When I put word out asking for photographers you'd like to hear interviewed, Jerry Ghionis was the one name that kept coming up. For good reason too. Jerry is an amazing wedding photographer, he's been shooting professionally for over 20 years and if I ran through all the awards he's won in this episode of the podcast, the show would be over!
He has been named as one of the top 5 wedding photographers in THE WORLD and one of the best photograhy instructors but to me, there is something about Jerry that outshines all the awards.
He is a life-changer!
If you are lucky enough to be part of one of his workshops he will change the way you see photography, business and life.
I have experienced one of Jerry's 5 day workshops, seen him present at different workshops and seminars, went to visit his (at the time) X-Sight studio when in Melbourne and have been an Ice Society member for a couple of years. When I say “life changer” I say it with honesty, conviction and sincerity. He, along with Martin Schembri are the two most influential photographers that have helped shape my wedding photography business and shooting.
I'm sorry, but you suck. – Jerry Ghionis
I caught up with Jerry for this interview via Skype while he and Melissa were preparing for lunch, a BBQ in fact, at their Melbourne Docklands apartment. Jerry warned me at the start that we may face some interruptions as the building manager was testing the alarms for the building. The decision was made to get stuck in and we'd run with whatever we recorded… interruptions or not.
Jump over to the audio and you can hear for yourself, the fun we had and the pearls he shared – that and the fact there is more to Jerry than photography and business, and like most people, if given another chance in life he just may have chosen an entirely different path.
One thing is certain, no matter how much you have heard from Jerry or how well you think you might know him, you will learn some new things in this episode.
Much of Jerry's “featured work” is directed. He is just as comfortable capturing PJ images at a wedding.
Here's some of what we cover in the interview:
The future of photography is going down in a big way. Down like a rocket. – Jerry Ghionis
Just as interesting was hearing that avoiding the downward spiral doesn't take rocket science but it will take a lot of good, honest hard work. Something that is lacking in many of todays wedding photographers.
A less than perfect iTunes rating for me
In most episodes I ask you to please rate and review the podcast in iTunes so I know that you are actually out there and listening, to get you involved and so I have some indication of how I'm going. It also helps the show rank better and be more easily found in iTunes which helps me.
I also ask that your reviews be honest.
Recently I received a 4 star rating from Canadian listener Terry who enjoys the show and content but felt I was holding the best content back for premium members. Although it hurts to read criticism, I'm grateful to have Terry's view as it's obviously how he sees it and the fact that he's taken the time to write it says to me that other listeners are probably feeling the same way.
In this episode, I explain the reasons for the premium membership
- No advertising on the show
- No sponsorship
- I don't want to ask for donations
- It does cost time and money to produce
I also go into a little more detail about the membership content and how it in no way affects the content in the main part of the show. It really is “bonus” material, a how to segment, discount vouchers or promo codes.
Yes, you are missing out if you are not a member.
Yes, it's great value.
No, you do not need to be a member to enjoy the podcast.
No, I do not want to sound all “sales-ey”, so please let me know if you think I do.
Thanks again Terry for the heads up.
Jerry has structured his life and business to enable him to not only shoot weddings around the world but to be in demand all over the world.
A couple of shout outs
Firstly, to Kellie Jayne of Kelly Jayne Photography for her 5 star rating and lovely review in iTunes. Thank you and great to know the podcast is helping you enjoy your Wednesday morning drives 🙂
Secondly, to Claire from Claire Wolfe Photography who I've been chatting to via twitter and is getting ready to enter her first AIPP awards in Victoria. Wishing you every success Claire! You can check out Claire's work on her blog – I love the honesty in this post and the images in this one.
Lastly, to Holly from Holly Murphy Photography for using the contact form on the website to send through some lovely feedback – thanks Holly! I love the photo on your blog with the pregnant mum to be with the foal on her property.
Items mentioned in this podcast:
Premium Members
Want to learn more from Jerry with an Ice Society subscription, make sure you check the generous offer he has made for premium members of the Photo Biz Xposed website.
I've been a member of the Ice Society myself and can honestly say it is an incredible resource for wedding photographers wanting to improve their photography, lighting, posing/directing and business skills. I've paid the full price over a number of years and always felt it was a great investment – with this offer, it's a steal.
Get involved, leave a comment
If you enjoyed this episode and what Jerry had to share, it'd be fantastic to let him know. The easiest way is to simply leave a comment below, I'll make sure he and Melissa know about it. If you have a question, even better, leave that below in the comments or you can email me, andrew@photobizx.com – I'd love to hear from you and really do encourage you to get involved.
Thanks again for tuning in, hope you have a fantastic and profitable week!
Speak soon
Andrew
Thanks for the mention! Great post!
My pleasure Claire, great to have you listening and part of the show – hope you enjoy this interview with Jerry.
What you offer is great. I bought a premium membership cause I wanted the extra stuff. You dont have ads or huge salesy pitches in the free content which is great. Why not have the really juicy stuff for people who are willing to invest a little money
Hi Te – awesome to have you as a premium member and I’m sure you’ll get plenty from your subscription.
I definitely do my best to dig deep for the juicy stuff when it comes to the members content but I still want to do the best I can for every listener.
