In this, the first interview of the podcast I speak with Ben Marden, a wedding photographer from the far South Coast of NSW in Australia. I chased Ben up for this interview for a couple of reasons, his success and his eagerness for a chat – I knew there would be no struggling for good information and some fun.

I wasn't disappointed and am pretty sure you'll be entertained and learn a few things as well – especially when Ben relays his most embarrassing wedding photography moment that involved a lack of underwear, a boat and some climbing. Absolute gold!

What do you picture when someone mentions “successful photographer” – is it flashy cars, holidays, a big house, lots of staff or a big Studio? When I think success I think lifestyle, hence the reason Ben came straight to mind for my initial interview.

A few things about Ben:

  • He shoots around 25 weddings per year… because he wants to
  • He used to shoot around 45 weddings per year
  • He lives on a farm
  • There is no electricity supply to his house (he does have solar power and a generator)
  • He has no kids
  • He's been through a marriage breakdown, partly attributed to his love of photography
  • He doesn't work every minute of every day
  • He had a $22,000 debt with his photo lab in the early years of his business
  • He doesn't follow the photography “fads”
  • He rarely looks at other photographers work
  • Ben is unique
  • Ben has a great lifestyle
  • Ben really is a successful photographer
During the interview we cover Ben's start as a motocross photographer in Alice Springs to shooting his early weddings around Australia.

Ben Marden Photogrpahy

Not your average photographers home/office.

We cover the lessons he learnt along the way and talk about what should have been an eye opening chat with another very successful photographer, Anna Blackman only to find he didn't really understand that he wasn't making any money even though there was plenty of weddings being photographed and it felt like there was lots of money to spend.

Ben has learnt a lot of his lessons the hard way and after 12 years of photographing weddings, I get the sense he is now living the life he wants to be living. He shoots the way he wants and attracts the kind of wedding clients that he wants to photograph.

During our chat, he shares plenty of tips and advice for any up and coming photographer. Although he readily admits there is no shortcut to success, there are a few things he would definitely do differently if he were to start over with the knowledge he has now.

I was surprised to learn Ben recommends shooting your first 10 weddings for FREE! There is method to his madness, I'd be interested to hear if you agree?

A few other topics we touch on in this interview include:

  • Pricing and how it affects everything
Ben Marden wedding preparations

Ben preparing to head out to a wedding… in the old days (you may need to listen to the podcast to ‘understand' this caption.

  • Spray and prey – the “new” photographers mantra and why it doesn't work
  • Cameras
  • Toilet stops in the country
  • Film
  • Software
  • The future of wedding photography
  • Embarrassing wedding moments
  • And more

    • If you have any questions, feedback or want to say thanks to Ben for the information he shared, you can do that in the comments section below or you can contact Ben directly using the links below. If you did enjoy my chat with Ben, it'd be great to let him know and show your appreciation with a quick thanks via email or on Facebook – I'm sure he'd be very happy to hear from you.

    Links to mentions in this episode

    Ben Marden – the website: http://www.benmarden.com.au

    Ben on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benmardenphotography

    Ben on Instagram: http://instagram.com/benmarden

    Ben likes to chat, so if it's something simple, you can call him:  +612 6493 8305

    The AIPP: http://www.aipp.com.au

    April Goodman of Moving Pictures Photography in Alice Springs: http://www.movingpictures.com.au

    Anna Blackman: http://annablackman.com.au

    Graham Munroe: http://www.gmphotographics.com.au

    Photo Mechanic – software for editing, sorting and renumbering. Fast and easy to use: http://www.camerabits.com

    Want to see the world like Ben does 🙂 Serengeti Sunnies: http://www.serengetieyewear.com.au

    Some feedback would be awesome!

    This podcast is all about you – if want to know something, anything photography related, just ask. Got comments about this show, feedback on the audio, my questions, want to hear a certain guest be interviewed… let me know. You can get in contact by using the comments section below or you can email me andrew@photobizx.com.

    If you enjoyed the show, it'd be a huge help if you left a rating and a comment on iTunes. Not only will it help others just like you to find the show, it'd warm my heart knowing that you cared enough to spend 2 minutes doing that for me.

    Hope you enjoy this episode.

    Have a great week and speak soon.

    Andrew