled with valuable lessons, funny anecdotes, and heartfelt moments. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Question: How is your day going?
My Response: Today’s a bit hectic. I’m kind of tired, but it’s super fun to be back at Shed, reconnecting with familiar faces and reminiscing about the old days when I lived here. I’ve been in the PNW since July 10th, and now it’s almost August 1st. We’re here for about a month, traveling, seeing family and friends, and shooting weddings.
Question: Could you share a story about one of your most challenging times as a photographer, and maybe a pivotal moment that made you realize you were going to make a career out of this?
My Response: One difficult experience involved an associate wedding where the client was just impossible to please. We did everything we could, even reshooting all their wedding photos, but nothing seemed to satisfy them. It taught me valuable lessons about setting client expectations, which can be unrealistic for most people. On the flip side, realizing I could make a career out of photography came not from a single moment but from a collection of positive client interactions that affirmed my passion for this craft.
One hilarious yet challenging event happened at Thornwood Castle. An unexpected guest, who wasn’t part of the wedding, ended up shutting down the entire celebration for 45 minutes by collapsing on the dance floor. This guest turned out to be a random hotel guest who had too much to drink.
Question: I asked the attendees if they had a story to share that isn't purely negative
Response: An attendee shared about a challenging family shoot in their backyard studio. It involved managing a large group in a small space, dealing with unexpected rain, and dog shit. Despite the chaos, it was a learning experience in understanding client expectations and handling unexpected situations professionally.
Question: Could you discuss the viral “Sepia Bride” controversy and share your take on it?
My Response: The Sepia Bride incident on TikTok highlighted the importance of clear communication between photographers and clients. The bride was unhappy with her images and took to social media to voice her dissatisfaction. My takeaway is that sometimes accommodating clients by providing raw files, even if it costs more, might save you from bad press. But overall, the incident stressed that no matter what you do, some clients may still be dissatisfied, and that's part of the business.
Question: What is your opinion on Imagine versus Narrative when it comes to editing software?
My Response: I’m partnered with Narrative and have found their culling and editing tools to be incredibly efficient. Imagine has been around longer and offers various features, but for my workflow, Narrative suits us perfectly, especially since we cull in Narrative and can transition seamlessly to editing.
Question: What are the challenges in trusting your team, especially when working with someone like your partner?
My Response: Trusting Jake with photography took time since he was new to it when we started. But having trained him personally, I now feel confident in his abilities. It’s hard to outsource something as personal as photography, but patience and clear communication are key. Additionally, having a well-documented workflow can help ensure that others can step in seamlessly when needed.
Question: What has been the biggest change your business has gone through, and what did you learn from it?
My Response: The transition from doing everything myself to delegating tasks to Jake was significant. It taught me the importance of letting go and trusting others with parts of my business. Moving to California and focusing on in-person networking was another big shift that highlighted the value of real-life connections with planners and vendors.
Audience Follow-Up: Can you talk more about building relationships with planners and venues?
My Response: Building relationships with planners and venues is so important. Start by attending local events like wedding shows and venue open houses. Introduce yourself, hand out business cards, and offer to collaborate on styled shoots or property photos. It’s also effective to customize your packages to meet specific client needs recommended by planners. These gestures go a long way in establishing strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
Question: What’s the baby's name?
My Response: We’ve decided on Georgia Grace. We love the name, and it has personal significance—I'm from Georgia, and Grace is my middle name.
Final Thoughts:
Thank you to everyone who participated, both in person and online. Your questions and stories made this episode unforgettable. For those who couldn't attend, I hope this blog post brings you up to speed some, and provides valuable insights into the world of photography. Stay tuned for more updates, events, and educational content. And who knows, maybe we'll have another live session in L.A. soon!
Connect with me:
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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