In Episode 38 of the Shoot The Veil (STV) Podcast, we dive into one of the most essential—but often misunderstood—tools for wedding photographers: Instagram. How should you use it? What content works? How do you turn followers into clients rather than just “likes”? Whether you're just starting out or want to level up your social media game, this conversation is packed with strategy, tactics, and perspective.
The role of Instagram in a modern wedding photography business — not just for show, but as a marketing engine
How to post with intent and strategy (versus randomly posting images and praying for engagement)
What types of content perform well in the wedding niche — behind-the-scenes, client stories, educational, personal, etc.
How to structure your Instagram feed + stories + reels in a cohesive way
Tips for reels, captions, hashtags, and engagement that convert
Best practices in balancing authenticity and promotion
Mistakes to avoid (burnout, inconsistent strategy, content that doesn’t reflect your style)
How to build a social presence that supports your brand, attracts ideal clients, and leads to inquiries
We also touch on mindset, content planning cadence, and how to keep it sustainable in the long run.
Wedding photographers looking to build or refine their Instagram presence
Creatives who feel stuck with content ideas or lack consistent engagement
Photographers ready to use social media as a business tool, not just a portfolio
Anyone curious about combining authentic storytelling with effective promotion
Even if Instagram isn’t your favorite platform, the principles discussed here can translate to Reels, TikTok, or other visual social channels.
Shoot The Veil (STV) is a community + media hub for wedding photographers. We bring you real conversations, real insights, and real strategies from pros who walk the path every day.
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We want to hear from you:
What’s your biggest Instagram challenge right now?
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Which tip in this episode resonated with you?
Drop a comment (or DM) and tag @ShootTheVeil — we love seeing your process evolve.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — it helps more photographers find it.
Tune in now, hit record on your next content batch, and let’s turn those scrolls into clients.
Let’s grow your brand with intention, strategy, and creativity. 🚀
Welcome back to the Shoot The Veil Podcast—created by wedding photographers, for wedding photographers. In this episode, Sam and Danny dive deep into one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) marketing strategies for building a thriving wedding photography business: serving and connecting with wedding planners.
Planners sit at the very top of the wedding vendor “food chain.” When they love working with you, referrals flow, opportunities open, and your business can transform overnight. But winning the trust of planners takes more than just showing up with a camera. It’s about service, generosity, and going above and beyond to make their lives easier.
You’ll hear stories of small but intentional moves—like offering headshots, creating reels for vendors, curating custom galleries, and collaborating on Instagram—that led to massive business growth. From being the “in-house” photographer at a planner’s studio to providing free marketing assets for DJs and florists, Sam and Danny break down how putting others first always pays back tenfold.
✨ Key takeaways for wedding photographers:
Why planners hold the keys to consistent referrals and how to position yourself as their go-to photographer.
Practical ways to serve planners: offering curated galleries, capturing behind-the-scenes content, creating timelines, and even shooting headshots on the wedding day.
How generosity with your images (instead of guarding them) builds trust and long-term value.
The importance of clear communication around timelines so you and planners are aligned, avoiding friction and stress for the couple.
Why treating all vendors with equal respect elevates your reputation across the industry.
📢 Calls to Action (CTAs) from the episode:
Download the Shoot The Veil App to access the full Wedding Planner & Designer Referrals Playbook. Use it as a step-by-step blueprint to grow your business with planners.
Print the playbooks or keep them on your desk as a checklist and guide for digital and relational marketing.
Curate and share a dedicated gallery for planners after every wedding—make it easy for them to use and share your work.
Collaborate with planners and vendors on Instagram—post reels, stories, and behind-the-scenes clips to cross-promote and stay visible to brides.
Offer free headshots or vendor photos as a way to serve planners and create sticky, long-term relationships.
Don’t wait—start applying these strategies today to see immediate growth and stronger referrals.
This conversation is a reminder that your network truly is your net worth. When you invest in relationships with planners, serve them selflessly, and give more than you expect in return, you’ll create a cycle of trust and opportunity that will fuel your photography business for years to come.
🎧 Listen now and discover how wedding planners can become the game-changing referral partners your business needs. Then head to the Shoot The Veil App to grab your free playbook and start putting these strategies into practice.
Emily Choy, a destination wedding photographer from Oahu, Hawaii, shares her journey from a normal career to charging over $10,000 per wedding in just four years, offering insights on building a luxury photography business while balancing family life.
Ready to grow as a wedding photographer?Subscribe now and grow your brand with https://www.shoottheveil.com/
In this episode of Shoot the Veil, Ben Adams—founder of Artwork Collective—shares how wedding photographers can deeply connect with clients and significantly increase revenue by offering printed artwork and albums as part of their service.
Ready to grow as a wedding photographer?Subscribe now and grow your brand with https://www.shoottheveil.com/
Angela Shae of Social Templates shares game-changing Instagram strategies for wedding photographers, from leveraging reels to optimizing SEO, making content creation faster and more effective.
