A common request since starting the Photo Biz Xposed podcast has been to get a newbie in the hot seat to get their take on the wedding industry and discuss what they've been going through. In this episode, I speak with Nick Evans, a Brisbane based photographer to get a “newbies” perspectives, thoughts and ideas for wedding photography business success.

Nick Evans has been in business as a wedding photographer for 2.5 years at the time of recording. He's already successful and things are only looking better. He has been mentored by some of the worlds best wedding photographers which may or may not have given him a dream start… you be the judge.

Nick, like my previous guests, is super candid and totally open with his responses as I fire question after question about every step of his way from his cold start to photography right through to the dream run he seems to be experiencing now.

Nick Evans Podcast interview

Photo by Nick Evans

Here's some of what we cover in the interview:

  • Wedding packages and why they are structured this way
  • Pricing and the change he's made and currently making
  • Why packaging is so important
  • Unique branding
  • Why have a blog and does it make a difference to Nick's business?
  • SEO and Nicks workaround to avoid the competition of super competitive keywords (this is a gem)
  • Online slideshows and the affect they have on bookings
  • Mentors in the industry and how to find your own (no, you can't have Nick's)
  • Key photographers of influence
  • Why Nick thinks he's having the success he is
  • Facebook advertising
  • Networking
  • Word of mouth referrals
  • 2nd shooting
This interview is an absolute goldmine for anyone new to wedding photography or thinking about starting their own business. In my opinion, Nick has taken the perfect approach to fast tracking his success in the industry. For older, more established photographers, you need to listen in to realise the importance of staying on top of your game or the need to get yourself sorted, there's a new lot of photographers ready to come charging in and if they're anything like Nick Evans… look out.

Nick Evans, Brisbane wedding photographer interview

Photo by Nick Evans

A couple of shout outs

Thanks so much to those of you that have added a rating and review in iTunes this week – it really means a lot to me and makes the podcast more easily found in the iTunes store. If you do leave a review and would like a shout out on the show and a link to your website, you'll need to add your name and your website address. Alternatively, shoot me an email and let me know the username you used in your review.

Dalibor from acimicphotography.com (pronounced achi-mich) did just that to ask my views on business names.

iiTunes Reviews PhotoBizX

If you'd like a shout out or want to leave a review or rating in iTunes and I'd love you to, head to the Photo Biz Xposed page in iTunes here: www.photobizx.com/iTunes.

In addition to the reviews above, you can also find me on Twitter at andrewhellmich, like Chris from iwillshootu.com, John from johncolson.com and Michael from rammellphotography.com – it's been great chatting to you guys.

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

Nick Evans Photo

Nick Evans on Facebook

Tyler Alberti – Brisbane photographer and album designer

Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens – The tilt/shift lens Nick mentions and loves

Photo Mechanic software

Yelp

Matt and Katie Photographers

Ian Wilkinson – Brisbane wedding photographer

Marcus Bell – Brisbane wedding photographer

Sound Slides – online slideshows

Stewart Ross – Brisbane wedding photographer

Stephen Govel – Brisbane wedding photographer

Ben Clark – Brisbane wedding photographer

Pro Photo Blog Templates

Nick Evans, Brisbane wedding photographer interview

Photo by Nick Evans

What's the premium content?

For premium members this month, Nick allowed me to poke deeper into exactly how he approached other photographers for mentorship. In the audio below, you can hear the exact way Nick approached these photographers, how he separated himself from every other wedding photographer “wanna be” with his emails and approach. I ask Nick about the wording he used, how long his emails were and what research he did before making contact. Nick was incredibly generous and candid with his answers as you’ll hear.

What is your big takeaway?

This week I introduced the idea of you the listener giving me your big takeaway after each episode instead of me rambling on about my thoughts. If you're listening and getting something from these interviews, I'd love to know what. Plus, Nick would also love to hear your views too – let him know you enjoyed everything he offered and what you may implement in your business as a result.

If you feel really game, use the voicemail tab on the right hand side of this page and I'll be able to play your message back on the podcast.

Because podcasts can be played back at anytime in the future – you can still add your comments, I encourage you to. Anyone that has previously commented (plus me) will be notified of your comment and will be back to check it out and carry on the conversation.

That's it for me this week, have a great one.

Speak soon

Andrew