From his start in photography while carrying out national service in the police force.
Photographing battles, bodies and families torn apart on the worst moments of their lives.
Having his talent recognised by a real estate agent during a “basic head shot” assignment that led to becoming the go-to photographer for the largest national surfing brands, Island Style, Quiksilver, Roxy, DC Shoes, Volcom and Fox.
The stories continue and there is no doubt that Brett was only ever heading on one direction… up! Brett talks about becoming a Nikon ambassador, presenting at WPPI and possibly more important to you, how you can take your business in the same direction as Bretts.
Brett's view on magazine advertising was just one of the real eye openers for me and looking at it from his perspective was something I had never done. Chances are, if you've given up on print ads, you may change your mind after this episode of the podcast.
Brett draws much of his inspiration form the fashion and art world, more so than the wedding industry.
Chances are, if you're a wedding photographer, you've had to deal with “that guest” who wants to know the length of your lens, what aperture you're shooting at and the camera they have is the newer model than yours.
Chances are, you try and avoid or get away from that guest as soon as possible.
Chances are, following this interview, you'll never do that again.
A big thanks to Marc Collins in the UK for suggesting Brett as a guest after attending one of his wedding photography workshops in the UK. If you have a wedding or portrait photographer (or related business expert) that you'd love to hear on the podcast, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email, andrew@impact-images.com.au.
Here's some of what we cover in the interview:
A simple corporate head shot led to amazing things for Brett. As he says, it's all about the relationships you build.
Having known so little about Brett before this interview, I feel very lucky to have crossed paths with him. I felt we could have chatted for hours and it was great to hear him really open up and expose some of his thoughts on photography, knowing fine well that he may be coming across as…. I'm not sure what, but his honesty was refreshing and truly appreciated. Hope you feel the same way after listening.
Brett is also a published author and has a new book about to be released on Amazon (links below) and he photographs all over the world as well as conducts workshops and seminars. If you enjoy this interview and would love to see Brett presenting in your area or country, let him know. He'd love to hear from you.
Am I missing something?
If you ever find yourself listening to the podcast and screaming at me (figuratively, I hope) to ask a certain question that I'm not, you need to let me know.
Whether you'd like to hear a particular question in the “Quick Question” segment or in the general part of the interview, I'd really love to know. Leave a note in the comments below or email me – your input would be awesome.
By showing the style of image you want to shoot, you're more likely to attract the clients you want and want you.
A couple of shout outs
To Claire from Claire Wolfe Photography thanks for the iTunes rating and review, really appreciate what you've written!
To Terry from Canada – thanks for changing your review in iTunes from a 4 star to a 5 star! It means a lot to me but more so, it was really cool to hear you are starting your own photography business and getting something form the podcast. Wishing you every success and happiness in what is a fantastic way to live and work.
Also, thanks to HR Kealin' – not sure who you are but I appreciate the rating and review.
Again, to Marc Collins of MK Collins Wedding Photography for letting me know that I had to get Brett on the show – thanks!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Brett's 1st Book – Guide to Photographing Weddings
Brett's Latest Book – Modern Bridal Photography Techniques
Understanding lighting and your equipment is the first step to having a profitable business.
Get involved, leave a comment
If you're enjoying the podcast, please tell someone about it.
That would be super awesome and a big help to me. Use Facebook, twitter, email or over coffee. Just tell one other person that might enjoy it too.
If you're not enjoying the podcast, tell me! Get involved, leave a comment or email me – if you have an idea about how I could improve the show, let me know, I'm open to any suggestions.
That's it for this week, hope you have a fantastic one!Speak soon
Andrew
LOVE Brett! As a fellow South African I totally appreciate his thinking.
Veels gelik maatjie :)))
Brett has an amazing story about how he got started and just look at him now!
Not sure what you said at the end Mimika, hope it was polite 🙂
Basically it translates as “well done friend”. Just a bit of Afrikaans…
Thought it would be something nice 🙂
I’ve listened to quite a few of your pod casts, and whilst they are ALL amazing, this makes my top 5 so far! Really easy to listen too, great interview, great questions, great advice and great back story! So much good stuff in this, I wish more photographers knew about your site, and I am “preaching” about it all the time! Thanks Andrew. So GOOD!
Thanks for your support Rahim and great to hear how much you enjoyed this interview.
Brett was a fantastic find for the podcast and what a great story, right! Make sure you follow his blog as he continually puts up fantastic work.
WOW is all I can say.
Take away: charge more then I can afford to pay 🙂
Might make me rethink my shoot and burn. I love to edit and do edit a ton of photos before I make the disc. I am just rethinking my flow. Maybe chagrining for the disc or a print package. Right now I don’t charge for the images I am still building my name and profile up.
This might be the best podcast I have heard to date. Lots of gold in here. Show the BEST images folks. Not all of them just the best. I like the part about only showing a few online to the client so they will be wanting to see the rest and buy more.
Thanks gain so much. Itunes review coming soon.
Love your takeaways and it sounds like Brett really has you thinking about your business and the way you’re doing things – that’s fantastic!
How good is Brett’s story too – the way he got started to where he is now is just incredible. Still one of my favourite episodes to date.
Thanks for adding your thoughts and comments Joe.
I just listened to this as I go through your back catalogue. I can’t believe he can charge £8000 and he isn’t his target market. The question I wanted you to ask is where does his money go? If you charge that much, obviously marketing and overheads will be high, but does it lead to a larger net profit than shooting in the average wedding bracket? Thoughts?