Julian Beattie of julianbeattie.com… one of Australia's most talented wedding photographers is todays interview guest on the podcast. Looking through his portfolio you'll get a sense of adventure and fun.
You'll also see a photographer who knows light, has a sense of humour and certain style about his work. He also has that rare knack of getting his personality across with his website copy… it's no wonder couples love him.
When I interviewed Janeke Storm back in episode 102 who was starting her journey as a professional photographer she heaped unlimited praise on Julian for his incredible help and mentoring.
So here's a photographer who looks to be living the dream yet he's given it all up for a 9-5 job.
Here’s some of what we cover:
What’s on Offer for Premium Members
If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this episode where you can hear lots more content and we dive deeper into some of the earlier topics plus some new ones that I pushed for and include:
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interview with Julian, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
Plus, access to a members only Secret Facebook group where you'll connect with other members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take what you hear in each episode and put it into action. You will not find more friendly, more motivated and caring photographers online.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
Money was never really a motivating factor for me and it never has been – Julian Beattie
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Julian or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
Lookout for the New Photo Xperiment Podcast
Following the success and support shown by listeners after the experimental format of the recent interviews with Ian Weldon and Roberto Valenzuela, I'm planning to release more of this style of interview under the title of… The Photo Xperiment Podcast.
Plans are underway to find new guests and won't be restricted to wedding and portrait photographers so if you have someone you think would be a good fit, let me know in the comment area below or email me, andrew@photobizx.com.
My Shangri-La is just showing up, shooting on the day, having a laugh with everyone there, and getting what's needed finished in a day, delivering a USB and go on a say “See you later. Catch you in year's time when you have a baby” – Julian Beattie
The idea behind these interviews is to get into the headspace of the photographer and find what makes them tick, what drives them, their thought process, philosophy on shooting and how they achieve what they do with their photography. So yeah, a little technique type content too. These interviews will not focus on the business of photography – that'll be preserved solely for the weekly and unchanging format of the PhotoBizX podcast.
Do you struggle with blogging – in particular the writing?
If so, I have the answer to your dilemma… Irresistible Words!
Long time listeners will have heard me mention this course before – I purchased and love it.
Jenika McDavitt from Psychology For Photographers is the creator of the course and was a guest on the podcast for episode 42.
Seriously, if you're sick of wasting time trying to write, struggling to come up with ideas or have too many to get down – check out this course.
Not only does Jenika help you to get started, she will teach you how to write in a way that's NOT boring for your potential clients.
The reason I'm mentioning the course today is Jenika is having a sale!
From Tuesday May 31 – Friday June 3 the price will be $199 (usually $249).
There are only two sales a year, this is one!
If you want to transform your blogs, newsletters, Facebook posts, and sales language, have a look: https://photobizx.com/writingcourse
Shoot The Frame – Photo Competition
This is your last week to enter the photo competition at Shoot The Frame – entries close at the end of the month and I'll be judging right after.
Head to shoottheframe.com/photobizx to enter and you'll get 3 entires for $10 (usually $15).
You can submit any combination of portraits, landscape or wildlife with your three photos and Tristan's guys will sort them into the correct categories.
If you're looking for some inspiration and want to see previous winners, head over and have a look at this gorgeous gallery for the 2016 portrait winners – these are fantastic!
Oh yeah… If you enter, you can let me know but don't tell me anything about or show me your entry. Better yet, let me know after I've judged the competition.
Balls Out! Wedding Photography – A Workshop by Two Mann Studios
The response following the recent interview with Erika and Lanny of Two Mann Studios was polarising – some saying their approach is crazy ridiculous, others with the view… The end justifies the means.
One thing was a constant though… praise was being heaped on the images they are creating for their clients.
If you'd like to learn more from Erika and Lanny, they have just announced their “Balls Out! Wedding Photography Workshop” dates. Here's some of the blurb about what you can expect….
These 3 day workshops are geared towards wedding and portrait photographers wanting to push the envelope, technically and creatively, to create outstanding imagery.
It will change the way you see, shoot and look at the world of wedding photography. Participation is limited to 12 photographers in order to ensure a high level of instruction and learning and the cost is $3,300 CND + GST
You can learn more about what's happening here: http://twomann.com/ballsout/
Dates and locations are:
Canadian Rockies – Nov. 22 – 24
New Zealand – Dec. 6 – 8
Thailand – Feb. 1 – 3
Kenya – April 4 – 6
Columbia – May 2 – 4
Romania – June 11 – 13
NOTE: Since recording, all workshops sold out in less than 6 hours! There is a waiting list and the possibility of a second workshop in some or all locations if you're interested in attending.
Want to Meet Up in Paris?
I'll be heading to France in July to see the Tour de France and ride my bike with a bunch of mates but have a few spare days at the end of July in Paris if you want to meet up?
I'll be free from the 28th – 30th July. At this stage I have no accommodation booked or any real plans except to go exploring with my camera.
If you're around or can be in Paris on one or more of these days, let's meet up for a couple of hours or more and go exploring together.
Alternatively, if you have any recommendations for me, things I must see, do, experience or photograph, please let me know in the comments area below or by email, andrew@photobizx.com.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Julian Beattie Photography on Facebook
Episode 102: Janneke Storm – Wedding AND Fashion Photography as a Business
Episode 168: Two Mann Studios – Careful Curation is the Key to Photography Success
Episode 132: Dan O’Day – The Secret to Becoming a Successful and Famous Wedding Photographer
Shoot The Frame Photo Competition
Balls Out! Photography Workshop by 2 Mann Studios
Irresistible Words – the writing course by Jenika McDavitt
Thank you!
Thanks again for listening to the show and thanks to Julian for coming on and sharing what you did – plenty of takeaways!
Honestly, for what we charge and for what we can charge, I think the industry has gotten a little bit out of hand – Julian Beattie
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
Was looking forward to this interview ever since episode 102 with Janneke ; ) cool to hear about Julian trying out what quite a few probably wonder on the regular… how would life be with a 9 to 5? Thanks for a fun interview you two!
Julian’s pricing strategy makes a very interesting point. What I love about his photographs is the quirkiness and sense of humour that shines through – on his side but also on the side of the couple. So in case Julian reads here ; ) if I understood correctly you think that your price point is ideal for that very client (creative, young, wants details to look cool, wants to have fun and places a lot of weight on photography)… so, the prices keep those couples you love photographing coming, while a higher price point would realistically be out of reach for those clients and attract another clientele (less easy going, less “fun”)? I guess what I’m asking is, would you say that the rich fun artistic client might be more of a myth and just not that realistic to brand towards?
Another takeaway was the alternative approach to marketing – showing up on a lot of blogs instead of having SEO as the main strategy seems like a way to make sure clients that are a match come your way. Plus familiarity builds trust… so true haha… saw it this week when we chose the moving company that had mailed and phoned the most : P
Lastly there was a nice reminder of using the flexibility of self-employed life instead of mimicking a strict 9-5!
Hey Stephanie… That is one of the best and most encouraging comments I’ve read since starting the podcast.
Love all your takeaways and how you’ve directed what Julian shared. I’ll let him know about your question.
His approach to pricing and coupes sounds very similar to what Fer Jurist shared in his interview. He found by raising his prices, a different style of couple started booking him and the fun started to fade.
I thought the blog approach was very interesting and at a time when it’s getting more difficult to rank on the first page of Google, this would be a great option for a lot of photographers.
Thanks for adding your thoughts Stephanie!
A very deep and meaningful conversion that I can definitely relate to Andrew. As an entrepreneur, it’s difficult to balance work with life at home. Thank you for sharing your story Julian.
Thanks Annabella – so glad you enjoyed the interview.
I agree, it’s tough! I struggle to stop thinking about work whenever I’m not doing it which I know isn’t healthy. I’m not sure if you’re a mum but I think it’s even tougher for them to balance work and home life.
I often think about the interview with Dean Dampney and how he’s chosen lifestyle over “all business” – if you haven’t heard that interview, you’ve got to.
Hi Julian, loved this interview and your insights – cheers for being so open and honest!