Professional wedding photographers/videographers and bffs, Pete & Laura Lawson and Liam & Bee Crawley invite you to join them for a morning coffee. They'll be chatting all things work and life.
Liam and Bee have recently moved and we all now live in the same little village; not quite the commune we always used to talk about but we do get to hang out every day. This podcast is an offshoot of our daily conversations, sometimes creatively inspiring, sometimes just having a good moan, but always fun.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Professional wedding photographers/videographers and bffs, Pete & Laura Lawson and Liam & Bee Crawley invite you to join them for a morning coffee. They'll be chatting all things work and life.
Liam and Bee have recently moved and we all now live in the same little village; not quite the commune we always used to talk about but we do get to hang out every day. This podcast is an offshoot of our daily conversations, sometimes creatively inspiring, sometimes just having a good moan, but always fun.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How many photos are too many? In this week's episode, we dive headfirst into a hot topic rattling the photography community: are we overwhelming our clients by over-delivering images? We debate whether a curated gallery of a few hundred photos is more valuable than a folder of over a thousand, and question what we'd want from our own wedding photographer.
We also get real about the struggles of social media after taking a week off Instagram punished our reach, sparking a conversation about whether the perfect grid still matters or if it's time to get more personal.
Alongside the business chat, we catch you up on our latest adventures, from shooting a wedding at the iconic Traitors castle (and revealing its secrets!) to road-tripping to Scotland and enjoying a half-term break on the beautiful Yorkshire coast. Join us for a candid chat about work, life, and the creative challenges we all face.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & a chaotic start
01:03 - The joy of singing alone in the car
02:40 - Liam's wedding at Guardswell Farm in Scotland
05:45 - The secrets of shooting at the Traitors Castle
09:28 - Working with fellow photographer Ash Springle
10:55 - Remembering industry legends Ed Peers & Ross Harvey
13:04 - Half-term adventures, portrait shoots, and comparing forests
14:58 - An update on the team's upcoming film festival
18:20 - Making work trips into mini-holidays
20:18 - The pressures of a busy schedule and life admin
22:36 - A relaxing week on the North Yorkshire Coast and discovering Haworth
25:08 - The Instagram struggle: The punishment for taking a week off
26:49 - Does your feed need to show your face?
29:15 - Dealing with internet trolls and negative comments
32:57 - Hot Topic: Are photographers delivering too many images?
45:38 - Highs and Lows of the Week
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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Ever come back from a conference feeling like a total fraud?
This week, Pete & Laura are recovering from the social hangover of the CODA conference and so we’re diving deep into the anxieties of networking as an introvert. We discuss the pressure to be "on" all the time, navigating imposter syndrome, and that cringe-worthy moment when you're introduced to one of the cool kids as the "King and Queen" of the UK market.
But it wasn't all anxiety at CODA. We were also massively inspired by many incredible stories. Plus the powerful 'smoke and mirrors' marketing strategy - the art of curating your portfolio to get the weddings you most want to shoot.
We debate a hot topic online: is flash photography becoming a nuisance at weddings? And we share a few thoughts on photographers getting a little too close for comfort during the ceremony.
Join us for these, and many other topics, as we chat about the last couple of weeks over a coffee.
Timestamps:
02:34 The social hangover from Coda Conference
04:21 Navigating events as an introvert: Are we 'cliquey'?
08:33 The pressure of being 'known' and imposter syndrome
10:28 Our key takeaway: The power of ambient audio
14:50 From Prison to a Creative Empire: The Fire & Ice Story
18:39 'Smoke and mirrors' marketing & defining our ideal client
22:27 Catching up: A pagan hand-fasting & a wedding at The Traitors castle
25:16 Is flash photography annoying for wedding guests?
34:15 When photographers get too close during the ceremony
41:37 Highs & Lows: Coda, family meals, and feeling overwhelmed
51:23 Rediscovering creativity by organising 15 years of photos
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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In this episode of Our Creative Commune, we're fresh from a beautifully emotional wedding in the heart of Storm Amy and a fun-filled autumnal family shoot. We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of fellow creative, Damian Brandon (https://damianbrandon.com/)
This leads us into a passionate discussion about the current state of the wedding photography industry. Are we seeing a decline in the traditional craft of photography? We delve into the rise of the "snapshotty" and "editorial" styles, the importance of understanding good light, and whether the focus has shifted from capturing genuine moments to creating content for Instagram.
Plus, Liam gives us an update on his new life as a driving instructor, Pete shares his insights from the world of Reddit on what couples are really looking for, and we chat about the highs and lows of our week, from technical triumphs to creepy crawly encounters. Join us for a candid conversation about creativity, business, and the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Catching Up
02:13 Recapping Adam & Jade’s Stormy Welsh Wedding
07:36 Working With the Incredibly Talented Damian Brandon
12:38 Main Topic: Is the Art of Wedding Photography Being Lost?
14:51 The Death of Good Light: Why Are Photographers Ignoring the Basics?
20:12 Does Technical Quality Even Matter Anymore?
27:43 What Do Couples Actually Want? (Insights from Reddit)
30:43 The Changing Internet: SEO, Google, and Finding Clients Now
33:56 Liam's New Venture as a Driving Instructor
38:56 Building a New Website & The Logo Debate
42:12 Blogging vs. Full Galleries: What Should You Send to Clients?
45:32 The "Be Everywhere" Strategy for Modern Marketing
46:45 Highs & Lows of the Week (Including Hard Drive Sleeping Bags & Spiders!)
57:39 What's Coming Up Next?
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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In this episode, we discusses the most talked-about trend in the wedding industry right now: the rise of the content creator. Are they replacing videographers, and how should creative professionals adapt to a TikTok-driven market? We share our honest thoughts on the challenges and potential solutions, from offering next-day clips to staying true to your unique style in a sea of trends. Is it possible to fight the tide, or is it time to evolve?
We also dive into what we've been up to on the road, including Liam shooting a stunning wedding in Ostuni, Italy, and Pete's "life-changing" experience hiring a second shooter for the first time at a wedding in Anglesey. Plus, hear how Laura and Pete got inspired by music videos and started experimenting with flash-style, direct lighting for video and a 4:3 aspect ratio to create a raw, editorial feel.
Join us for an open conversation about navigating the ever-changing creative landscape, a surprisingly detailed chat about the limitations of expanding foam, and our usual highs and lows of the week—including one of us starting a brand new career!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Welcome & Morning People vs. Night Owls
03:49 What We've Been Up To
03:53 Liam’s Shoots: London, Tunbridge Wells & A Wedding in Italy
05:29 Pete's "Life-Changing" Anglesey Wedding with a Second Shooter
08:21 Laura & Pete's Dorset Wedding & Manchester Shoots
08:57 Creative Development: Experimenting with Direct Lighting & 4:3 Ratio
17:24 DIY Chat: The Surprising Limits of Expanding Foam
18:21 Main Topic: The Great Content Creator Debate
19:32 Are Suppliers a Bigger Problem Than Couples?
22:29 The "Your Wedding is Not Content" Movement
30:25 How Videographers Can Adapt to the Trend
39:06 Final Thoughts on the Future
46:08 Highs and Lows of the Week
50:32 Liam's Big News: A Career Change
Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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This week, join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a catch-up packed with wild wedding stories and industry insights. Liam shares a tale from the depths of Scotland, where he photographed the first and only elopement inside a massive, disused WWII underground oil tank - complete with world-record-breaking echoes and drone flights in the dark. He then takes us to Iceland for a vow renewal, revealing the stressful reality of shooting in iconic, tourist-filled locations and the rules you sometimes have to bend to get the perfect shot.
The team also dives into the great dishwasher debate (are your precious mugs and knives safe?), discusses the pros and cons of the new Canon C50 video camera, and shares their thoughts on recent industry shake-ups. Plus, they explore the unspoken rules of working with other suppliers and share personal highs and lows, featuring everything from a hit-and-run and a ghost named Jim to the joys of booking a wedding in Montenegro.
