Today's Guest is Ian Weldon from the UK and he's just been included in the top 100 wedding photographers in the world. As cool as that is, it's interesting that Ian proclaims to not be a wedding photographer! He believes, taking a stand with your photography business could be the ‘life changer' many photographers are looking for.
Ian's website ‘About' page starts with the following paragraphs…
I’ve tried, I really have, but there's no easy way to tell you I’m not a Wedding Photographer.
I mean, as much as I’d love to stand around for hours lining people up, ordering them around and taking photographs of every combination of family member and guest, I’ve more important things to be doing.
So yes, although he makes his income from shooting weddings, he's no ordinary wedding photographer.
Here’s some more of what we cover:
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 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 don't understand your history you are doomed to repeat it
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Ian 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 Ian your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically show you’re listening: https://photobizx.com/tweet
SEO Course for Photographers
I interviewed William Bay of Flaunt Your Site back in episode 3 of the podcast and have mentioned his online courses a couple times since then.
Now he's just launched a brand new SEO Strategy Series. He's taken all the practices that have helped his clients get results and put it into a package that you can do for yourself without having to hire an SEO Specialist for $800-1,000 per month.
The promo code for $50 off is: xposed
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Ian Weldon Photography Facebook Page
Equipment
Fujifilm X-T1 16 MP Compact System Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) (Weather Resistant)
Rokinon 8mm F2.8 UMC Fisheye II (Black) Lens for Fuji X Mount Digital Cameras (RK8MBK28-FX)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks Ian for being an awesome guests!
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
Now this is the kind of interview I like! I think Ian’s approach will definitely split the audience but it really got me intrigued. Fair play to Ian for laying his cards out on the table and getting to shoot his way, I don’t think I could ever be as uncompromising as him as it is just not in my nature but it is a just a slightly more extreme variation on the philosophy we hear time and time again from the various interviewees…. Manage expectations. Show the type of work we want to shoot and we will in turn be booked for that type of work. I prefer Fer Juaristi’s approach (i’m current smashing the back catalogue of the podcast) where he has a similar philosophy to bookings as Ian but maybe a little softer around the edges. Great interview though and I find Ian’s work fascinating….I wouldn’t book him myself but I do appreciate what he is contributing to the industry.
Andrew
Good to hear this one struck a chord with you Andrew.
So true with your observations about hearing the same thing over and over from the successful (or happy) photographers interviewed on the podcast. I have a feeling you and I are similar in our thoughts… Somewhat envious of Ian’s approach but at the same time unsure about being so uncompromising with clients. I’m working on it though.
Interesting comparison with Fer too… I do see some of that.
Great to read your comments Andrew, thanks for adding them.
Thanks, Andrew, glad you enjoyed the interview.
For me, it was nerve wracking! I know what I do but it’s really difficult to articulate that under pressure. Listening back though it came out well, I didn’t swear or rant.
A few years ago when I was learning to play the Guitar (I still can’t by the way) a wise man said that I should play music that I’d like to listen too. I’m using that advice for my photography.
I’m making images that I’d like to look at, the kind that I find interesting. I like the peculiar, the funny, and the sometimes gritty unflattering nature of life. If that’s how it was, then that’s how it was.
I’m not always looking for the ridiculous though and every situation has to be approached individually, a tender moment requires a tender approach.
Fundamentally I’m making photographs for me and the camera allows me entry to document a very personal aspect of life, and to be immersed in a pretty surreal dynamic.
To try and force a structure onto that not only denies my clients the freedom to enjoy their day, but it also denies me the freedom to truly document.
Hey, it’s not for everyone and I’m not trying to be all things to all men. I am however, having a blast!
I read this today, and wish that I could have put it so eloquently:
‘If you complete the composition so that all things are within the geometry of logic or the logic of geometry, then the picture, by definition, is stagnant” – Larry Fink
Nice work too, man.
If you’re ever up north give me a shout.
I loved this interview!
But first off, I LOVE the new site, but why didn’t you link to it in the show notes? Show it off! It looks fantastic! Updating your images really made a change too!
I know you asked who we wanted to listen to, the photographer who isn’t an expert but is having a damn good time shooting or the expert who has all the answers. There doesn’t have to be an “either or” I love listening to both because everyone has a different vision for their business. Some people just want to be a one man weekend warrior and never go full time while others want a dozen employees shooting 100+ weddings a year. Ive had huge take aways from both types of guests. You’re doing a great job! Keep it up!
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Raymond. Thanks.
Me too Raymond… How good is Ian’s approach to his photography!
Hah, thanks for the nice words about my new site – I am planning to talk more about it in next weeks episode and will link to it then 🙂
Still sorting through some things, making adjustments etc. I think it’ll be more helpful to podcast listeners if I share the process and how it’s been from start to finish.
And thanks for your feedback on future guests. It’s good to know you (I’m guessing others too) are on the same wavelength as me. I like the variety and feel everyone brings something to the interviews.
