Gary Lashmar who also goes by the name Marshal Gray has made a rapid rise in the wedding photography industry and in no time has high prices, plenty of bookings and is hosting wedding photography workshops! He attributes his rapid rise through the ranks down to avoiding the cliched approach of other wedding photographers.
Surely there has to be more to Gary's story than simply doing things differently? There is, and they include not trying to impress his couples, aiming to scare a lot of potential clients away and over delivering in every aspect. Gary goes out of his way to get brides on the phone and once talking to them he has a 90% booking rate and is happy to totally mess up and show that he is human while hardly letting them get a word in.
If you've ever been nervous when speaking to a client, run out of ideas on a shoot, struggling to come up with a pose during the bridal shoot or engagement session, this could be the perfect interview to have you booking more weddings than ever and an ability to truly find your style and creativity.
Here's some more of what we cover:
If you've ever been in the situation of not having enough bookings? Gary has and does face the same issues today but he handles the lack of bookings in a totally different manner to any photographers I've spoken to in the past. Following this interview, if what Gary shared resonates with you, you'll never worry again.
Well, you may worry, but you should have a plan of action to get the phone ringing again and not be hung up on the lack of bookings.
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 implementable content from where we dive deeper into some of the earlier topics plus some new ones that I pushed hard for that include:
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.
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you'd like to ask or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
If you'd like an easy way to show Peter your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically let him know you're listening: https://photobizx.com/tweet
The Resources Page
Remember the ever expanding resources page that has a listing of products, programs, hardware, books and directories mentioned in each episode of the show. If you’re looking for something that a guest has mentioned on a previous episode but just can’t remember who or what it was – you’ll find it listed in order on the resources page.
Transcription Service
If you're producing video for your potential clients on your blog or website, don't underestimate the SEO effect if you have those videos transcribed. Remember, Google relies on the written word to index your content, not audio and video.
Chances are, your videos are full of targeted keywords and they need to be transcribed for maximum search-ability.
An easy solution for your transcribing is available right here on PhotoBiz Xposed at photobizx.com/transcribe
iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs
Each week before recording the podcast I check iTunes for any reviews and each week I'm excited to see what you've had to say about the podcast. It's these iTunes reviews that make a big difference to the podcast being ranked well and found in the iTunes store. If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes.
Don't feel your comments have to be long, involved or gushy, an honest opinion is all I ask. Don't be shy about leaving your business name in the review either – that way I can add a link in the show-notes and show my appreciation with a proper thanks and a Google loving back-link to your website.
Get in Touch or Leave a Voicemail Message
If you'd like to get in touch, ask a question or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me andrew@photobizx.com, find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I'd love to hear from you!
Websites:
http://www.marshalgrayphotography.com
http://www.thedarephotoexperience.com
http://www.marshalgrayphotography.com/wedding-blog-features/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MARSHALGRAYPHOTOGRAPHY
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarshalGray
Instagram: http://instagram.com/gary_aka_marshalgray
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Marshalgray/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100952948746364196875/posts
Photographers mentioned in the interview
Jonas Peterson – http://jonaspeterson.com/
Jonas Peterson interview on Photo Biz X – https://photobizx.com/25
Fer Juaristi – http://ferjuaristi.com/
Fer Juaristi interview on Photo Biz X – https://photobizx.com/53
Equipment
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens
That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
If you've been enjoying the podcast, I'd love for you to tell another photographer about it – it could be in a Facebook Group you're a part of, a photography forum, with a photographer friend or on twitter.
If you do have a twitter account, simply click here: https://photobizx.com/tweet or use the share buttons below.
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
What a podcast. Gary – what a great character you are. You are right, enthusiasm is infectious. After listening to you I want to get out and shoot. Thanks for the great interview Andrew and Gary
If a podcast can get you excited to get out and shoot, I’m considering that a successful interview – thanks for adding your comments Nicholas.
Gary did you breathe during that podcast? I suspect Andrew went for a walk on the beach with his son and then came back to wrap things up! I’m not knocking the enthusiasm though! It’s a privilege to shoot a wedding – a fact that many photographers forget. Another great podcast and fantastic work Gary.
Love it James!
I can honestly say I was on the edge of my seat trying to keep things on track… it was a fun interview.
I sound like a cross between Jack Bauer and Russell Brand.
Always good to catch up with Gary’s thinking – it doesn’t seem to sit still from week to week.
After talking to Gary, I think you’re right Simon – I imagine that if we had Gary back on the show next week, we’d hear a totally different interview with different ideas but just as much excitement and passion.
Wow! Lots of great info! You and I could NOT have a phone chat or in person though we’d just be both talking lol Im the exact same way as you and my brain moves faster than I can talk sometimes! I was wondering also if Andrew had went to cook dinner or something and just came back from time to time haha! love it! The last photo shown on here the B&W bride sitting down, love that as well 🙂 Good luck in your business adventures.
Be blessed & Be inspired!
Tara Eveland
I’m laughing at the thought of you two on the phone Tara! 🙂
I definitely didn’t leave my seat Tara – I was enjoying listening to Gary as much as it sounded like you did!
Mistake – mine. It’s not 2500 images they get. (heaven forbid). They get 350. I got jumbled up. It’s £2,500 basic fee. 🙂 xxx
Thanks for clarifying Gary.
I did interview another photographer, Daniel Griffiths, in episode 39 of the Podcast, who does in fact give up to 4000 images to his wedding couples. Editing time… less than one day!
Yeah, I spotted that!
Wheew, that is great to know because I have felt the calling of the Lord to open my business back up to wedding photography. Now I normally do not listen to the wedding ones on here, but now I plan to go back and listen. So this was the first one I listened to.
Being that I have not taken more than 4 ‘all inclusive’ small weddings per year for about 4 years I am just now coming up with packages and pricing and the questions like ‘how many should I edit’ such like that.
I heard you say that and almost threw up! I don’t even know if I would TAKE that many images at a wedding, let alone be able to edit them all, and Andrew said someone does it all in one day? HOW do they do that? I mean how, unless of course you are just shooting perfect SOOC and adding zero ‘style’ or artistic edits to the images, which my client love btw.
My style of editing I use a matte/haze on every single image I put produce. Yes it is somewhat time consuming but in the past for weddings I have just outsourced it to a woman that I trained to mimic my style and it has worked great.
Okay, I do have a question for you and I will put it in its own post below 🙂 just wanted to say thanks for correcting that, how many images do you normally shoot though at say an 8 hour wedding?
Let me start by saying that I love Andrew’s podcast. I’m addicted to listening and learning something new every week.
As a photographer who’s been shooting for close to 30 years, this particular podcast left me dizzy, confused and bewildered. I would write more but I have to go find my prozac…..
PMSL Noel!
hahahaha thats how I was the first and second time I listened to it. Coming back today however after hearing it a few times, if you really key in and listen he is offering some AWESOME advice, especially for premium members! Seriously if you have thought of going premium this would be one of the episodes that you should want to do it for. My other favs on the premium are Nikki Mcauthor and Matt and Katie honestly! Oh and that one about instagram, well there are so many and so much awesome stuff in the premium member area and for 10 bucks a month for 4 shows and about 20-30 minutes of extra listening time for the best ideas, that breaks down to about….heck Im horrible at math, what like less than $2 per episode? Break that down into the minutes given and the discounts/promo codes/extra advice and Id say you cant afford to NOT be a premium member if you are an avid listener!
Sorry for the ‘plug’ I didnt mean for it to come out that way lol And no I do not get paid to advertise for Premium memberships lol I just think that so many people would benefit so much more if they invested in them and just try it for a month, check out the already there content and if you dont like it, cancel and go back to listening to just regular 🙂
Okay BACK ON TOPIC! Yes for first listening, you may need to take a xanax to get through it lol 🙂 This guy is super awesome though and very insightful.
+ 1 Noel.. I got about 1/2 through but I’ll have another crack at it next week.
yep..WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE this interview. Gazza, i love your honesty and your ‘genuine’ approach.
And by the way..how Good is the photography! i absolutely love it! Certainly not for everyone, but i just love the style. Very very different.
and you’re right, a photo is worth nothing…and everything!
oh, I’m curious, what b&w presets do you use?
Love your comments Ebbo!
Good to read your thoughts on Gary’s photography too, I thought it was a stand out.
Amazing interview, had to park the car for 30 minutes to concentrate!
Love the general vibe that Gary is trying to get across, its all about being genuine. I have watched my business here change extremely from a guy who STUDIED wedding photography blogs and had shot lists (including thumbnails!) for the day to now be solely ‘in the moment’ as Gary talks about here. Still a few hurdles to overcome before I am completely ‘free’ but I am enjoying my work more and more so must be getting closer.
I often find myself turning up to client meetings or weddings themselves wondering what I am doing and whether I have everything I need but all seems to go alright once that 35mm is put on and I just be myself, it feels like i’m not actually running a business, just wandering around taking pictures! Glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels like this turning up to jobs.
Very cool to read your comments Brad.
I was shocked to hear Gary saying that he didn’t know what he was doing half the time when on a shoot… Shocked because I face those same feelings and it appears others do too.
Interestingly, I’ve always done my best to hide what I’m thinking from my clients and give that look of “everything is just perfect” instead of being relaxed enough to fill them in. I reckon it takes more guts to be honest and let the clients know. I might try it next time I get that feeling.
I loved reading that you had to pull over to concentrate. That is the BIGGEST and BEST compliment to a podcaster. Thanks!
I think, and I make no bones about this, that my way isn’t for everyone. For me to create an energy for my work and to retain my passion – I have to be in alignment with what my original dream was. I never wanted it to be a job. I never wanted it to be planned. So for sure sometimes I get into grooves and pick up habits and for me I am always looking to maintain my original spontaneity. Otherwise it becomes habitual. It’s kind of like having a relationship. When we first hook up with our partner everything is roses and if we don’t work to ‘keep seeing afresh’ it becomes habitual and we all know where that can lead right?
The fact that you have polarised listeners is proof to me that you are a success Gary. It’s taken a long time for me to learn what seems to come naturally to you… It’s a waste of time, energy and creativity to try and appeal to everyone.
It was an absolute pleasure to have you on the show. A roller coaster but a pleasure 😉
Bet you’re going to think twice before interviewing a “Londoner”! Man, he was all over the place…couldn’t finish a sentence or answer a question…I felt sorry for you, but do you know what? Like Gary said, it’s his honesty that is his selling point. If you can look past the strong personality that is! 😉
Interesting guy. Very eccentric for sure. But I took that as seeing “the Artist” in him more than anything else.
Joey Joiner
Have a look at Gary’s work when you get a chance too Joey – great photographer.
It was a bit like tripping and falling down the stairs in some places but love his style.
Haha, great analogy Paul… good to hear you still enjoyed the episode and thanks for adding your comments.
[…] of Marshal Gray Photography did a great interview for photobiz this week you can check it out HERE. In it he talks a lot about doing it differently, he also name drops yours truly at one point, […]
Gary, I’m so proud of you. Andrew, thanks for posting this podcast. It’s like this living with Gary and, at times the way the sugars left out after making a cup of tea because he’s so excited to get on to the next thing can be annoying and.. it absolutely keeps me on my toes. Life is not for being sane or comfortable or structured the whole time. That’s why we had so much fun adventuring as kids, right!? What Gary shares in this podcast he’s been sharing with me for the past three years and it has made my business and photography the success it is today. So for those ‘getting their prozac’, take a step back towards the computer and perhaps try to put some of the ideas into practice. It’s earned me more money, more experiences of the world and more amazing couples than I could have ever dreamed of. It takes a (what could be considered from the outside, I suppose) a risk, a leap of faith and… why not experiment? I was never one for wanting to stay on the same path the whole time. What Gary discusses is what a lot of us think and are too scared to admit to ourselves. Facing it and dealing with it makes us progress. And I like the idea of that.
Well said and lovely to read your comments Claudia.
It must be a real adventure living the life you’re living with Gary. Congratulations on your success and for facing your fears.
I’ve had the joy of knowing Gary for a number of years and this podcast catches him on his free-associating best. He’s a real inspiration and the amount of support he has given me is immense. So many takeaways in this podcast, you just have to go with the flow and let them flow over you and then trust that they are there.
The thing I love about his approach and his work, as many have commented on, is his willingness to be totally genuine and totally himself. I’m someone who constantly struggles with self-doubt and wanting to present a “perfect” image to the world, so I am most inspired by his fearlessness in expressing both his vulnerability and his confidence – even when he doesn’t want to, I believe this significantly contributes to his ability to attract both clients and those who want to work with him within the profession.
Thanks for the podcast, Andrew – brilliant as always.
Great to read your comments Pat. I know you’re not the only photographer who struggles with self doubt and it’s those photographers I’m sure that would love to be able to bottle some of that fearlessness that Gary displays.
You’re lucky to know Gary and I’m sure spending time around him would be fun and inspirational.
Loved it. What a voice. I’ve been annoyed with myself for messing up a client phone call earlier today. And listening to this Gary teaches me to give myself permission to be nervous. Mess up. Be genuine. I feel alright again. Thank you Gary, Andrew so, so much.
Loved reading your comments Roberta – thanks for adding them!
Okay awesome, here is my question I wrote down on listen Number 3 lol 🙂 Great stuff but you really do have to listen in good, most deff. not one you can edit and listen to!
Okay, so when you commented on the other photographers pages, the ones that you liked their photos when you were wanting inquiries, did you just comment on local photographers? Also you say that you blogged about it, what did you blog exactly? was it just links to the other photogs? very interested in that part it was so brief about it though id love to hear more!
were they local or random photogs basically? did you pick THEM for a reason?
Hi Tara.
Commenting: I leave comments only on the photographs that I like. I don’t really comment to get anything back. By commenting on the photography I like, (photographers from all over the world not just local), it all becomes congruent and things start to happen. There isn’t a right way to do this. As you probably picked up from listening to the podcast – my approach is very spontaneous and I make it up as I go along. I don’t use the same methods over and over again. Methods are fine if that’s what gets you what you want … my energy is based on doing it differently … all of the time. That’s why in the podcast at times I’ll struggle to get to the point because I don’t have any exact answers or way of doing things. It’s always different.
BLOGGING: I blogged about anything. I’d blog about a trip to a local coffee shop. I’d blog about street photography. I’d blog about a portrait shoot I did. I’d blog about a night out with friends. I always used to blog a whole load of text and always include at least one photograph. (i’m a photographer right). These days I tend to blog less prose heavy and I always try to have a balance.
I love reading all the comments.
I did listen back myself (which was odd) and I wasn’t as awake and clear in some of my ‘returns’ as possibly I would be at say a workshop. I do digress and … this was digressing on a whole other level at times. Possibly a little dizzy I dare say. 🙂
What is interesting though is that from the comments above, I think what people really took from the workshop, was my enthusiasm. Creating an energy that is positive and then working from that space … is so important to me. If I’m energetic and positive and always looking to ‘do it differently … good things will happen one way or the other.
Thanks for adding your comments Gary and answering the questions that have been popping up – it’s great to learn a little more about you!
Gary your are a nut, in a very good way. Nice to see someone doing it their way, not worried about towing the same boring line. You tired me out!! Good to be true to your self. I see lots of shooters stringing what seems to be lines of BS on blogs, the best clients ever etc. Keep it up. I may just have to be more real on my social media as well.
Great to read your comments Jerry and you think Gary tired you out!
Best podcast so far! Love that it’s so candid, unpretentious, honest and open. Well done Gary & Andrew!
Thanks JK! Couldn’t agree more with your comments about Gary.
BTW – I love your business name and work. I actually contacted you for an interview when I kicked off the podcast.
Great interview! Love his honesty and down to earthness 🙂 What a character 🙂 Thanks Andrew and Gary!
Glad you enjoyed it Johanna and agreed… What a character!
[…] This is another photography podcast and it’s pretty much all business. Gary Lashmar is a London-based wedding photographer who had me emailing him within 20mins of the start of this interview. The guy’s enthusiasm and no bullshit attitude was incredibly refreshing, and his photos are beautiful too. Photo Biz X with Gary Lashmar/Marshal Gray (50mins) […]
Great interview guys. Love the whole under promising and over delivering.
Thanks Adam.
Gary your work is great. A real inspiration.
I’m about 30 seconds into Gary talking and I’m buzzing already haha I know this is going to be a cracking episode!!
I’m guessing you enjoyed the whole interview Derek because it didn’t change after the first 30 seconds 🙂
Gary is one passionate dude and excited by… Life!
Hi Andrew,
I really enjoyed the episode, Gary comes across really well and seems like a top bloke. I’m fairly new to the photobiz podcast but I’m catching up pretty quickly and the premium content is great… I’ve just got to sort out a plan to implement all the good info.
Hi Derek – great to hear you enjoyed listening to Gary, it was definitely a fun interview for me and I loved his passion!
Glad that you found the show and the premium content, perfect timing.
The implementation is the “somewhat” difficult part but I find doing something, no matter how small, each day gets great results.
If you haven’t hear the James Schramko episode, check that out – he talks about that exact topic right at the start of the interview and how to know what you should start implementing first.
Speak soon
Andrew
I freaking love Gary! Been dying to take one of his workshops but to be honest I simply don’t have the funds for it…and he is worth every penny. It’s on the top of my bucket list.
In the meantime, he is one of the photographers I use as a model to help myself break free from the chains that bind me…otherwise known as “perfection”…that perfection crap kills creativity. There’s a little wild photographer in my soul and people like Gary are helping me find that photographer just by looking at their work and listening to him, specifically, say to just be genuine. It’s really that simple, and that hard at times…when I pick up my camera I find myself getting stuck…but Gary reminds me to see things differently and without pressure…to just let it be and to go with it.
Great interview…appreciate it!
Haha, love it Mikell 🙂
Gary is definitely a unique character and this is one interview that polarised listeners.
I’d have to say, the way he spoke about his approach to shooting also had an affect on me. I was one of those photographers, like yourself, always looking to “construct” a great image instead of just letting things flow.
That’s slowly changing and I’m loving it.
Good luck with your transition and journey! And great to have you as a Premium Member and getting involved.