00:36 - Wedding season fatigue & back-to-school chaos.
02:23 - Liam's story: Photographing an elopement in a disused underground oil tank in Scotland.
10:28 - Pete & Laura's "painless" wedding shoot in Scotland.
13:31 - Shooting a wedding for a fellow photographer.
14:42 - The great debate: Should you put precious mugs and knives in the dishwasher?
18:00 - Liam's story: A vow renewal in Iceland and the challenges of shooting in tourist hotspots.
23:39 - Discussion on managing expectations at popular photo locations.
26:47 - Industry News: The new Canon C50 video camera.
30:44 - Industry News: The Easy-Flix gallery migration controversy.
34:36 - The pros and cons of culling software like Narrative and Photo Mechanic.
40:13 - How to handle working with difficult or rude suppliers on a wedding day.
46:52 - Liam's travel drama: Getting locked in a car park and a hit-and-run.
51:31 - Highs and Lows of the Week.
Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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After a much-needed holiday break, the gang is back behind the mics and feeling refreshed... mostly. Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they catch up on a wild few weeks of work, life, and misadventure.
Liam kicks things off with tales from a three-day wedding in Spain, complete with tuxedos in the ocean, an aggressive jellyfish, a competitive bucking bronco incident, and an unexpected visit from the local police. Meanwhile, Pete shares his less-than-glamorous story of surviving "Vomitus Maximus" after a beautiful wedding in the Scottish Highlands.
This leads to a candid discussion on the biggest challenges facing wedding creatives today: Is the rise of "editorial" photography making it harder to capture authentic moments? And why are clients increasingly choosing phone-based content creators over traditional videographers?
Finally, we get real about the big one: burnout. Deep in the thick of wedding season, we share our personal struggles and tangible advice on how to manage the pressure, rediscover your creative spark, and find the joy in your work again when you feel like you have nothing left to give. If you're feeling the strain, this is the chat you need to hear.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Catching Up
01:09 - Why We've Stopped Filming the Podcast
02:28 - Liam's Wild 3-Day Wedding in Spain (Tuxedos in the Sea, Jellyfish & a Bucking Bronco)
07:50 - Liam's Drone Incident & a Visit from the Police
09:37 - Pete & Laura's Scottish Wedding Adventure
11:19 - Pete's Unfortunate Bout of "Vomitus Maximus" (Food Poisoning)
14:37 - Getting Soaked by a Champagne Spray
15:44 - The Big Discussion: Is the "Editorial" Photography Trend Killing the Vibe?
24:13 - The Rise of Content Creators vs. Traditional Videographers
27:20 - Main Topic: How to Beat Creative Burnout This Wedding Season
28:02 - Laura's Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Getting Ahead
34:05 - Letting Go of Perfectionism & The 80/20 Rule
39:24 - The Real Reason We Get Anxious Before a Wedding
46:18 - Our Top Tips for Burnout: Nature, Hobbies & Asking for Help
52:36 - Sparking Joy: Trying New Lenses & Techniques
57:47 - Highs and Lows of the Week
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a special "postcard" episode, recorded live from next to their tents during their wholesome (and feral) camping holiday! Swapping the studio for a field, the team gets real about the highs and lows of the creative life in the middle of a busy August.
In this episode, we chat about our recent travels, from a stunning but stormy cruise through the Norwegian fjords to an epic 14-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for a single elopement. We then dive into some all-too-relatable industry frustrations, including the awkward dance of dealing with difficult wedding bands and a deep dive into the dos, don'ts, and disasters of hiring second shooters.
The conversation then takes a serious and personal turn as Liam shares the full, cautionary story of being scammed out of £4,500 by a fake marketing "expert." It’s an open and honest account of how easily it can happen and the emotional toll it takes, serving as a must-listen for any freelancer or small business owner. We wrap it all up by sharing the simple joys that have made our trip unforgettable, from barbecues to a magical night watching shooting stars.
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - A Postcard from a Field: The Feral Camping Holiday Begins
03:32 - The Pre-Holiday Work Grind
05:02 - Cruising and Seasickness in Norway
07:52 - A 14-Hour Drive for a 3-Hour Elopement
11:03 - The Importance of Taking a Break in Peak Season
12:55 - Industry Rant: When Wedding Bands Are "Cheeky F*cks"
18:23 - Industry Deep Dive: The Woes of a Bad Second Shooter
28:26 - The Full Story of a £4,500 Scam
43:50 - Highs & Lows of the Week
49:26 - Outro: Time for a Barbecue
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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Driving through the night fuelled by nothing but caffeine and desperation? Or wondering if a popular wedding trend is all it's cracked up to be? This week - that's us!
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a debrief on the delightful chaos of being a wedding creative. We recount our most stressful travel nightmares—from car breakdowns in rural France to nearly missing ceremonies by minutes. We also share stories from our latest weddings, including one on a boat and another where we experimented with a "video-first, photos-second" approach.
What's going on in the wedding industry this week? Wer deep dive into the recent drama surrounding a planner's critique of film photography. Is it an overpriced, "deranged" trend, or a beautiful art form? We break down the controversy, discuss the power of creative freedom, and explore why you should always "shoot what you want."
Plus, we share our highs and lows, featuring wholesome jam-making, a last-minute elopement to Skye, and a serious warning about an online scam that cost one of us thousands. Tune in for a packed episode full of laughs, rants, and a few hard-won lessons.
Timestamps:
00:35 The reality of post-wedding burnout.
03:45 Our most bonkers wedding travel stories (breakdowns in France, marathon drives across Europe).
08:50 The stress of nearly missing a wedding.
13:26 What we've been shooting: A pub, a boat, and a "no-photos" wedding.
24:04 THE BIG DEBATE: Is film photography an overpriced, "deranged" trend?
31:32 Our take: Why you should shoot what you want and embrace creative freedom.
38:51 Highs & Lows: Wholesome moments, elopements, and getting scammed out of £4,500.
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune
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Ever felt like you're just one wedding away from snapping?
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the intense mental and physical toll of being a wedding creative.
We dive deep into the chaos of a 500-guest, multi-day wedding and the logistical nightmare of shooting solo in a massive venue. It's a candid chat about the pre-wedding anxiety, the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly do more, and the art of "crying on the inside like a winner" while keeping a smile on for our clients.
We also explore:
If you’ve ever felt the burnout creeping in, this one’s for you.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Timestamps:
(00:44) - The Chaos of a 500-Guest Wedding
(04:55) - The Nightmare Logistics of a Huge Wedding Venue
(07:10) - "Crying on the Inside": The Real Mental Load of a Wedding Creative
(12:02) - Is Our Pre-Wedding Anxiety Getting Worse Over Time?
(13:51) - Photographer vs. Videographer: Who's In Charge on the Day?
(18.00) - Are We Asking too much of Ourselves?
(22:12) - A Rainy 8-Hour Elopement Shoot in Edinburgh
(26:45) - The "North-South Divide": Why is the Scottish Wedding Market Booming?
(31:12) - Weird Scottish Laws, Side Hustles & a Drone Business Reality Check
(38:39) - Our Highs & Lows of the Week
From navigating 100+ group shots to flying drones through fireworks at 11 pm, we share the stories that don't make it to the wedding album. If you're a creative feeling the strain, let us know your experiences in the comments below!
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #burnout #creativebusiness #photographytips
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Liam is from his epic month away! In this episode, he recounts his insane month of travel, from shooting weddings in Spain and the Austrian Alps to starting a brand new career as a driving instructor. We share stories of driving down stairs in a hire car, cameras overheating at altitude, and the joy of a ceremonial beer keg tapping.
Then, we get into a huge industry debate: hybrid shooting. With so many photographers now offering video, we discuss the pros and cons, and the dilemma it creates for dedicated videographers who rely on photographer referrals. Is the industry in a price war, and who will pull the trigger first?
We also touch on the rise of wedding content creators, the truth about film photography, and a global survey that reveals just how much (or how little) photographers are charging in 2025.
Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for an episode packed with travel stories, industry insights, and our usual weekly highs and lows!
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro & Why Is Everyone So Tired?
03:58 - Where Has Liam Been? A Whirlwind Month Begins
05:19 - Wedding Story: Driving Down a Flight of Stairs in Spain
07:46 - The Travel Nightmare: From Spain to Austria via the Autobahn
09:12 - Wedding Story: Lederhosen & Beer Kegs in the Austrian Alps
10:50 - Technical Woes: When Your Cameras Overheat
13:23 - The New Side Hustle: Training to be a Driving Instructor
24:49 - Industry Talk: The Rise of Wedding Content Creators
29:10 - The Future of Filmmaking? (Stormzy Film & The "28 Days Later" Sequel)
33:35 - Is Hybrid Shooting the Future? The Big Debate
39:11 - The Photographer vs. Videographer Dilemma
42:40 - Is Film Photography Just a Gimmick?
45:15 - Why Are Wedding Photography Prices So Low in the UK?
56:00 - The Realities of Pricing and "Charging Your Worth"
1:06:00 - Highs and Lows of the Week
#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #creativepodcast #hybridshooting #weddingindustry #photographybusinesscoach
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Is it possible to be a photographer AND a videographer at the same time, on your own, at a wedding? In this episode, we chat one of the photographers doing just that. The lovely Lewis Fackrell walks us through his complete hybrid shooting workflow. Are we won over?
From his one-camera setup and "PVP" method, to his post-production process and business strategy, Lewis shares the secrets that have allowed him to offer photo and video packages to his couples. If you want to hear how to add an extra video service to your photography business, this is absolutely for you - or if you’re just curious about how it's possible like we were.
We also catch up on what we’ve been up to these past couple of weeks. Bee casually shares a story about a near-death experience involving a bathroom cabinet! New fear unlocked.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Lewis Fackrell's Website & Course: https://www.lewisfackrell.co.uk
Lewis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewis_fackrell_photography/
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 - Welcome & The Most Hectic Travel Schedule Ever
06:05 - Pete's Impromptu Hybrid Shooting Experience in Italy
13:05 - Introducing Our Guest: Lewis Fackrell
14:24 - How Lewis Balances a Full Calendar with a Young Family
23:10 - The "Why": What Made Lewis Start Hybrid Shooting?
26:30 - Lewis's Minimalist Gear Setup for Hybrid Work
29:49 - THE BIG QUESTION: How Do You Actually Shoot Hybrid?
31:05 - Handling "Pinch Points": The Reveal, Aisle Walk & Ceremony
41:30 - The First Kiss & The Confetti Shot: Photo or Video?
44:35 - Does the Quality of Photos or Video Get Compromised?
48:45 - The Ideal Number of Photos to Take at a Wedding
54:13 - The Post-Production Workflow for Photo & Video
1:01:42 - The Business of Hybrid: Pricing & Attracting Clients
1:05:36 - All About Lewis's Hybrid Photography Course
1:11:10 - Highs and Lows of the Week!
1:12:37 - Bee's Terrifying Near-Death Experience
1:17:52 - A Week of Wins & Booking a 2027 Wedding!
#weddingphotography #hybridshooter #weddingvideography #learnphotography #creativebusiness #podcast #ourcreativecommune
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This week, the we're all feeling the burn after a packed schedule of weddings and a big birthday celebration. We pull back the curtain on the reality of being a wedding creative in 2024, discussing the booking decline that everyone is feeling but nobody wants to talk about.
This leads to a huge announcement from Liam about a major career change after more than two decades in the industry.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
We also dive into:
If you're a wedding creative feeling the pressure, or just love a good, honest chat about the ups and downs of running a small business, this one's for you.
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Hungover Birthday Banter
04:14 - Our Recent Weddings: Oli Foxley's Tumble
07:31 - Destination Wedding Debrief: Pete in Lake Como
12:08 - Destination Wedding Debrief: Liam in Cyprus
20:37 - The Big Topic: Why Are Wedding Bookings Down?
