Our Creative Commune

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Couples Don't Care About Your Instagram

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Spring has finally sprung, and the wedding season is officially waking up! In this week's episode, we’re back on the sofa to tackle some of the biggest shifting trends in the wedding photography and videography industry.

Liam kicks things off by sharing his experience working alongside a dedicated content creator at a recent London wedding. Have content creators just become a normal part of the day, or is the hype starting to fade? We also dive deep into the latest Bridebook survey to find out what couples are actually looking for right now. Spoiler alert: they don't care about your social media following, and the "editorial" trend might not be as dominant as Instagram makes it seem.

We also tackle the frustrating reality of getting "ghosted" by couples after seemingly perfect Zoom meetings. Are we making it too hard for clients to book us? We discuss the power of WhatsApp, ditching 20-page PDF brochures, and streamlining your workflow to capture leads while they're hot.

Plus, Bee shares the wild ChatGPT strategy she’s using to completely retrain their confused Instagram algorithm, Pete questions if it's finally time to stop hoarding terabytes of old raw footage due to skyrocketing hard drive prices, and we wrap up with our weekly Highs and Lows—featuring magazine awards, film festival backlash, Reformer Pilates, and Pete's quest for table tennis glory.

Grab a coffee and join the commune!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro, spring vibes, and Laura’s high-maintenance gardening

03:34 - Liam’s first London wedding back and working with a content creator

09:08 - Bee’s darkroom update & Pete/Laura’s Spice Kitchen commercial shoot

13:30 - Pete’s table tennis championship (Rocky montage pending)

15:25 - Bridebook 2024 Survey: What styles and traits do couples actually care about?

22:00 - The ghosting epidemic: Why are couples disappearing after great Zoom meetings?

28:00 - Streamlining your booking process and the power of WhatsApp

34:30 - How to retrain a broken Instagram algorithm (and Liam's weird "zooming" theory)

42:00 - Skyrocketing hard drive costs: Is it time to delete a decade of raw files?

47:20 - Highs & Lows: Professional Photo Magazine's Top 50 list & Reformer Pilates!

53:30 - Handling complaints and backlash from the wedding film festival

01:01:48 - Liam’s shiny new mountain bike and driving instructor woes

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

The British Wedding Film Festival

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Arriving late for a wedding! Plus a debrief on the first British Wedding Film Festival.

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Grab a coffee and join us at the holiday cottage! We're recording straight from our annual Shropshire retreat to catch up on everything happening in our creative lives right now. With the cost of living crisis changing how couples plan their big days, we dive deep into the rising trend of reduced-coverage weddings.

Are these shorter, "smash and grab" days a refreshing change of pace, or do they rob us of the chance to truly connect with our couples? We also debate the modern relevance of bridal prep and detail shots - do brides really want a photo of their shoes on a tree, or are we just shooting out of fear of missing something?

We’re also pulling back the curtain on the very first British Wedding Film Festival! We debrief on the incredible highs of the glamorous night at the Manchester Art Gallery, the financial realities of hosting a major industry event from scratch, and the controversy of international filmmakers dominating the final shortlists. Plus, we talk through our plans and category changes for next year.

Finally, we share our weekly highs and lows, featuring the magic of Victorian tintype photography, the sheer terror of M6 traffic, the sting of buying four new car tires, and a painfully relatable vent about couples treating our Zoom consultations like interviews only to ghost us afterward.

Timestamps

00:00 - Morning Coffee & Shropshire Holiday Vibes

02:40 - Are Reduced Coverage Weddings the New Normal?

07:30 - The "Smash and Grab" Reality of Short Weddings

08:30 - Do Couples Actually Want Detail Shots Anymore?

14:50 - The Danger of Missing Crucial Props (The Pen Story)

16:35 - Shooting a Bar Mitzvah & Traffic Nightmares

20:10 - Our Worst "Late to a Wedding" Stories & Box Breathing

23:25 - Identity Crisis: Are We Still Calling Ourselves Photographers?

25:55 - The British Wedding Film Festival Debrief

33:00 - The Financial Reality of Hosting an Industry Event

35:00 - The Controversy of International & Destination Winners

42:20 - Highs & Lows: Victorian Tintype Photography in Shrewsbury

48:30 - Highs & Lows: £650 Tyres & Toddler Colds

50:10 - Why Are Couples Ghosting After Great Zoom Consultations?

52:45 - Dinner Debates & Wrapping Up

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

The British Wedding Film Festival

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Quitting Social Media

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:13:35 GMT

Is it time to delete the app? In this episode, we tackle the growing sentiment that the golden age of social media is behind us. Inspired by industry leaders stepping away from Instagram, we debate whether the constant hustle for likes, reels, and algorithm appeasement is actually worth the mental toll. Can a creative business survive today without a social presence, or is that a luxury reserved for the famous?

We also dive into the nitty-gritty of award season. Having just finished a marathon judging session for the Wedding Film Festival and following the results of TWIA, we discuss what separates a good film from a great one, the subjectivity of art, and the fleeting high of winning a trophy.

Plus, we share our struggles with the "wintering" season, the art of dealing with online trolls, and why school sports still have a long way to go regarding gender equality. Grab a coffee and join us at the kitchen table.

00:00 – Intro: Coffee, sleep schedules, and morning chats.

01:00 – Behind the Scenes: Judging the Wedding Film Festival.

04:20 – The "Run and Gun" Trend: Cinematic vs. Messy.

05:43 – TWIA Awards: Winners, the Liverpool venue, and the post-win feeling.

12:15 – The Winter Slump: Struggling with creativity and slow editing.

14:05 – Unusual Jobs: Branding photography for dentists.

18:15 – The Big Debate: Is it time to quit Instagram?

21:00 – The Ethics of Content: Sharing private moments for public entertainment.

25:30 – The "Cringe" Factor: Why self-promotion feels inauthentic.

35:35 – Dealing with Trolls: Negative comments and blocking the haters.

40:00 – Highs & Lows: Developing film at home & iron deficiencies.

43:10 – Laura’s Obsession: Alex Honnold and climbing documentaries.

47:12 – Pete’s Rant: Coaching table tennis and sexism in school PE.

52:30 – Liam’s Low: A near-death experience in the driving instructor car.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

The British Wedding Film Festival

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Is AI eroding the soul of wedding photography/videography?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Happy 2026! We are back by the fire for our first chat of the year, and we have a lot to catch up on.

In this episode, we dive deep into the current state of the wedding industry. After judging hundreds of films for the British Wedding Film Festival, we’ve noticed some polarizing trends - from AI-generated voiceovers to the resurgence of "home movie" Super 8 vibes. We also discuss the controversial return of the "Dutch tilt" in photography (thanks, Gen Z) and ask the question: are Content Creators actually taking over, or was it just a phase?

On the business side, we open up about a recent painful client cancellation and discuss the ethics of contracts and refunds when things go wrong. We also debate a recent award-winning image controversy - where do we draw the line between photography, digital art, and cheating?

Plus, we share some life updates, including Liam’s new career path, Bee’s Harry Potter-style darkroom, and why Laura is painting in her underwear.

Topics:

•2026 Trends: The rise of AI music and voiceovers in wedding films.

•Gear Nostalgia: Why everyone is buying old DSLRs and 35mm film cameras.

•Business Realities: Handling last-minute cancellations and protecting your income.

•Ethics: The controversy of using stock imagery and composites in photo awards.

•Life Updates: Darkrooms, driving instructors, and car breakdowns.

Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or just a creative trying to navigate the changing landscape, grab a coffee (or a wine) and join the commune.

Timestamps:

 00:00 - Intro: Happy New Year 2026 

01:05 - Judging film awards & the rise of AI Voiceovers 

05:23 - Photography trends: The return of the "Wonky Horizon" 

07:00 - The DSLR nostalgia trap 09:30 - Bee’s new cupboard darkroom & developing film 

14:55 - Laura’s new painting hobby 

21:50 - Liam’s now a Qualified Driving Instructor 

29:40 - Have Content Creators actually taken over? 

33:00 - Dealing with a major wedding cancellation 

36:40 - The Awards Controversy: Stock images vs. Photography 

43:00 - Will AI eventually eat itself?

 47:00 - Highs & Lows: Client testimonials & car breakdown nightmares 

57:30 - Bee’s health scare & 80s nostalgia

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

The British Wedding Film Festival

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Back off and let me do my job!

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:30:00 GMT

It’s just the boys in the studio this week! With Laura and Bee away (all that end of year editing!), Liam and Pete sit down to debrief on a recent luxury wedding they shot together in Whitehall, London.

While the venue was five-star, the day wasn't without its hurdles. We discuss the reality of shooting in high-end establishments - from the stress of strict dress codes to dealing with "smothering" service that eats into your shooting time. We also have an honest conversation about a struggle many creatives face: how do you politely tell a venue coordinator to back off and let you do your job?

Also in this episode, we chat about the physical toll of wedding photography (what is "Photographer's Toe"?), the panic of surprise speeches for videographers, and a terrifying gear malfunction that saw a camera hit the floor in front of the guests. Plus, we catch up on life outside of weddings, including broken cars, table tennis coaching, and life as a driving instructor.

Grab a coffee and join the commune!

Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Where are the girls?

02:18 - The 9-hour travel nightmare and the £36 wine incident

05:25 - The Dress Code Debate: Suits vs. Trainers

07:59 - The reality of "Photographer's Toe" and physical comfort

12:14 - Videography stress: Dealing with surprise speeches

19:00 - The "Missing Groom Prep" panic

25:43 - Technical struggles: Banding issues in venue lighting

28:42 - When luxury service ruins your portrait time

31:00 - Learning to say "No" to pushy venue coordinators

44:05 - Pete’s car suspension disaster

47:50 - Gear Nightmare: Liam drops his camera (twice)

51:25 - Highs and Lows: Life as a driving instructor

57:00 - Pete becomes a qualified table tennis coach

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Everything you need to know about the British Wedding Film Festival

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:14:29 GMT

In this special episode of Our Creative Commune, we're swapping things around! Pete and Laura are hijacking the podcast with their co-founders of the British Wedding Film Festival, Joce Boissin and Jeff Wood, to dive deep into everything you need to know about this brand-new event for the wedding film industry.

We start off sharing some stories from the end of the wedding season, including Jeff's travel nightmare of losing all his kit right before a huge destination wedding and how he was forced to adapt.

Then, we get into the heart of the festival. We share the vision behind creating an awards ceremony dedicated solely to celebrating the incredible craft within our industry. We discuss why we felt it was so important to have categories that recognise specific skills like sound design, storytelling, and cinematography, and how we hope it will inspire a new wave of creativity.

Thinking of entering? We cover all the crucial details: the surprisingly hefty trophies you could win, the incredible panel of judges (including a James Bond sound designer and a Netflix producer!), the submission process, and what makes a film stand out. Plus, we give you all the info on the awards night itself—a chance for us all to get glammed up, connect, and feel inspired at the Manchester Art Gallery.

This is more than just an awards show; it's a celebration of our community and the art we create. Whether you're considering submitting a film or just want to join the party, this episode has all the inspiration and information you need.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Welcome to the BWFF Team

00:55 - Catching Up: How Was the End of the Season?

01:03 - Jeff's Destination Wedding Nightmare: The Airline Lost All My Gear!

04:50 - The Creative Benefit of Being Forced to Adapt

08:31 - Joce's Adventure with an Anamorphic Lens in Morocco

11:23 - Introducing the British Wedding Film Festival

11:51 - The Reason We Started These Awards

13:10 - Celebrating Individual Skills

14:30 - Using the Awards as a Creative Motivator for the Season

16:17 - It’s Scary Entering Awards

17:45 - Let's Talk About the Trophies

18:21 - The Incredible Judging Panel

22:05 - How the Judging Process Will Work

23:20 - The Awards Night

24:25 - The Venue

25:04 - Submission Deadline: 1st December!

26:07 - The Categories & Submission Rules

28:14 - Best Cinematography & Best Sound Design

32:02 - Best Storytelling

32:31 - Best Cinematic Language: Using Match Cuts & Parallel Action

36:55 - Best Use of Music & Best Colour Grading

38:39 - Best Elopement: Telling a Story with Just Two People

39:36 - Film Length & Password Protection

44:41 - Jeff's Story: The OG of Cinematic Wedding Films

46:57 - Jeff's Thoughts on Shooting with Phones

52:39 - Joce's Story: From iPhone Clips to Full-Time Pro in 2 Years

58:46 - Highs & Lows of the Week

The British Wedding Film Festival

Pete & Laura

https://www.lunedemielstudio.com/

Joce Boissin

Jeff Wood

https://www.jeffwoodvisuals.com/

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What Happens When You Ignore Instagram?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:49:45 GMT

How many photos are too many? In this week's episode, we dive headfirst into a hot topic rattling the photography community: are we overwhelming our clients by over-delivering images? We debate whether a curated gallery of a few hundred photos is more valuable than a folder of over a thousand, and question what we'd want from our own wedding photographer.

We also get real about the struggles of social media after taking a week off Instagram punished our reach, sparking a conversation about whether the perfect grid still matters or if it's time to get more personal.

Alongside the business chat, we catch you up on our latest adventures, from shooting a wedding at the iconic Traitors castle (and revealing its secrets!) to road-tripping to Scotland and enjoying a half-term break on the beautiful Yorkshire coast. Join us for a candid chat about work, life, and the creative challenges we all face.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & a chaotic start

01:03 - The joy of singing alone in the car

02:40 - Liam's wedding at Guardswell Farm in Scotland

05:45 - The secrets of shooting at the Traitors Castle

09:28 - Working with fellow photographer Ash Springle

10:55 - Remembering industry legends Ed Peers & Ross Harvey

13:04 - Half-term adventures, portrait shoots, and comparing forests

14:58 - An update on the team's upcoming film festival

18:20 - Making work trips into mini-holidays

20:18 - The pressures of a busy schedule and life admin

22:36 - A relaxing week on the North Yorkshire Coast and discovering Haworth

25:08 - The Instagram struggle: The punishment for taking a week off

26:49 - Does your feed need to show your face?

29:15 - Dealing with internet trolls and negative comments

32:57 - Hot Topic: Are photographers delivering too many images?

45:38 - Highs and Lows of the Week

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Feeling Like a Fraud

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:30:00 GMT

Ever come back from a conference feeling like a total fraud?

This week, Pete & Laura are recovering from the social hangover of the CODA conference and so we’re diving deep into the anxieties of networking as an introvert. We discuss the pressure to be "on" all the time, navigating imposter syndrome, and that cringe-worthy moment when you're introduced to one of the cool kids as the "King and Queen" of the UK market.

But it wasn't all anxiety at CODA. We were also massively inspired by many incredible stories. Plus the powerful 'smoke and mirrors' marketing strategy - the art of curating your portfolio to get the weddings you most want to shoot.

We debate a hot topic online: is flash photography becoming a nuisance at weddings? And we share a few thoughts on photographers getting a little too close for comfort during the ceremony.

Join us for these, and many other topics, as we chat about the last couple of weeks over a coffee.

Timestamps:

02:34 The social hangover from Coda Conference

04:21 Navigating events as an introvert: Are we 'cliquey'?

08:33 The pressure of being 'known' and imposter syndrome

10:28 Our key takeaway: The power of ambient audio

14:50 From Prison to a Creative Empire: The Fire & Ice Story

18:39 'Smoke and mirrors' marketing & defining our ideal client

22:27 Catching up: A pagan hand-fasting & a wedding at The Traitors castle

25:16 Is flash photography annoying for wedding guests?

34:15 When photographers get too close during the ceremony

41:37 Highs & Lows: Coda, family meals, and feeling overwhelmed

51:23 Rediscovering creativity by organising 15 years of photos

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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The Battle for the Soul of Wedding Photography

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Our Creative Commune, we're fresh from a beautifully emotional wedding in the heart of Storm Amy and a fun-filled autumnal family shoot. We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of fellow creative, Damian Brandon (https://damianbrandon.com/)

This leads us into a passionate discussion about the current state of the wedding photography industry. Are we seeing a decline in the traditional craft of photography? We delve into the rise of the "snapshotty" and "editorial" styles, the importance of understanding good light, and whether the focus has shifted from capturing genuine moments to creating content for Instagram.

Plus, Liam gives us an update on his new life as a driving instructor, Pete shares his insights from the world of Reddit on what couples are really looking for, and we chat about the highs and lows of our week, from technical triumphs to creepy crawly encounters. Join us for a candid conversation about creativity, business, and the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Catching Up

02:13 Recapping Adam & Jade’s Stormy Welsh Wedding

07:36 Working With the Incredibly Talented Damian Brandon

12:38 Main Topic: Is the Art of Wedding Photography Being Lost?

14:51 The Death of Good Light: Why Are Photographers Ignoring the Basics?

20:12 Does Technical Quality Even Matter Anymore?

27:43 What Do Couples Actually Want? (Insights from Reddit)

30:43 The Changing Internet: SEO, Google, and Finding Clients Now

33:56 Liam's New Venture as a Driving Instructor

38:56 Building a New Website & The Logo Debate

42:12 Blogging vs. Full Galleries: What Should You Send to Clients?

45:32 The "Be Everywhere" Strategy for Modern Marketing

46:45 Highs & Lows of the Week (Including Hard Drive Sleeping Bags & Spiders!)

57:39 What's Coming Up Next?

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Your Wedding is Not Content

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:15:27 GMT

In this episode, we discusses the most talked-about trend in the wedding industry right now: the rise of the content creator. Are they replacing videographers, and how should creative professionals adapt to a TikTok-driven market? We share our honest thoughts on the challenges and potential solutions, from offering next-day clips to staying true to your unique style in a sea of trends. Is it possible to fight the tide, or is it time to evolve?

We also dive into what we've been up to on the road, including Liam shooting a stunning wedding in Ostuni, Italy, and Pete's "life-changing" experience hiring a second shooter for the first time at a wedding in Anglesey. Plus, hear how Laura and Pete got inspired by music videos and started experimenting with flash-style, direct lighting for video and a 4:3 aspect ratio to create a raw, editorial feel.

Join us for an open conversation about navigating the ever-changing creative landscape, a surprisingly detailed chat about the limitations of expanding foam, and our usual highs and lows of the week—including one of us starting a brand new career!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome & Morning People vs. Night Owls

03:49 What We've Been Up To

03:53 Liam’s Shoots: London, Tunbridge Wells & A Wedding in Italy

05:29 Pete's "Life-Changing" Anglesey Wedding with a Second Shooter

08:21 Laura & Pete's Dorset Wedding & Manchester Shoots

08:57 Creative Development: Experimenting with Direct Lighting & 4:3 Ratio

17:24 DIY Chat: The Surprising Limits of Expanding Foam

18:21 Main Topic: The Great Content Creator Debate

19:32 Are Suppliers a Bigger Problem Than Couples?

22:29 The "Your Wedding is Not Content" Movement

30:25 How Videographers Can Adapt to the Trend

39:06 Final Thoughts on the Future

46:08 Highs and Lows of the Week

50:32 Liam's Big News: A Career Change

Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Shooting a wedding 400 feet underground

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:12:14 GMT

This week, join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a catch-up packed with wild wedding stories and industry insights. Liam shares a tale from the depths of Scotland, where he photographed the first and only elopement inside a massive, disused WWII underground oil tank - complete with world-record-breaking echoes and drone flights in the dark. He then takes us to Iceland for a vow renewal, revealing the stressful reality of shooting in iconic, tourist-filled locations and the rules you sometimes have to bend to get the perfect shot.

The team also dives into the great dishwasher debate (are your precious mugs and knives safe?), discusses the pros and cons of the new Canon C50 video camera, and shares their thoughts on recent industry shake-ups. Plus, they explore the unspoken rules of working with other suppliers and share personal highs and lows, featuring everything from a hit-and-run and a ghost named Jim to the joys of booking a wedding in Montenegro.

Timestamps

00:36 - Wedding season fatigue & back-to-school chaos.

02:23 - Liam's story: Photographing an elopement in a disused underground oil tank in Scotland.

10:28 - Pete & Laura's "painless" wedding shoot in Scotland.

13:31 - Shooting a wedding for a fellow photographer.

14:42 - The great debate: Should you put precious mugs and knives in the dishwasher?

18:00 - Liam's story: A vow renewal in Iceland and the challenges of shooting in tourist hotspots.

23:39 - Discussion on managing expectations at popular photo locations.

26:47 - Industry News: The new Canon C50 video camera.

30:44 - Industry News: The Easy-Flix gallery migration controversy.

34:36 - The pros and cons of culling software like Narrative and Photo Mechanic.

40:13 - How to handle working with difficult or rude suppliers on a wedding day.

46:52 - Liam's travel drama: Getting locked in a car park and a hit-and-run.

51:31 - Highs and Lows of the Week.

Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Beating Burnout: Finding Joy When You're Sick of Weddings

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:37:12 GMT

After a much-needed holiday break, the gang is back behind the mics and feeling refreshed... mostly. Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they catch up on a wild few weeks of work, life, and misadventure.

Liam kicks things off with tales from a three-day wedding in Spain, complete with tuxedos in the ocean, an aggressive jellyfish, a competitive bucking bronco incident, and an unexpected visit from the local police. Meanwhile, Pete shares his less-than-glamorous story of surviving "Vomitus Maximus" after a beautiful wedding in the Scottish Highlands.

This leads to a candid discussion on the biggest challenges facing wedding creatives today: Is the rise of "editorial" photography making it harder to capture authentic moments? And why are clients increasingly choosing phone-based content creators over traditional videographers?

Finally, we get real about the big one: burnout. Deep in the thick of wedding season, we share our personal struggles and tangible advice on how to manage the pressure, rediscover your creative spark, and find the joy in your work again when you feel like you have nothing left to give. If you're feeling the strain, this is the chat you need to hear.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Catching Up

01:09 - Why We've Stopped Filming the Podcast

02:28 - Liam's Wild 3-Day Wedding in Spain (Tuxedos in the Sea, Jellyfish & a Bucking Bronco)

07:50 - Liam's Drone Incident & a Visit from the Police

09:37 - Pete & Laura's Scottish Wedding Adventure

11:19 - Pete's Unfortunate Bout of "Vomitus Maximus" (Food Poisoning)

14:37 - Getting Soaked by a Champagne Spray

15:44 - The Big Discussion: Is the "Editorial" Photography Trend Killing the Vibe?

24:13 - The Rise of Content Creators vs. Traditional Videographers

27:20 - Main Topic: How to Beat Creative Burnout This Wedding Season

28:02 - Laura's Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Getting Ahead

34:05 - Letting Go of Perfectionism & The 80/20 Rule

39:24 - The Real Reason We Get Anxious Before a Wedding

46:18 - Our Top Tips for Burnout: Nature, Hobbies & Asking for Help

52:36 - Sparking Joy: Trying New Lenses & Techniques

57:47 - Highs and Lows of the Week

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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How I Got Scammed

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a special "postcard" episode, recorded live from next to their tents during their wholesome (and feral) camping holiday! Swapping the studio for a field, the team gets real about the highs and lows of the creative life in the middle of a busy August.

In this episode, we chat about our recent travels, from a stunning but stormy cruise through the Norwegian fjords to an epic 14-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for a single elopement. We then dive into some all-too-relatable industry frustrations, including the awkward dance of dealing with difficult wedding bands and a deep dive into the dos, don'ts, and disasters of hiring second shooters.

The conversation then takes a serious and personal turn as Liam shares the full, cautionary story of being scammed out of £4,500 by a fake marketing "expert." It’s an open and honest account of how easily it can happen and the emotional toll it takes, serving as a must-listen for any freelancer or small business owner. We wrap it all up by sharing the simple joys that have made our trip unforgettable, from barbecues to a magical night watching shooting stars.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

00:31 - A Postcard from a Field: The Feral Camping Holiday Begins

03:32 - The Pre-Holiday Work Grind

05:02 - Cruising and Seasickness in Norway

07:52 - A 14-Hour Drive for a 3-Hour Elopement

11:03 - The Importance of Taking a Break in Peak Season

12:55 - Industry Rant: When Wedding Bands Are "Cheeky F*cks"

18:23 - Industry Deep Dive: The Woes of a Bad Second Shooter

28:26 - The Full Story of a £4,500 Scam

43:50 - Highs & Lows of the Week

49:26 - Outro: Time for a Barbecue

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Debating "Deranged" Film Trends & A £4,500 Cautionary Tale

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Driving through the night fuelled by nothing but caffeine and desperation? Or wondering if a popular wedding trend is all it's cracked up to be? This week - that's us!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a debrief on the delightful chaos of being a wedding creative. We recount our most stressful travel nightmares—from car breakdowns in rural France to nearly missing ceremonies by minutes. We also share stories from our latest weddings, including one on a boat and another where we experimented with a "video-first, photos-second" approach.

What's going on in the wedding industry this week? Wer deep dive into the recent drama surrounding a planner's critique of film photography. Is it an overpriced, "deranged" trend, or a beautiful art form? We break down the controversy, discuss the power of creative freedom, and explore why you should always "shoot what you want."

Plus, we share our highs and lows, featuring wholesome jam-making, a last-minute elopement to Skye, and a serious warning about an online scam that cost one of us thousands. Tune in for a packed episode full of laughs, rants, and a few hard-won lessons.

Timestamps:

00:35 The reality of post-wedding burnout.

03:45 Our most bonkers wedding travel stories (breakdowns in France, marathon drives across Europe).

08:50 The stress of nearly missing a wedding.

13:26 What we've been shooting: A pub, a boat, and a "no-photos" wedding.

24:04 THE BIG DEBATE: Is film photography an overpriced, "deranged" trend?

31:32 Our take: Why you should shoot what you want and embrace creative freedom.

38:51 Highs & Lows: Wholesome moments, elopements, and getting scammed out of £4,500.

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Crying on the Inside Like a Winner

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Ever felt like you're just one wedding away from snapping?

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the intense mental and physical toll of being a wedding creative.

We dive deep into the chaos of a 500-guest, multi-day wedding and the logistical nightmare of shooting solo in a massive venue. It's a candid chat about the pre-wedding anxiety, the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly do more, and the art of "crying on the inside like a winner" while keeping a smile on for our clients.

We also explore:

The delicate dance between photographers and videographers on a wedding day.
Why the wedding market in Scotland seems to be thriving while others are struggling.
The search for the perfect side hustle (and the reality of drone work).
Our personal highs and lows, from emotional school leavers' assemblies to a stress-induced twitchy eye that just won't quit.

If you’ve ever felt the burnout creeping in, this one’s for you.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Timestamps:

(00:44) - The Chaos of a 500-Guest Wedding

(04:55) - The Nightmare Logistics of a Huge Wedding Venue

(07:10) - "Crying on the Inside": The Real Mental Load of a Wedding Creative

(12:02) - Is Our Pre-Wedding Anxiety Getting Worse Over Time?

(13:51) - Photographer vs. Videographer: Who's In Charge on the Day?

(18.00) - Are We Asking too much of Ourselves?

(22:12) - A Rainy 8-Hour Elopement Shoot in Edinburgh

(26:45) - The "North-South Divide": Why is the Scottish Wedding Market Booming?

(31:12) - Weird Scottish Laws, Side Hustles & a Drone Business Reality Check

(38:39) - Our Highs & Lows of the Week

From navigating 100+ group shots to flying drones through fireworks at 11 pm, we share the stories that don't make it to the wedding album. If you're a creative feeling the strain, let us know your experiences in the comments below!

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #burnout #creativebusiness #photographytips

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Why Hasn't Wedding Photography Pricing Changed in 20 Years?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Liam is from his epic month away! In this episode, he recounts his insane month of travel, from shooting weddings in Spain and the Austrian Alps to starting a brand new career as a driving instructor. We share stories of driving down stairs in a hire car, cameras overheating at altitude, and the joy of a ceremonial beer keg tapping.

Then, we get into a huge industry debate: hybrid shooting. With so many photographers now offering video, we discuss the pros and cons, and the dilemma it creates for dedicated videographers who rely on photographer referrals. Is the industry in a price war, and who will pull the trigger first?

We also touch on the rise of wedding content creators, the truth about film photography, and a global survey that reveals just how much (or how little) photographers are charging in 2025.

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for an episode packed with travel stories, industry insights, and our usual weekly highs and lows!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

TIMESTAMPS:

 00:00 - Intro & Why Is Everyone So Tired?

 03:58 - Where Has Liam Been? A Whirlwind Month Begins

 05:19 - Wedding Story: Driving Down a Flight of Stairs in Spain

 07:46 - The Travel Nightmare: From Spain to Austria via the Autobahn

 09:12 - Wedding Story: Lederhosen & Beer Kegs in the Austrian Alps 

10:50 - Technical Woes: When Your Cameras Overheat 

13:23 - The New Side Hustle: Training to be a Driving Instructor 

24:49 - Industry Talk: The Rise of Wedding Content Creators 

29:10 - The Future of Filmmaking? (Stormzy Film & The "28 Days Later" Sequel)

 33:35 - Is Hybrid Shooting the Future? The Big Debate

 39:11 - The Photographer vs. Videographer Dilemma 

42:40 - Is Film Photography Just a Gimmick? 

45:15 - Why Are Wedding Photography Prices So Low in the UK?

 56:00 - The Realities of Pricing and "Charging Your Worth" 

1:06:00 - Highs and Lows of the Week

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #creativepodcast #hybridshooting #weddingindustry #photographybusinesscoach

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Hybrid Shooting?! Lewis Fackrell reveals all

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Is it possible to be a photographer AND a videographer at the same time, on your own, at a wedding? In this episode, we chat one of the photographers doing just that. The lovely Lewis Fackrell walks us through his complete hybrid shooting workflow. Are we won over?

From his one-camera setup and "PVP" method, to his post-production process and business strategy, Lewis shares the secrets that have allowed him to offer photo and video packages to his couples. If you want to hear how to add an extra video service to your photography business, this is absolutely for you - or if you’re just curious about how it's possible like we were.

We also catch up on what we’ve been up to these past couple of weeks. Bee casually shares a story about a near-death experience involving a bathroom cabinet! New fear unlocked.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Lewis Fackrell's Website & Course: https://www.lewisfackrell.co.uk

Lewis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewis_fackrell_photography/

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 - Welcome & The Most Hectic Travel Schedule Ever

06:05 - Pete's Impromptu Hybrid Shooting Experience in Italy

13:05 - Introducing Our Guest: Lewis Fackrell

14:24 - How Lewis Balances a Full Calendar with a Young Family

23:10 - The "Why": What Made Lewis Start Hybrid Shooting?

26:30 - Lewis's Minimalist Gear Setup for Hybrid Work

29:49 - THE BIG QUESTION: How Do You Actually Shoot Hybrid?

31:05 - Handling "Pinch Points": The Reveal, Aisle Walk & Ceremony

41:30 - The First Kiss & The Confetti Shot: Photo or Video?

44:35 - Does the Quality of Photos or Video Get Compromised?

48:45 - The Ideal Number of Photos to Take at a Wedding

54:13 - The Post-Production Workflow for Photo & Video

1:01:42 - The Business of Hybrid: Pricing & Attracting Clients

1:05:36 - All About Lewis's Hybrid Photography Course

1:11:10 - Highs and Lows of the Week!

1:12:37 - Bee's Terrifying Near-Death Experience

1:17:52 - A Week of Wins & Booking a 2027 Wedding!

#weddingphotography #hybridshooter #weddingvideography #learnphotography #creativebusiness #podcast #ourcreativecommune

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The Great Booking Decline

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:30:00 GMT

This week, the we're all feeling the burn after a packed schedule of weddings and a big birthday celebration. We pull back the curtain on the reality of being a wedding creative in 2024, discussing the booking decline that everyone is feeling but nobody wants to talk about.

This leads to a huge announcement from Liam about a major career change after more than two decades in the industry.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

We also dive into:

Incredible destination wedding stories from Lake Como and Cyprus.
The shocking tale of a planner who tricked suppliers into working her wedding for free.
Using ChatGPT to analyse and improve your creative business.
Are full-length portraits and straight horizons a thing of the past?
The eternal struggle of photographers and videographers staying out of each other's shots.

If you're a wedding creative feeling the pressure, or just love a good, honest chat about the ups and downs of running a small business, this one's for you.

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Hungover Birthday Banter

04:14 - Our Recent Weddings: Oli Foxley's Tumble

07:31 - Destination Wedding Debrief: Pete in Lake Como

12:08 - Destination Wedding Debrief: Liam in Cyprus

20:37 - The Big Topic: Why Are Wedding Bookings Down?

25:14 - Liam's New Career

30:12 - Can AI Save Our Business?

36:37 - The Photographer Who Charged £300 For One Photo

49:50 - The Styled Shoot That Was a Real Wedding?!

57:46 - The Curse of Tripods: Photographers vs. Videographers

01:09:10 - Our Highs & Lows

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Pervy Callers, Annoying Content Creators, and Tax Nightmares

Mon, 26 May 2025 05:30:00 GMT

This week on Our Creative Commune, Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee dive into a whirlwind of topics! We brace ourselves as Google Gemini's AI delivers some hilariously harsh feedback on our podcasting style (are we really that insular?). Then, it's war stories from the wedding front lines: Liam shares his ordeal of shooting a wedding post-dodgy-fish-and-chips, and Pete recounts battling a painful eye infection mid-shoot.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

We tackle the big debate: how are content creators impacting the wedding industry, and are they really taking work from pros? Plus, a crucial heads-up on the UK's "Making Tax Digital" changes that all freelancers need to know.

As always, we share our highs and lows, and issue an important alert about a "pervy caller" targeting photographers. Tune in for candid chat, essential industry insights, and a good few laughs!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro & Makeshift Studio

02:01 Remembering Past Podcast Adventures Abroad

03:40 AI Feedback on Our Podcast (Spoiler: We're Keeping it Real)

05:20 What We've Been Up To: Wedding Recaps & Mishaps

05:26 Liam's "Tracy Island" Wedding & Food Poisoning Woes

09:02 Working While Sick: Styes, Vomit & The Show Must Go On!

15:01 Laura & Pete Shoot a Wedding Together (Photo & Video Dynamic)

17:52 TOPIC 1: Content Creators at Weddings - Impact & How to Cope

21:57 Strategy: Educating Clients or Communicating with Creators?

26:52 The "Educate Your Clients" Debate - Is It Our Place?

32:18 TOPIC 2: New UK/EU Travel Deal - Hope for Destination Weddings?

36:53 TOPIC 3: Making Tax Digital - Essential Info for Creatives

41:17 Our Dream (Unprofitable) Cafe Business Idea!

42:17 TOPIC 4: Gallery Delivery Times & Modern Client Expectations

46:03 The Power of the "Next Day" