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.

Jerry Ghionis podcast interview

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:

  • How to get seen and known as a great wedding photographer
  • Instagram and filters
  • The importance of knowing the craft of photogaphy
  • Wedding collections – better known to most as packages
  • Pricing
  • Albums
  • Singing, karaoke and The Voice
  • Posing clients at the 1st appointment
  • Shoot and burn packages
  • When things “clicked” for Jerry
  • Standing out from the crowd
  • Is Facebook the best tool for a wedding photographer?
  • Advertisng
  • What you should be doing to market your business
  • Up coming secret projects
  • Being a wedding photographer WITHOUT having your own business
One of the questions I ask guest photographers about toward the end of each interview is where they see photography going in the next 5 years or so. I was shocked to hear Jerry's answer:

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

  1. No advertising on the show
  2. No sponsorship
  3. I don't want to ask for donations
  4. 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 Ghionis podcast interview  - international wedding photography

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:

Jerry Ghonis Website

Jerry Ghonis Blog

Jerry on Facebook

Follow Jerry on Twitter

The Ice Society

The Ice Light 

The Ice Culture

Xsight Photography and Video

I Need A Sally

Martin Schembri

The AIPP

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