25:14 - Liam's New Career
30:12 - Can AI Save Our Business?
36:37 - The Photographer Who Charged £300 For One Photo
49:50 - The Styled Shoot That Was a Real Wedding?!
57:46 - The Curse of Tripods: Photographers vs. Videographers
01:09:10 - Our Highs & Lows
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This week on Our Creative Commune, Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee dive into a whirlwind of topics! We brace ourselves as Google Gemini's AI delivers some hilariously harsh feedback on our podcasting style (are we really that insular?). Then, it's war stories from the wedding front lines: Liam shares his ordeal of shooting a wedding post-dodgy-fish-and-chips, and Pete recounts battling a painful eye infection mid-shoot.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
We tackle the big debate: how are content creators impacting the wedding industry, and are they really taking work from pros? Plus, a crucial heads-up on the UK's "Making Tax Digital" changes that all freelancers need to know.
As always, we share our highs and lows, and issue an important alert about a "pervy caller" targeting photographers. Tune in for candid chat, essential industry insights, and a good few laughs!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro & Makeshift Studio
02:01 Remembering Past Podcast Adventures Abroad
03:40 AI Feedback on Our Podcast (Spoiler: We're Keeping it Real)
05:20 What We've Been Up To: Wedding Recaps & Mishaps
05:26 Liam's "Tracy Island" Wedding & Food Poisoning Woes
09:02 Working While Sick: Styes, Vomit & The Show Must Go On!
15:01 Laura & Pete Shoot a Wedding Together (Photo & Video Dynamic)
17:52 TOPIC 1: Content Creators at Weddings - Impact & How to Cope
21:57 Strategy: Educating Clients or Communicating with Creators?
26:52 The "Educate Your Clients" Debate - Is It Our Place?
32:18 TOPIC 2: New UK/EU Travel Deal - Hope for Destination Weddings?
36:53 TOPIC 3: Making Tax Digital - Essential Info for Creatives
41:17 Our Dream (Unprofitable) Cafe Business Idea!
42:17 TOPIC 4: Gallery Delivery Times & Modern Client Expectations
46:03 The Power of the "Next Day" Social Media Preview
51:12 GEAR CHAT: New Fuji X-Half & DJI Mavic 4 Pro
53:33 COMMUNITY ALERT: "Pervy Caller" Targeting Photographers
55:30 Our Highs & Lows of the Week!
01:03:20 Outro & Upcoming Adventures
Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Content Creators, Making Tax Digital, AI Feedback, Freelance Business, Podcast, UK Weddings, Working Whilst Ill, Pervy Caller Alert
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
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Pop the kettle on! Welcome back to Our Creative Commune, Episode 108. Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee are here with the usual coffee-fuelled chaos, chatting all things wedding photography and videography.
This week, the pollen count is trying to take us OUT, Liam’s back from a surprisingly chilly Spanish wedding (his 21st there! Buckfast may have been mentioned), and snapping portraits of the lovely Martin Cheung. We swear everyone else has been doing some work too!
Things have gone a bit crazy – suddenly everyone wants to book us, pay us, and meet us! We’re navigating the 'OMG money!' vs ‘****, tax bill!' tightrope, and, of course, drooling over rumoured new cameras. Liam’s also attempting to bring back the 90s with film photography (spoiler: he forgot the film).
Then we get stuck into the proper meaty stuff: Is it cool for photographers to shoot a bit of video (or videographers to grab stills) when you're both on a job? What do you do when a supplier you recommended bails for a stag do THE NIGHT BEFORE?! And you absolutely HAVE to hear the story of the 'Scottish Retreat' – think Fyre Festival, but for photographers. Seriously, it’s a car crash.
As always, we’ve got our highs (awards night planning is looking lush!) and lows (Pete’s hay fever, Bee’s iron levels, Liam’s twitchy eye – it’s a medical marvel over here). Plus, we day-dream up our own hopefully-not-a-disaster creative retreat. So grab that coffee (or a Buckfast, no judgement) and join the commune!
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Hello & What's In Our Mugs?
00:32 - Hay Fever vs. Wedding Pros: The Struggle is Real
03:00 - Liam's Spanish Wedding No.21 (Minus the Sun, Plus the Buckfast)
06:25 - Liam Shoots Martin Cheung
07:02 - Are Shorter Weddings The New Thing?
09:00 - It's All Kicking Off! (Bookings, Cashflow & Mild Panic)
11:21 - New Gear Lust & Why Our Old Photos Are So "On Trend"
13:28 - Liam's Great Film Camera Experiment (Fail No.1)
15:35 - BTS Content: Phone Clamps, Meta Glasses, or Just Being a Dick?
18:09 - TOPIC: Hybrid Shooting - Are We All Secretly Filming/Snapping?
26:27 - Child Labour... Uh, I Mean, Content Creators in Training
28:31 - TOPIC: Recommending People - What If They Go On a Stag Do Instead?
37:10 - TOPIC: The Photography "Fyre Festival" - You Won't Believe This Scottish Retreat Story!
51:46 - Our Creative Commune Retreat? (Less Disaster, More Booze)
53:58 - Highs & Lows: Awards, Macerators, Table Tennis & Twitchy Eyes!
01:03:44 - More Highs & Lows: Running PBs, Posh Funerals & Dodgy Iron Levels
01:10:28 - Never Eat Only Haribo & Coffee. You've Been Warned.
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wedding season is kicking off! Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they shake off the winter slumber (and recover from some intense DIY projects) and dive back into the world of weddings. This week, we tackle the hot topic: is 35mm film making a comeback? We discuss a client request, the pros and cons of shooting film today, the costs, the nostalgia factor, and whether digital can truly replicate the look. Plus, is Liam finally gearing up to actually try it!
We contrast the analogue love with the rise of AI editing and culling tools – are they helpful or hindering authenticity? We also get real about the business side: handling unexpected cancellations, the ethics of contracts and refunds (including a tricky divorce scenario), and the changing landscape of referrals in industry groups. Hear about recent weddings in Scotland and the Lakes, dealing with tricky lighting, and our usual highs and lows. Grab a coffee and enjoy!
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro & DIY Madness: Liam's plumbing adventures, Pete & Laura's new carpet/desk saga.
(5:52) Wedding Season Begins!: Liam shoots a photographer's wedding in Scotland (The Byre at Inchyra), Pete films a local Lake District wedding. We chat portraits, marquees & avoiding downtime.
(17:23) Is 35mm Film Back?!: Exploring the trend, the appeal (nostalgia vs digital), the costs, the logistics, and whether we should offer it. Liam volunteers as tribute to try it in Spain!
(27:38) Camera Nerd Corner: Reminiscing about old film cameras (Contax 645, Mamiya) & finding undeveloped rolls!
(29:42) Film vs. AI: The contrast! Discussing AI culling fails and new AI retouching tools – helpful or harmful to authenticity?
(34:43) Business Real Talk: Handling a last-minute cancellation, contract ethics, deposit debates, and a tough scenario involving divorce & album refunds.
(46:09) Shooting Challenges: How would you handle a church ceremony lit entirely pink?!
(51:20) Referral Rant: Why are referrals drying up in big groups? The shift to WhatsApp cliques, and referral etiquette.
(59:58) Highs & Lows: Running obsessions, DIY triumphs, pre-wedding nerves, expensive flights & listener love!
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
We'd love it if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it really helps other creatives find us. You can also send us a message on Instagram with your thoughts on this week's topics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for our regular chat all about the world of wedding photography and videography.
This week, we’re re-introducing ourselves for new listeners before tackling the big issues: the frustrating rise of client ghosting and rejection, navigating the popular "editorial" photo trend (is it all it's cracked up to be?), and debating radical portfolio strategies to stand out.
We’re also sharing stories of demanding client inquiries, the tricky landscape of destination weddings post-Brexit, and indulge in some serious gear lust (hello, autofocus anamorphic lenses!). Plus, hear a little more about the British Wedding Film Festival awards launch, and catch up on our personal highs and lows, featuring fantasy book addictions, DIY disasters, and Hadrian's Wall adventures.
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Creative Business, Client Ghosting, Editorial Photography, Portfolio Strategy, Wedding Industry Trends, Destination Weddings, Canon R6, Anamorphic Lens, Fuji, Videography Awards, Small Business Challenges.
Timestamps:
* (01:46) Re-Introductions: Who are Pete, Laura, Liam & Bee?
* (08:34) Editing Styles: Shifting back to a lighter, airier look?
* (10:33) Portfolio Panic: Should we delete half our website to stand out?
* (11:52) The Ghosting Epidemic: Why are clients disappearing & how do we cope with rejection?
* (18:11) Editorial Wedding Trend: Debating the style and educating clients (Martha May article mention).
* (23:33) Finding Your Ideal Client: They still exist!
* (30:34) Gear Talk!: Anamorphic lens lust, RF primes, Canon R6 vs R6 MkII, Fuji dreams & Bee's unique photo project...
* (39:57) Nightmare Inquiries: Dealing with demanding clients and unreasonable requests.
* (47:24) Destination Wedding Dilemmas: Navigating the risks post-Brexit (especially Greece).
* (55:39) Industry News: Videography Summit buzz & Our NEW Videography Awards launch!
* (59:55) Highs & Lows: Hadrian's Wall hikes, fantasy book addictions, Peter Kay, DIY injuries, and more!
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
We'd love it if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it really helps other creatives find us. You can also send us a message on Instagram with your thoughts on this week's topics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee are back for another catch-up. This week, we're excited to officially announce the launch of the British Wedding Film Festival – hear all about the idea behind it, why we think the industry needs it, and what makes it different. Liam shares the highs and lows (aching legs and Lightroom battles!) of his new property photography side hustle.
We also dive into takeaways from a recent videographer retreat:
Plus, we discuss that scary Italy visa story, get some clarity on using music legally on Instagram business accounts, and of course, share our personal highs and lows – featuring Bee's surprising AI astrocartography results, a wet legging incident, and Pete getting schooled by a kid at table tennis.
It's the usual mix of wedding industry chat, creative business insights, and friendly banter. Pull up a chair and join the commune!
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Creative Business, AI, ChatGPT, TikTok, Social Media Marketing, Side Hustle, Property Photography, British Wedding Film Festival, Wedding Awards, UK Wedding Industry, Working Abroad, Instagram Music Rules.
Timestamps:
Liam's new property photography side hustle & the joys of re-learning Lightroom (03-15 - 08:32)
Takeaways from Roo Stain’s videographer retreat (08:34 - 11:25)
Using AI like ChatGPT for productivity (Arran Kenny's method) & Bee's astrocartography adventures (11:25 - 19:02)
The TikTok debate for wedding pros - is it essential? (19:03 - 26:55)
BIG NEWS: Launching the British Wedding Film Festival! (27:45 - 39:57)
Concerns and discussion around working abroad (Italy/US visa stories) (39:57 - 44:31)
Clarification on using music on Instagram Business accounts (Meta Sound Collection) (45:22 - 47:13)
Highs & Lows of the week (Anniversaries, TV series recommendations, embarrassing moments & more!) (47:14 - 1:00:28)
Links:
British Wedding Film Festival: https://www.britishweddingfilmfestival.com/
AI Tools: ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/), Claude (https://claude.ai/)
TV Recommendation: Adolescence (Netflix)
Book Recommendation: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
We'd love it if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it really helps other creatives find us. You can also send us a message on Instagram with your thoughts on this week's topics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we chat about the struggle with destination weddings, pension pots and using music on Instagram. Check out the episode on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us for a catch up after Liam's adventure in Rio. Be sure to check out our Youtube channel if you'd like to see our faces: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are joined for coffee and cake by our lovely friend (and super talented photographer) Kelly Clarke, queen of the side hustle and holiday aficionado. Be sure to check out our Youtube channel if you'd like to see our faces: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune
Check out Kelly's work: https://kellyclarke.co.uk/
Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school
Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.