Thanks again Raymond – looking forward to talking more to you shortly. 🙂
Hi Andrew!
Just so you know, your story about the Indian restaurant owner who was so generous and you found him an inspiration for great customer service, well it kind off reminded me of a similar experience. Where i asked the advice of a very busy individual and received a 15 minute voice mail in return with amazing feedback and then some! It’s something that i will never forget and my own inspiration of amazing customer service! (oh and if anyone else is reading this, that very busy person was Andrew!)
Also in answer to your question of “people who have it worked out or people that may not”… both!! There is value in both aspects.
Ahhh, you’re too kind Angie 🙂
So good to have you listening!
Hope you’re doing well and business is good and growing.
Give Lentil a little pat from me now that easter is over. Love your work!
Great interview Ian and Andrew! I am a newbie wedding photographer based in Newcastle so it certainly made me sit up and listen when I heard a local accent.
I think Ian’s approach to booking weddings came over as uncompromising, but with a playful element to it. I detected a definite Northern working class sense of humour at play and that translates into the photographs too. I had a good look at your photographs Ian and I was suitably impressed. I can see the Martin Parr influence on your work.
At my first paid wedding I took a photograph of the back of a bald man’s head and it was my favourite shot of the wedding, but everyone I showed it to asked why it was there and they just didn’t get it. I’m going to put it back on my website now!
I’d love to ask you a question about your gear Ian (I know this may have been covered in the paid podcast but I’m broke and can’t afford that yet!). I currently shoot with Canon – 35 & 85 primes – and am considering going mirrorless. The low light performance and off camera flash is preventing me from making the change just yet. Any advice?
As for the question you posed Andrew, I like a mix of interviews. I don’t think there would be much to gain from interviewing real newbies like me too often though, as I would have far more questions than answers. Similarly, the real superstars of photography have probably been at the top for so long they might be detached from the everyday reality we experience. The 80-90% in the middle are all good to hear from though.
Thanks, Barry. Glad you enjoyed the interview and thanks for your kind words about my work.
Hey, if you like the image of the bald headed guy, show the image of the bald headed guy.
I’m making photographs that I’d like to look at and in doing so I’m presenting a style, a unique style, something that I hope separates me from other photographers. So go for it man, the industry seems to have written a rule book, a rule book that people have never read but are happy to quote from on a regular basis. There isn’t a single great artist that has achieved anything by being constrained by what others perceive to be normal. Pollock, Avedon, Picasso, Rothko, de Kooning, Mapplethorpe, Arbus…….etc. I could go on for hours but I’m sure you get my point.
Cameras for me, are simply just boxes with holes in, whatever works for you is the best camera. I use the Fuji’s because they suit the way I work. They are inconspicuous and don’t make me obvious as “THE” photographer at a wedding, and they’re light!
I love my X Pro – 1, it makes me think and it makes me deliberate and slow. There is so much method that goes into making photographs with it that it’s just a joy to use.
The XT-1 I use is a bit more responsive and DSLR like, and really I bought one to see what it was like. It’s a great camera but I prefer the feel and form factor of the X Pro. I’ll probably ditch the XT when the XPro – 2 comes along. Although it has become more of my walk around camera of late. With the 18mm attached it’s not much bigger than an X100.
I shoot with an 18mm (27) f2 & a 35mm (52) 1.4. Last weeks wedding might have well been in a dungeon, in the dark. I quite happily shot the XT & the X Pro at 6400 ISO, f1.4/f2 at 1/60th. No flash. I can’t say that I would have been confident with my 5D II.
I do use a flash and it’s just my Canon 580 EX II attached to the camera with a cord.I have just ordered a Nissin i40 flash gun, smaller and lighter, and I have some cowboy studio wireless triggers. I do like the cord though, very Mark Cohen.
I’d suggest hiring whatever you’re interested in and giving it a test drive, the Fuji’s aren’t for everyone.
Why are you considering switching from your current setup?
Amazing answer Ian – thanks again for going above and beyond!
The photography community is a better place with you in it.
Thanks Barry and great to have you listening.
I agree, the sense of humour is definitely visible in Ian’s work – how’s the photo of the couple kissing (more like eating each other) in the blog post above, that’s gold!
I can see Ian has given a wonderfully detailed answer to your question which was fantastic – thanks Ian.
Thanks too Barry, for your feedback on future interview guests – I’m hearing similar things from many which is a good sign.
Speak soon
Andrew
Thanks, Andrew. Much appreciated man 🙂
Should you interview guests that don’t consider themselves business experts? Absolutely. For one, there is something to learn from everyone. Secondly… you, Andrew, are one of the best communicators I’ve ever heard. I love every interview. Your guests always let it all hang out. I wouldn’t change a thing.
And let me address the concept of “ideas/information we’ve heard many times before”… please don’t let that ever change the show. Some of my favorite content creators lost me by trying too hard to “stay fresh.” Great ideas and advice are going to re-appear, and I’m 100% cool with that. I *want* to hear different guests give the same insight. It adds credibility to the thought.
