In this episode of the podcast, Anni Payne from Milk and Honey Photography in Sydney, talks about how to have photography business success and a lifestyle by photographing the way you want. If this is something you're striving to have in your business, I'm sure you'll enjoy the interview.
I was so happy to have Anni as my guest on the podcast for this episode. It's taken a few tries and a little cajoling to get Anni here but I'm sure you'll agree, it was worth persisting.
I've tried hard to have Anni on the podcast because she has been in business for a long time and she runs her business from a very expensive area in Sydney, Balmain, then Rozelle which tells me they are doing something right in regard to running a wedding and portrait photography business.
Something about Anni and her work has always struck me as being very creative, arty and not easily swayed by trends and fads in photography. Not only has this been an admiration for me, it also tells me that photographers can shoot the way they want, the way they feel and image should be captured and be well paid for it.
All too often, I see photographers shooting the same stuff – the weddings look the same, the portraits look the same, the only difference are the faces. This isn't how I want to shoot but I do feel as though I'm guilty of exactly that. I've always thought it was my “technical approach” to photography.
In this interview, Anni explains that it's possible to do both, plus the how and why she shoots the way she does.
Anni and her team at Milk and Honey Photography held onto film longer than most studios and even today, their images reflect much of the same style that was achievable in the “film days”.
Apart from the way Milk and Honey Photography separate themselves in the market through their photography, Anni discusses in more detail about the running of the business, how it started as a partnership which had to expand then split to work.
It's an interesting story with lots of gems and Anni's honesty about the good times and the tough times are refreshing, interesting and helpful. I particularly love the way Anni and Laura conspire to keep Matthew (Anni's husband) out of the studio/office and out shooting all because he is too nice a guy and things just don't run well when he's there.
Here's some of what we cover in the interview:
The interior and exterior of the Milk and Honey Studio in Rozelle, Sydney.
A social media ‘faux pax' by the AIPP?
Although I cover the basic outline of the AIPP mess up following the Queensland State print awards and Jonas Peterson, I feel it's better not to harp on too much about the subject without actually talking to those involved. The plan is to have Jonas on the podcast at some stage and hear his thoughts on the subject plus a whole lot more.
The rough outline of the story is; Jonas was awarded Wedding Photographer of the Year. Following the announcement, the AIPP believed Jonas had “cheated” with one of his print entries (stating 3 breaches of the award entry rules) and was therefore not eligible to receive the award.
The problems though are these:
Jonas was notified publicly… on FACEBOOK of the fact.
There was only one breach of the rules, not three.
No one checked with Jonas before notifying him via Facebook.
You can imagine the dramas that followed. People were getting fired up, some going on the offensive, some the defensive. All in all, it was poor form on the AIPP's behalf. It was nice to see the way Jonas handled things following the crappy way things went down.
Below, is the Facebook post from the AIPP, the 2nd post, the apology after the 1st was deleted.
AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography Tuesday, May 21 at 6:59pm via mobile)
This photo, with actors (who really did get married) by Jonas Peterson is the one at the centre of the mess.
And here's a Facebook reply from Jonas following lots of shares, likes and loads of comments.
Jonas Peterson: Good morning,
I feel it's time for me to say something before this gets out of hand. Last night was both sad and hilarious at the same time. Mistakes were made, mine was that I entered an old image into QPPA and that disqualifies me from winning Wedding Photographer of the Year.
In an attempt to correct the mess the AIPP went out and said my image had broken the rules. We now know that Kylie Lyons made a mistake saying that the image had broken several rules, she should have checked with me first and not outed anything on social media before the facts had been checked.
She made a mistake.
We all make them, unfortunately this was a public one. Lets move on and learn from this, I've heard people talking about losing jobs and it's time to say…whoa.
