It's one question I was looking forward to hearing the answer to after checking out his website and seeing the constant stream of striking images flow through my Facebook feed daily! Peter's style and imagery is such a standout that it lead to my intro at the start of the interview and a request for you to check out his work before you continue to listen.
Here is my intro to Peter Coulson
Before I interview any guest, I head over and check their website and blog, read what I can about them to get a sense of what they do and what they're about.
When I visited Peter's website earlier, my first reaction was holy crap, I am not a good photographer.
I've never done this before but I want you to pause the podcast and go visit his website right now.
Come back after you've had a good look around.
Seriously, go and have a look!
If you're reading these show notes before hearing the interview, check some of his images below but make sure you see more of his work on his website: www.peter-coulson.com.au
“I specialise in beauty, fashion and fetish Photography. Mixing a range of styles and fusing the latest fashion trends with my personal conceptual reflections. My images are strong, sensual and mysteriously elegant with a twist of my screwed up sense of humour.”
Here's some more of what we cover:
Following this interview, I wonder if you'll be thinking more about the images you make, the style you're shooting and if you'll be able to describe your photography in a way that Peter can about his:
“I specialise in beauty, fashion and fetish Photography. Mixing a range of styles and fusing the latest fashion trends with my personal conceptual reflections. My images are strong, sensual and mysteriously elegant with a twist of my screwed up sense of humour.”
With a sense of direction like Peter has, it's difficult to imagine any photographer failing at what they do. I'm guessing, but I think with that sense of direction, I don't think you'd care about who and how many people don't like what you do because you'd be creating something from the heart. Isn't that what we all set out to do when we got into this photography thing?
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
Check out this episode of the Ready Steady Pro podcast
You may remember I interviewed Michael Rammell, now known as “The Spreadsheet Guy” in episode 27 of the Photography Business Exposed podcast. Since then, Michael has started his own podcast – Ready Steady Pro, where he hosts round table discussions and interviews guests.
Last week I heard episode 16 where he interviewed David DuChemin in what I think was one of the best podcast episodes I've heard. A lot of what David had to say resonated deeply with me and really got me thinking about my own photography.
Following the interview, I felt compelled to check out more of what David talks and writes about on his Craft and Vision website and purchased a couple of ebooks.
Check out the interview if you haven't already and see if David has the same affect on you as he did me.
Send in your questions for Matt and Steve
Last episode I mentioned I'll be having both Steve Saporito and Matt Ebenezer (of Matt and Katie Photographers) back on the podcast to answer YOUR questions.
I've started to receive some questions but am looking for a lot more. This is your chance to ask a photography business related question that specifically applies to you and your business. Do not miss this opportunity to hear two different points of view from two different experts in the field of photography.
Steve, better known as the Portrait Doctor is a working studio transformer who knows his stuff when it comes to turning a studio into a profit making machine.
Matt and Katie have been one of the most popular interviews I've done on the show and are working photographers and workshop hosts.
I'll collate the questions and ask both Matt and Steve the same questions on different episodes to get a different perspective from both. Neither of them will have heard the others answers. It should be fun.
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.
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. This week I was blown away to see five fantastic reviews! Thanks you so much to:
Brett Ginsberg, a Melbourne based photography of http://www.creatography.com.au – love the first photo on your home page!
Alex Wardey from the UK – sorry Alex, I'm not sure of your website to link to
Batarang 9 from the USA – you have to let me know your real name so I can say a proper thank you.
Baggy Snaps from the uK who I believe is Steve Bagness of http://stevebagness.com
Jose 0127 from New York – you have to let me know your real name so I can say a proper thank you.
Gavin Haworth from http://www.gavfoto.com in the UK – who not only left a review but joined the Premium Membership as well.
Sincerely, thanks so much for your ratings and reviews, I appreciate the time you've taken and it's a big help for the show. 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!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Peter Coulson Website – http://www.peter-coulson.com.au/ or http://www.koukei.com.au/
Peter on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/petercoulsonphotographer
Peter on Instagram – http://instagram.com/petercoulson
Peter on Twitter – https://twitter.com/_petercoulson
Peter on Tumblr – http://petercoulson.tumblr.com/
Hasselblad H5D-50 Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body)
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
This was a great episode! I listen to the whole thing at least 2 times and some sections 4-5 times. Thank you Peter for being so open with your business!
Thanks Torrey! I agree, Peter was a terrific guest and really shared a ton of great stuff.
I like how Peter says he shoots all styles and I also liked the point he made about being diversified as sometimes recessions do come along and wedding booking might take a dip. I also particularly liked how Peter explained how to find one’s style. I’ve never heard someone put it so simply and yet so effectively.
Great episode, Andrew!
Thank you, Peter for all the insights!
Joey Joiner
Fort Worth, Texas
USA
I felt the same Joey – I’ve never heard another photographer talk about finding your own style so simply and easily. Good to hear you enjoyed the interview.
What a motivating episode. It really got me thinking and doing things. I just want to get out there and get some “hero shots”!
Interesting contrast to James Day’s episode with Peter choosing Facebook over and above anything else. Thanks Peter for the tip on automating twitter and tumblr.
Great to hear Peter talking about use restrictions depending on how the intended recipient will use the photos. I recently just had my camera with me while bridesmaids dress shopping with my fiancée. Took a few snaps of the shop and dresses. Sent them to the owner without charge. They were never going to pay for them anyway. The shop owner loved them, and shared them on her business facebook page and tagged us. She also sent the pictures to a small shopping magazine, so my photos will be in a magazine for the first time! The photos are also on Polka Dot Bride somewhere. Now thinking about doing this again but being more targeted in my approach for the best pay off.
Thanks again Peter and Andrew.
Thanks Andy, I love your description of the episode as “motivating” – that’s exactly how I felt after getting off the call and have since booked a creative shoot for this weekend.
I saw your recent photos of the bridesmaid shopping for dresses so you definitely did the right thing there. I saw it referenced on Instagram, Twitter and the Polka Dot Bride website – definite good mileage from a spontaneous shoot… well done!
Excellent episode, excellent photographer!
Well done on this one Andrew, right up there with the best of your interviews so far. Diversifying your business model is something I’ve been giving a lot of thought to recently. Glad to hear that mentioned.
Thanks also for the shout out for the David DuChemin interview. I could have him on the show every week – he’s an amazing speaker and made that interview so, so easy.
Glad you enjoyed the interview Michael.
No probs for the “shout out” – it was well deserved. If you can get David back on, go for it – we’ll all be tuning in.
Damn cool interview with a very cool photographer. I like getting these different perspectives.
Thanks Rob – isn’t Peter’s work just fantastic! He was a pleasure to interview and so happy to share.
I have met Peter a few times at AIPP event and also seen him at work at both Bowen’s lighting & hasselblad seminars. He is really awesome to watch at work – Have listened to this fantastic interview several times.
Would love to hear again from Peter regarding his competition work, selection and post work.
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Andrew,
Thank you very much for all your podcasts, I listen to a few photography ones, but yours takes the cake. They are easy to listen to but informative, challenging and entertaining.
This is my favourite of all the episodes so far, you certainly ask great questions and have great guests on your show – thanks again!!
Hi Rowan – thanks for taking the time to leave your comment and fantastic feedback. I really appreciate it!
How good is Peter’s work!
As a portrait photographer, make sure you check out the interview with Sue Bryce – she shares some great info.
Another great episode with a different point of view. I loved the stuff up btw! So funny 🙂