I know every photographer believes they are honest, above board – an open book even, when it comes to their work, pricing and booking new clients. Todays guest on the podcast is a little different. He REALLY is all of the above.

Although only into my first few interviews, it's becoming blindingly obvious that although every photographer has a similar aim to book enough weddings to support a lifestyle they see as right for them, there are many ways to get there. Ben is the first photographer to prefer not to take a booking on the night of the wedding appointment or consultation with prospective clients – he prefers they sleep on it, see another photographer or two, make sure they really know he is the right wedding photographer for them.

How, then is he shooting between 50 and 70 weddings each year?

Interestingly, Ben may never have become the photographer he is today if it wasn't for losing his job at the photo lab all those years ago. He needed that push to get him going. It took another push, years later – the global financial crisis, to give him another push that took his business through the roof.

The business of successful wedding photographers

This style of image is often seen at photography awards but this totally reflects Ben's style – punchy, colourful storytelling.

Listening to Ben tell his story he doesn't come across as businessy (don't think that's a real word but you get the idea) at all. It almost feels as though he is simply and happily following a path and he's not been lucky, but lucky to be on the right path. I think there's more to the story though – no one can be “lucky” in business for over 20 years.

Maybe the way Ben has been doing things is the secret to his success? Maybe, his business model is the perfect model for lifestyle and work balance – after all, he lives in a beautiful Sydney suburb, supports his wife and two children with his income and spends more time with his family and playing tennis than most photographers I know.

During the interview we cover:

  • Why work from home but not have clients ever come there
  • The best form of referral and why Ben gets so many
  • A great reason to visit wedding clients in their home
  • Why Ben spends $600 per month on SEO
  • Not many photographers have their prices on their websites, why does Ben?
  • Are more weddings required to be profitable?
  • Wedding directories, are they a good idea?
  • Why do his clients REALLY love what he does?
  • How can developing photographers learn?
  • Why Ben left the AIPP but may rejoin
  • Off camera flash and how Ben uses it
Although technically speaking, the podcasts aren't about how to become a technically better photographer, it's definitely still relevant when talking to successful pro photographers and that's why we went into a little detail about Ben's “style” of wedding photography and how he achieves it, often with off camera flash. We go into more detail about Ben's rig and how he uses the flash and sunlight to achieve the look he does.

Ben is a photographer worth listening to. I'm tempted to change my business model to reflect his. The lifestyle, time and lack of stress sounds just perfect. I love his style of photography but listening to Ben, I don't think he'd care either way… as long as the couples that book him do is all that matters.

Do pro photographers owe the newcomers anything?

I recently heard news on Facebook that local Newcastle portrait photographer, Kelly Munce is closing her business after having to unsuccessfully compete with new photographers and their low prices plus the unwillingness of clients to value professional quality photography.

Newcastle portrait photography on the beach

Kelly recently decided to close her business and split views of photographers worldwide. Photo © Kelly Munce

Kelly's post has drawn world wide attention including some scathing messages from new and established photographers as well as plenty of love, support and well wishes.

At a time when professional photographers are working harder than ever to attract and maintain clients, Kelly certainly divided the “community” with her post. During the podcast I cover some of what she had to say and a few related comments.

I also ask the questions:

Do the established professionals owe the up-comers anything?

Are the professionals themselves to blame for the state of the industry?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Get involved with the discussion or kick things off with a comment below. Let's hear your thoughts on the issue, I'm genuinely interested to know.

Items mentioned in this podcast:

Ben Newnam Photography

Ben Newnam on facebook

Easy Weddings, the wedding directory Ben uses but is rethinking

Kelly Munce Photographer on Facebook – Please be aware that Kelly has indicated she will be taking her Facebook page down shortly – this page may be unavailable soon.

You can leave a review in iTunes here – https://photobizx.com/iTunes by clicking on the blue ‘view in iTunes' button and going to the “ratings and review” tab just like Dean from CloudFace Photography did.

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If you enjoyed this episode, have a question for Ben, a comment or feedback, I'd love for you to do that in the comments area below or you can email me, andrew@photobizx.com.

Hope you're on the right track with your business and the Photo Biz eXposed podcasts are helping in some way.

Have a great week, speak soon

Andrew