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Episode 36 - Vegas, Gangster Salesmen & Surely We Can Do Better Featuring Chris DennerThis episode, wedding photographer Chris Denner shares insights from his 27-year career in photography, discussing the challenges of self-employment, the necessity of being a good business operator, and the evolving nature of client relationships in the wedding industry. Chris also explores the role of AI in photography, the significance of mentorship, and the changing dynamics of modern couples. He encourages photographers to embrace their unique styles and to be proactive in their client interactions, ultimately highlighting the need for creativity and adaptability in a saturated market. Chris & Scott Discuss; Self-employment is challenging but rewarding.Business acumen is essential for photographers.Creativity must be nurtured and exercised regularly.Understanding client needs leads to better relationships.Financial management strategies can ease stress.AI can be a valuable tool in photography.Mentorship and community support are vital for growth.Modern couples seek deeper connections with their photographers.The photography industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Show links; Chris's websiteChris's Imagen profile Hosted by Scott Carney Photography

Episode 35 - Marketing, Industry Compromise & F**k SEO with Martin CheungBack for 2026, host Scott, owner of Photographers Keeping It Real welcomes Nottingham-based wedding photographer Martin Cheung to discuss the evolving landscape of wedding photography and the importance of collaboration within the industry. They delve into Martin's journey from a corporate IT job to becoming a full-time wedding photographer, emphasising the balance between personal life and work commitments. Martin shares insights on how to effectively engages with clients and other wedding suppliers, highlighting the significance of being helpful and approachable to secure recommendations and build lasting relationships. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and the shift in marketing strategies, particularly the diminishing role of traditional SEO in favor of more direct client engagement through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Scott & Martin discuss; "Take good photos and be helpful but If you can only do one of the two, be helpful.""Don't worry about SEO; focus on what your clients want to hear.""Modern brides don't really use Google.""You can make the business whatever you want.""The conversion rate is important to understand.""You have to compromise at every level in wedding photography.""Be nice to a magician, and you might get bookings worth eight grand." Find out more about Photographers Keeping it Real here - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/ Show Links: Martin Cheung - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/Wedding Photography Unveiled Podcast - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/wedding-photography-unveiled/Martins Website Design Business - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/wedding-photography-unveiled/Host - Scott Carney Photography - https://scottcarneyphotography.com/

EPISODE 34 - SET FOR SUCCESS SUMMIT AND CHEESE WITH MICAELA KARINA The summit is a free to attend online event for photographers over 3 days between the 10th and the 12th of February 2025 with 18 industry leading speakers, including the likes of Sam Hurd, Corey Potter, Melissa Love, Lisa Devlin, Faye Cornhill, Adam Lowndes, Anna Pumer and many many more covering everything from SEO, workflows, websites, social media, marketing, making iPhone films and even money and avoiding burnout. All designed to improve your business Register here (affiliate link) - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/2148040251/a8KN2mt2 Micaela is one of the nicest people in the industry and we have a great chat including; Micaela's favourite cheeseVisibility for your business and Meta adsMicaela's start into weddingsTime vs money with marketingThe Set for Success SummitSmall changes that make big changes Much more... Show Links; Micaela's website - https://www.micaelakarina.com/Micaela's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micaelakarinaphotographySet for Success Summit Register - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/2148040251/a8KN2mt2No Fluff Facebook Ads Course - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/38013/a8KN2mt2 Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/ Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 33 - House Plants, Starting in Weddings and Larger Wedding Previews with Ben LeeIn this episode I welcome the very talented wedding photographer, Ben Lee to the podcast. Ben has actually only been photographing weddings for a couple of years but has grown to become a huge talent and it was a pleasure to chat to him. We discuss; House plantsBens awardsBens fashion career and day jobFinding your style early onTips for getting second shooter workBens appearance on Tenable the gameshowDelivering larger wedding previews Much much more... Show Links: Bens Website - https://benlee.photography/Sam Docker - https://samdocker.co/This Is Reportage - https://thisisreportage.com/NineDots - https://nine-dots.co/Andy Gaines - https://andygaines.com/Tyler Wirken - https://www.wirkenphoto.com/Chelsea Cannar - https://www.chelseacannarphotography.com/Patrick Mateer (The Mateers) - https://www.mandgweddingphotography.co.uk/Andrew Keher - https://andrewkeher.co.uk/Tom Beynon - https://www.tombeynonphotography.com/ Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/ Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 32 - Is less more with client galleries featuring Marc GartlandIn this episode I welcome the wonderful Liverpool based wedding photographer, Marc Gartland to the podcast. Marc has won multiple awards from PKIR, TIR and judged a round of our awards in 2024. We discuss; Editing backlogWhat we do in the off season Struggles of running a wedding photography business including social media posting The Panasonic Lumic S511 camera and Panasonic Lumix system for weddingsJudging photography awardsIs less more with client galleries? How is 2025 looking for Marc? Much much more... Show Links: Mark Gartland's Website - https://www.marcgartlandphoto.co.uk/Hollie & Patrick Mateer website - https://www.mandgweddingphotography.co.uk/David Scholes Photography - https://www.davidscholesphotography.co.uk/Lyndsey Goddard Panasonic Blog Post - https://www.lyndseygoddard.com/canon-to-panasonic-the-move-to-lumix-s5ii-for-wedding-photography/ Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/ Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 31 - Balancing Full Time work with Weddings Featuring Damion MowerIn this episode I welcome the wonderful Damion Mower to the podcast. Damion is a wedding photographer, previous owner of The Trained Eye and works full time in marketing. We discuss; Balancing full time work with a wedding photography businessMarquee weddings on private landSEO and moving websites to KadenceThe Trained Eye, photography communities and sharing knowledgeAwards - entering them for reassurance and marketingDamions approach to the day, mixing portraits with documentary and candid Advice for photographers Much much more...  Show Links: Damions Website - https://damionmowerphotography.co.uk/ Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/ Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Don't forget to check out Damion's work here: Web // Insta

Episode 30 - What you are not doing with your marketing *but should be, with Alice BenhamIn this episode, I welcome business and marketing expert Alice Benham. Alice shares amazing tips on creating a simple marketing strategy, managing burn out with positive habits and some great tips for creating your own content without feeling too salesy! Alices new book, The Digital Marketing Handbook comes out on the 20th June 2024. Find all the links below on how to order and find out more about Alice. Show Links: Alices Website - https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/Alices Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alice_benham/The Digital Marketing Handbook - https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/book Discount code for 20% off on pre order - ABCOMMUNITY20OnPaper.shop - https://onpaper.shop/ Starting the Conversation Podcast -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-the-conversation/id1347265219  https://open.spotify.com/show/4IJW7DoTlGN012Zr9DfiPx?si=AbRtNztuRxeZlNiwb36NvQ Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/ Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/

Episode 29 - Homepage Secret Weapon with Ed GoddenIn this episode I welcome Ed Godden, Nottinghamshire based wedding photographer. I have been a huge fan of Ed's work for a while and it was wonderful to sit down and chat with him. In this episode we discuss; Fashion, shackets and what to wear to weddingsJudging photography awardsHaving a photojournalistic background and how that helps with weddingsKeeping things simple with your website and presetEds homepage secret weaponPricing on your websiteGear and keeping things simpleFilm photographyTraining and mentoring Show Links:Show Links; Website - https://www.edgodden.co.uk/Instagram - http://instagram.com/edgoddenPerspective Podcast Episode - https://perspectivebycinemate.com/episodes/103Eds for Photographers Section - https://www.edgodden.co.uk/for-photographersFujicast Podcast - https://www.fujicast.co.uk/ Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 28 - Special Guest Tom Aizenberg In this episode I welcome London based wedding photographer Tom Aizenberg. Tom is a hugely talented photographer with many PKIR awards as well as many other awards within the documentary wedding photography world. In this episode we discuss; Kindergarten Cop Burnout without any autumn / winter breakUpdating your portfolio throughout the year Overwhelm with New Year marketingCorporate photography work Do you need to know how to use flash for wedding photography? 35mm / 50mm lens combo Dance floor lighting and having lighting knowledge up your sleeve Members Only Content; Tom’s main marketing Lead sources and more in depth about SEO Show Links;  Website - https://www.tomaizenberg.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tomaizenbergphoto/The Art of SEO - https://theartofseo.co/Patrick Mateer (The Mateers) - https://www.mandgweddingphotography.co.uk/

Episode 27 - Take to the Streets featuring Matt BadenochIn this episode I welcome the wonderful Matt Badenoch. One of the nicest guys I had ever spoken to and a big inspiration of mine since I started out in weddings. Matt has just launched his Street with Matt - street photography workshops. I was lucky to go to a workshop with Matt at the end of last year and it was so much fun and I learned a lot so I would highly recommend them. Head over to streetwithmatt.com to see his upcoming workshops and trips.  In this episode we discuss:  SEO how Matt is still ranking despite hardly working on his website in yearsHow Matt went from 4 months of savings to a full time wedding photographerStreet photography, how it has helped Matt with his wedding photography, mental health and life.Matts recent ADHD diagnosis and his coping mechanisms without medicationMatts tips for anyone thinking of starting their own workshops Much much more… Show Links:Matts Website Matts Instagram  Street with Matt Website Street with Matt Instagram DocDay Anna Pumer This is Reportage Is This Something - York Place Studios book Angela Ward Brown Where Children Sleep Book Jay Doherty NineDots SNAP!  Join Photographers Keeping it Real here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

In this episode I welcome Ian Weldon, the not a wedding photographer wedding photographer. Ian has had his wedding work exhibited in a gallery with the Martin Parr Foundation and written an accompanying book. Ians latest project is a wedding photography conference in the North East of England, check out Northern Exposure conference here. In this episode we discuss: Northern Exposure Conference, the why and all the detailsIans vision for the conferenceWhy Northern Exposure is different to other photography conferencesMuch much more... Show Links Ian's Website  Northern Exposure Conference Website Northern Exposure Conference Instagram Join PKIR Here Join PKIR to listen to the exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 25 - Alex Benyon - From Guitar Hero to Photography Hero In this episode I welcome Alex Benyon, a multi award winning wedding photographer based near the Cotswolds. Alex worked in the video game industry on huge games like Guitar Hero before transitioning into wedding photography. In this episode we discuss: Alex's own podcast - To Have & DownloadAlex's history in the video game industry and transitioning into photographyMental Health / Clinical depressionPhotographing other genres alongside weddingsStreet photographyThe Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA)Much much more... Show Links Alex's Website To Have & Download Podcast Kevin Mullins DocDay Join Photographers Keeping it Real here

Episode 24 - Jenna Kathleen, The Multi Award Winning 29 Year Old In this episode we welcome Jenna Kathleen, a Yorkshire based wedding photographer who has won many awards from PKIR, TIR and many others and still isn't even 30 years old! In this episode we discuss: TV show recommendationsEntering awards, the why and the how LR Catalogue management Adding videography to your photography offering, TikTok and behind the scenes contentCouples who hire videographers with clashing stylesMuch much more... Show Links Jennas Website Jennas Instagram Jennas TikTok Kick Ass Collective Anna Pumer Websites Karen Julia SEO Course Join Photographers Keeping it Real here

Episode 23 - Fully Booked for 2024 How?! Featuring Daniel Ackerley In this episode I welcome Daniel Ackerley to the podcast.  In this episode we discuss:   Being yourself and finding your ideal clients Daniels marketing & leads and always working for referrals Daniels journey from music photographer to weddingsPricing and the stigma within the industryDans personal Facebook page, daily funny memes and funky shirts   Much much more…   Show Links:  Daniels Website Daniels Instagram Members only: We go deeper into Daniel's ways of attracting ideal clients and setting expectations from the start. Join PKIR to listen to the exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 22 - Lessons from Second Shooting over 80 times with Tom BeynonIn this episode we welcome Tom Beynon to the podcast. Tom is a huge talent with many awards from Photographers Keeping it Real, This is Reportage and Fearless. Tom was named NineDots photographer of the year in 2022.   In this episode we discuss:   Toms journey into photography, starting as a documentary wedding photographerWe ask can you really be unobtrusive at a wedding?After second shooting over 80 times for 40 different photographers, Tom shares his tips for second shootersAdvice for entering awards  Much much more…   Show Links:  Toms Website  Toms Instagram  Photographers mentioned on the podcast: Chelsea Cannar Patrick Mateer David Stubbs Chris Denner Members only: Tom opens up and talks honestly about bookings, pricing and the current state of the industry. We look ahead to 2024 and although this is a long one, I would really urge people to listen to this section as it’s a good one.