The AIPP does wonderful things, I've supported it from day one and I will continue to do so. William Long, who had to inform me yesterday is someone I respect fully. There are so many wonderful people volunteering and sacrificing their time, over the weekend I saw them tirelessly working to make the QPPA as fantastic as possible. Let's remember them, not this.
This blunder doesn't change the fact that the QPPA was a great success with many people being honoured for their efforts. Todd Hunter McGaw is a fantastic photographer and a worthy winner.
Let's learn from this and make the AIPP stronger, not weaker.
I'll be there for the APPAs.
See you then.
If you're still after more detail, you can read the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper article or follow Jonas Peterson Photography on Facebook.
A couple of shout outs
My 1st rating and review from the mighty USA comes from Edgar. Thanks mate for your 5 star rating in iTunes and for the awesome comment. Very much appreciated and you can count on the new and consistent material – I have a bunch of interviews scheduled with different photographers, all with different views and ideas on how to run a successful business. Remember though, if there is someone in your ‘neck of the woods' that you'd like to hear, let me know.
Matt Smith from Matt Smith Photography in Newcastle has recently discovered the podcast and is pretty happy with the interviews so far. It seems we share a bunch of the same views on photography and he's a cyclist too! It's been great chatting via Facebook and great to have you listening. Thanks for making contact, the positive feedback and the fantastic review in iTunes – I appreciate the time you took and I know Israel and Ben, from earlier episodes will love your comments too.
Matt from Philadelphia, thanks for your 5 star rating and review in iTunes! Matt pointed out that he's not a beginner photographer but is still getting lots from the podcast which is just great and I don't think uncommon. I wouldn't consider myself a beginner either and have made some pretty big changes on my business as a result of what my guests have had to offer.
Michael from rammellphotography.com has aded the inaugural review from the UK, and he is loving the guests and what they've had to offer, with a special mention of Israel Smith. Mike is loving the work/life balance that so many of the photographer interviewed have been talking about. I'm not sure if this is specific to Aussie portrait and wedding photographers but I'll try and find out in future interviews with overseas guests to the podcast. Thanks again Michael!
Phillip from philipsilvermanphotography.co.uk, it's really satisfying to know that the podcast is providing you with some actionable content that you can use in your business. Although I hope to be able to offer something with these interviews, the generosity of the interviewees has been astounding and the advice, tips and ideas they've been sharing are just great. Thanks for listening.
Thanks for the great reviews in iTunes – they mean a lot to me and help other photographers find the podcast. I really appreciate the feedback!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
One of Anni's favourite images from a trip to Europe. I just love this.
Milk And Honey In Person Portrait Sales Workshop
Jonas Peterson Photography on Facebook
Sydney Morning Herald newspaper article
What's the premium content?
Following my interview with Anni, she stayed on the line and we chatted a little more about generating income in the off season with her album sales. We delved a little deeper to find that albums are the very last thing we should be dropping from our packages.
If you're a premium member, head over and grab the extra audio. If you're not, join up! For $10 per month, you'll help keep the podcast going, the guests sharing their great insights and knowledge.
Here's a promise for you. Join up and don't generate the cost of the membership in 12 months and you get a 100% full refund, no questions asked. Just so we're straight – if you don't/can't generate an extra $120 in your business using ANY of the membership content over a 12 month period – I'll refund your investment.
Get involved, leave a comment
That's it, ^^^ read the heading above ^^^ I'd love to see you get involved – leave a comment below. Say something, anything. I want to know you're out there 🙂
That's it for me this week, hope it's an awesome one for you.Chat soon
Andrew
Yes FB can kill you if you get a bad review. Glad that the AIPP made good on that.
For sure had to run a business with kids around. But it can be done.
thanks again
It was looking pretty ugly there for a while so yes, good to see it all get sorted.
Having kids is part of life and I’m sure most clients understand that. If you’re happy having the kids around, or evidence you have kids and yor clients don’t like it – there’s a good chance those clients aren’t a good fit for you anyway.
Thanks for adding your thoughts Joe.