Brad, thanks so much mate for your comments – super helpful for me.
And thank you for the kind words too, you’ve made me feel very special.
Great point about similar ideas being mentioned giving credibility to those ideas. I hadn’t thought about it in that context but makes perfect sense.
It’s good knowing you’re out there and listening each week. Thanks.
This got me fired up to shoot. My takeaway is that since I’m not a fulltime photographer, I can let my “real job” pay the bills and allow me to turn down any jobs that don’t suite what I do best. I can grow my photography career in a direction where I can be the best because I’m unique and real.
I’m happy that you got something from this, Brad.
You’re right about doing it your own way and being the best at being you. Who could be better!
I think that some people go full steam ahead into the business of photography without actually understanding what kind of photographer they are.
I did it but soon realised that if I wanted to build a business, a solid business, then I had to build a reputation, (when did fancy branding and some workshops become more important than reputation?) and to do that I would have to work a couple of jobs to get me through.
There are no problems in life, there are only solutions 🙂
PERFECT takeaway and one I wish I heard or knew when starting my business and having the full time job.
Thanks for taking the time to reply Ian.
I try to be minimalist in my outlook on gear in life, and in my photography too, so I only look to change my equipment when I come up against real issues. I’ve had issues with low light photography, both in ISO performance and focussing – the last straw was a wedding at Linden Hall in late November when it was dark, wet and foggy. The obvious thing to do is invest in something like the 5D3, but that will lock me into a heavy and expensive upgrade path with Canon bodies and lenses.
I also had back surgery last year and a lighter bag would be a definite plus.
I’m with you on not feeling constrained by the rules. All art was modern art at some point, even if it feels very safe to people now. It just tough to have the courage to do this when I’m broke and just starting out!
I started out with the 24-70 and 70-200 on two bodies, but found that although they are technically excellent, people reacted differently when I pointed those lenses at them. Dropping down to the smaller and lighter primes has helped, but dropping down to a mirrorless system might be an improvement again, enabling me to get more natural images.
Like you, I want the equipment to get out of the way so I can concentrate on what photographs I want to capture.
I suppose it can be difficult to stick to your guns, but if you are shooting the way someone else wants you to shoot, or expects you to shoot, then your images are not going to represent you and your style. People will expect to get what they see and managing expectations could become a nightmare.
You could shoot more traditional weddings, and while doing that try to make some more photographs in the style that you like, and introduce them to your portfolio. Eventually filtering out the standard stuff. Or, like me, work another job until you are booking the people you want and can go full time photography.
I was working 7 day weeks for about a year because I didn’t want shoot traditional weddings.
I still work 7 day weeks, for most of the year, and I know that this makes me better than the guy that’s working 4. It’s a lifestyle and I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
Yeah, if you’ve got back issues then DSLR’s can be a struggle, especially shooting weddings. It’s a long day.
I’ve had people ask me what essential kit they should buy for wedding photography, and I usually say a Gym Membership!
As I’ve said, I love my Fuji’s but I know people that have the Olympus cameras and love them too.
Let me know what you settle on, and how you get on with it.
Great interview! Ian was brilliant.
Andrew, you should definitely interview those that are ‘still figuring stuff out’. I don’t think anyone really ever makes it, going by the interviews I’ve listened to even the more well known bigger names still hustle & chase for work.
Thanks Derek – wasn’t he ever! Ian is a true breath of fresh air in wedding photography.
Noted with your suggestion and I’ll stick to what I’ve been doing with a range of guests at different stages of their business.
Thanks for adding your comments too.
Got to say that this interview kept me more captivated than many others.
In fact I couldn’t wait to take a look at Ian’s website to see if the images matched up. Wow, I wasn’t let down. I loved the way he truly captures the fun aspects of a wedding. I will certainly take this to every wedding I do now. There are just so many funny and quirky moments at any wedding and capturing those takes such skill. It cant just be luck to be in the right place at the right time.
I’m not sure that I am advanced enough in my career as a wedding photographer to be quite so bold with the approach that Ian takes but it certainly did give me confidence and insight to think hard about what I want to be photographing.
Can see me coming back to this time and again!
Likewise Darren – I was just as happy to see the photography on Ian’s site and social media ties in perfectly with what he believes and says.
I’m sure with practice, commitment and your way of seeing things, you’ll be turning out work that truly inspires and motivates you. Angd that “boldness” will come once you work out what and how you really want to be shooting.
Greatto have you listening and thanks for adding your comments.
Thanks for kind words, Darren. Glad that you took something from this interview, and that you like my work!
I’m sure that if you start to make photographs for yourself, the kind that you’d like to look at, then it won’t take long for you to build and show a portfolio of work in your own unique style.
All we have is ourselves, that’s what makes us stand out and if we are shooting like someone else or shooting in a popular style our voice is muffled by a million others.
All the best man.