It’s interesting to read you’d like me to save more for the members when this week I received an email from a listener in the UK who is upset at me mentioning the premium content during the podcast. He went on to say all the content should be FREE and I should have ads to pay for the content, not listeners. Almost the opposite of what you’ve said 🙂
As you can see, it’s a balancing act but my aim is to provide awesome content for everyone and to make it good enough to pay for. I appreciate you joining up and you let me know if there is anything in particular you’d like covered in a future episode.
Jerry’s ICE Society is fantastic well worth a look…………………
Hi David, yep, totally agree – I subscribed for a couple of years and picked up a ton of great info. Jerry is a great teacher.
This is it, this is the episode that led me here to PhotoBiz X in the first place. Great interview Andrew. Were you at all star struck when talking to Jerry?
I know he’s a proper down to earth bloke, but jeeze the man’s a genius with light.
For me Jerry is the best wedding photographer and the best teacher around at the moment. I can’t tell you one particular thing I loved about this interview, because it was excellent from start to finish.
I think Jerry also somewhat took the lead on this podcast, do you think? Jerry has a lot to say but he has a way of saying it so that you hang on his every word.
Master photographer, supreme interviewing from you Andrew. Great listen.
Regards
Michael
Hi Michael
There’s no doubt that I’m a big fan of Jerry’s and although I don’t think I was star struck, I was a little nervous before and at the beginning of the interview. Being early on in my podcasting learning curve, my biggest fear was buggering up the recording or running out of questions.
Once we got started, I agree, it didn’t take much from me to keep Jerry talking and running with the conversation. I’m pretty sure he’s been interviewed a ton of times and he’s able to get across what he wants in a presentation, workshop or interview. My focus was to make sure there was some actionable and useable content coming across with the odd question. Hopefully that was the case.
I’d be interested to have Melissa Ghionis on the podcast sometime to talk about her role in customer service. Do you think that would be something that you’d be interested in hearing about?
Don’t forget, if you’re looking at joining the ICE Society, which is jam packed full of great info, there’s a discount code in the members area that will save you $100.
Thanks for adding your comments and great to hear that Jerry lead you to the podcast – great to have you apart of it!
Speak soon
Andrew
Having Melissa on the show would be great. As you may know Melissa had a studio and a business before she started working with Jerry, so absolutely. I think Mrs Ghionis would be a great listen.
I’ve mailed back and forth a few times with Melissa and one thing that Jerry said recently during a web cast on the Ice Society really rang true: Melissa has a way of making the way she talks and sounds and acts transcend her emails. She can communicate so well.
Much like the Deasy’s – The Ghionis’ really seem to have a real blend & a winning formula between the two of them.
Not to mention I think Melissa is just as much fun as Jerry actually is.
I’d love for you to get her on the show Andrew. I’d be really keen to listen to Melissa in her own right rather than just as ‘Mrs Ghionis’. I’m sure she’s fascinating too.
Thanks
Michael
Nice one Michael – all great points!
I’ll do my best to see if I can book Melissa in for an interview. Maybe Jerry can be in the background cooking lunch for that episode. 🙂
Than you for this I love this interview and I admire Jerry’s artistic talent and marketing genius. His work is truly inspiring and as a pro member of the IceSociety, I recommend it to all wedding photographers.
Hey Calin – thanks for adding your comment and great to hear you enjoyed the interview.
I agree with your views on Jerry and the ICE Society – I was a member for a couple years myself and learnt a ton.
BTW – I’ll be interviewing Melissa Ghionis later this month for the podcast if you want to hear a about a different side of the business.
So much good stuff in this one. Every time I hear one I am like I wish I heard that one firsts 🙂 Going backwards but still learning so much.
This was one of my favourites too Joe.
No matter which order you hear the episodes, there is always something to learn.
Thanks for sharing with your Facebook group too!
Thanks Andrew and Jerry,
This episode was like listening to two old mates. I appreciated the honesty of Jerry’s advice. My take home message … Work your butt off and don’t suck.
Thanks,
Nick
Haha, great take away Nicholas 🙂
I reckon anyone could succeed at anything with that advice!
Absolutely my favorite guest. I am not listening to these in order, so don’t take offense to that. 🙂 Love listening to JG!!
Hi Andrew,
I’ve been listening to the podcast now for quite a while but this is my first post. Wanting to get the most from the podcast, I have started at the beginning and am working my way through. Would like to say that I love the podcast and am trying to implement as much as possible.
For me the biggest take away is the confidence that Jerry displayed throughout the interview. He seemed truly confident about his ability to use his skills shooting but also to attract high quality clients.
Great to see you adding your comments and thoughts Jamie – I love being able to put a name (or face) to a listener.
I agree with your confidence comments about Jerry and I think you’ll find that confidence in any successful photographer, no matter their price range. As long as they are comfortable in their ability to deliver and comfortable with the prices they charge.
In this weeks episode with Sue Bryce, she says that she charges $3300 for her portrait shoots even though she could potentially be charging three times that. She went on to say that she couldn’t comfortably charge that much and that would probably affect the way she works and shoots.