Ready to grow as a wedding photographer?Subscribe now and grow your brand with https://www.shoottheveil.com/
Chris J. Evans, a luxury wedding photographer, shares his journey from waiting tables to making six figures in the high-end wedding photography market. He emphasizes networking, branding, and business strategy as key elements to success.
Check out Southern Bride: https://www.southernbride.com/
This episode of Shoot the Veil features Sherra Meyers, publisher of Southern Bride Magazine, diving into the power of print publications for wedding photographers. Sherra discusses how being featured in magazines builds credibility, expands visibility, and supports vendors across the wedding industry. She also explores the magazine’s shift toward a mindset-driven approach to weddings, emphasizing hospitality and timelessness. Packed with practical tips on curating submissions and insights into creating impactful visuals, this episode is a must-listen for photographers aiming to elevate their craft and connect with a broader audience.
Join the STV community today: https://www.shoottheveil.com/
CHECK OUT G-PRESETS: https://www.gpresets.com/FOLLOW GREG: https://www.instagram.com/gpresets/Greg Petersen, the founder of G-Presets, joins the podcast to discuss his journey in creating presets, collaborating with photographers, and the evolving art of photo editing.
Key Takeaways:🎨 The Art of Preset Creation – Greg shares how he collaborates with photographers to develop custom presets, often studying their Instagram feeds to capture their unique styles.📸 Balancing True-to-Color and Stylized Edits – He explains the challenge of creating presets that maintain a natural look while still enhancing an image’s aesthetic.🤖 AI & Lightroom Tools – Discusses the impact of AI masking, tone curves, and color grading techniques to refine skin tones and prevent unwanted color casts.📷 The Evolution of Wedding Photography Editing – Talks about the shift in trends, from warm tones to truer greens and nostalgic film-like looks.🏆 Community & Growth – Emphasizes how collaborating on presets has led to a strong photography community, with creatives sharing insights and improving their craft together.Welcome to the STV podcast! Shoot The Veil is an app that brings together wedding photographers from all over the world into one space where we can connect, create, & grow amazing businesses together!
Join the STV community today: https://www.shoottheveil.com/
Phil Porto discusses the importance of building a wedding photography business rooted in authenticity and longevity rather than fleeting trends. He shares his personal journey of scaling down his business to focus on his family, embracing a nomadic lifestyle in an RV. Phil emphasizes aligning work with personal values, adapting to life’s seasons, and maintaining a brand that reflects your unique strengths and identity.
Joseph Rogero discusses his unique approach to documentary wedding photography, focusing on sincerity, fluidity, and capturing moments naturally. He shares insights on meeting clients, rebranding, collaborating with planners, and staying true to his artistic vision, all while emphasizing the importance of letting go of forced, posed shots.
Follow Joseph on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/joseph.rogero/
In this episode, Ron Oren, the CMO and COO of ImagenAI, discusses how Imagine AI helps photographers by automating repetitive tasks like photo editing, allowing them to save time while maintaining their unique editing style. The conversation explores broader questions about AI in photography, such as its role in artistic creation versus efficiency, and debates around AI-generated images versus traditional photography. He reflects on how AI can improve workflows while emphasizing that the photographer’s artistic touch remains essential. Lastly, he touches on the philosophical implications of AI in shaping the future of photography.
TRY IMAGEN FOR FREE: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=shoottheveil
Summer Grace, the owner of Summer Grace photography, discusses her journey into photography, which began in high school, and her unique career path, from nature photography to wedding photography, influenced by her passion for nature and personal experiences. The conversation covers how she embraced challenges, grew her business through social media and networking, and shares advice on balancing creativity with the demands of the photography business, particularly in navigating various locations and the chaos of weddings.
Follow Summer Grace Here: https://www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/
Download the Shoot The Veil App to watch the After The Pod where Sam & Summer discuss the art of creating an all-inclusive client experience!
Sam Jacobson, the owner of Ideaction Consulting, shares insights on scaling a wedding photography business by focusing on client psychology, effective marketing, and adapting to various decision-makers in the buying process.
Check out Sam's consulting business at ideactionconsulting.com Join the community today www.shoottheveil.com
John Bunn, the owner of John Bunn Films, emphasizes the importance of connecting emotionally with clients during weddings, focusing on real, impactful moments rather than overly posed shots, and the power of collaboration between videographers and photographers.
Check out John's work at johnbunnfilms.com and follow him on Instagram @johnbunnfilms
Join the community today www.shoottheveil.com
Adalenne Hatcher, owner of Cine Garden, discusses her journey from a YouTube influencer to a wedding filmmaker, focusing on her unique approach to storytelling through story sessions. She explains why she prefers video over photography, emphasizes the importance of personal branding, and shares valuable advice for aspiring wedding filmmakers.
Check out Adalenne's work at www.cinegarden.co and follow her on instagram @Cine.Garden!
This episode we learn all about Cassidy Lynne as she shares her journey into photography and social media success. She started in college, joined the photography team, and quickly became a leader. She started her own business and began posting educational content on social media. Her growth was slow but consistent, and she found that combining different types of content, such as voiceovers, text, and clips, worked best. She advises teaching what you know and focusing on your strengths. Cassidy emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with social media trends and observing your own user behavior. She also highlights the effort and planning that goes into building a social media presence. Cassidy shares her content creation process and the importance of staying current with trends. She emphasizes the need to experiment with different types of content and analyze what resonates with the audience. She advises photographers to trust their gut and only take on opportunities that align with their goals. Cassidy also discusses her tech stack, including CRM, editing software, and marketing strategies.
FOLLOW CASSIDY: https://www.instagram.com/cassidylynne/ or check out her website: https://cassidylynnephoto.com
Join us for an exciting episode of the Shoot the Veil Podcast featuring Matt Swaggart, the mastermind behind Hold Fast Gear! From his cowboy hat to his inspiring journey, Matt shares his story with passion and authenticity. Discover how he transitioned from wedding photography to creating revolutionary camera straps that photographers everywhere swear by. In this episode, we dive into: - Matt’s early days and the spark that led to Hold Fast Gear. - The process of inventing the innovative Money Maker camera strap. - The challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. - Insights into the wedding photography industry and the gear that makes a difference. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, Matt’s story is filled with valuable lessons and inspiration. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! - Check out Hold Fast Gear: https://holdfastgear.com/ - Follow Hold Fast Gear on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdfastgear/ If you enjoyed this episode, give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and tips from industry leaders. Thank you for watching! Welcome to the STV podcast! Shoot The Veil is an app that brings together wedding photographers from all over the world into one space where we can connect, create, & grow amazing businesses together! Join the community today: https://www.shoottheveil.com/ Follow Shoot the Veil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoottheveil/
FOLLOW MILES: https://www.instagram.com/mileswittboyer/ Feeling stuck in the "another wedding, another paycheck" rut? This episode of [Podcast Name] is your game-changer. Join photography gurus Sam Sikes, Donny Granger & Miles Witt Boyer as they crack the code on luxury wedding photography and how to transform your craft. Forget the forced smiles and awkward poses! We're diving into the secret sauce of capturing weddings that feel effortlessly magical – weddings that make you feel like you're a guest at the coolest party ever, not just the photographer. Learn how to shoot the wedding you DREAM of, not just the one you're assigned. But it's not just about the perfect shot. This episode goes beyond the technical aspects. We'll explore the power of approaching photography from a state of zen. You'll discover how a calm and collected mindset unlocks your creativity and leads to photos that resonate on a deeper level. Plus, get ready to ditch the lone-wolf photographer stereotype. Sam, Donny, and Miles will show you the power of collaboration with your clients. They'll reveal how seeing your couples as creative partners, not just subjects, unlocks a whole new level of storytelling and connection in your photos. Ready to refine your brand and become the wedding photographer you were always meant to be? This episode is packed with personal stories from Sam and Miles, offering a goldmine of actionable advice. Learn the secrets of niching down and redefining yourself as an artist. Thinking about taking the leap into the luxury market? We'll break down the mindset shifts you need to embrace. Discover the power of intentional choices, exceeding expectations at every price point, and making couples feel truly seen and celebrated. It's about creating an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond the photos themselves. So, ditch the ordinary and step into extraordinary! Hit that subscribe button and join Sam, Donny, & Miles, on a journey to elevate your wedding photography game. Welcome to the STV podcast! Shoot The Veil is an app that brings together wedding photographers from all over the world into one space where we can connect, create, & grow amazing businesses together! Join the community today www.shoottheveil.com
In this episode of the Shoot The Veil podcast, wedding photographers Sam and Donny discuss the importance of showing up consistently in your business, even for the tasks you don't enjoy. They acknowledge that some aspects of running a wedding photography business are less glamorous than others, like sending emails or editing photos. They advise listeners to identify their least favorite tasks and then schedule specific blocks of time to complete them. Sam and Donny advocate for treating your wedding photography business like a job, with set working hours and boundaries. This helps to avoid burnout and allows you to focus on the creative aspects of the work. They also discuss the importance of time blocking, which involves allocating specific periods for specific tasks. This helps to improve focus and productivity. Welcome to the STV podcast! Shoot The Veil is an app that brings together wedding photographers worldwide into one space where we can connect, create, & grow amazing businesses together! Join the community today at www.shoottheveil.com
Welcome back, STV Fam! We're kicking off Season 2 with a doozy – a conversation packed with hard-earned wisdom for any aspiring (or even seasoned) wedding photographer. Let's face it, the world of wedding photography might look glamorous from the outside, but there's a whole lot more to it than just capturing pretty pictures.
That's why, in this episode of Shoot The Veil, we're hitting the rewind button and diving deep into 10 things WE wish we knew before diving headfirst into this incredible (and sometimes crazy) world. Consider this your ultimate pre-wedding photography cheat sheet, filled with tips and tricks to help you avoid some of the pitfalls we stumbled into and propel your career forward.
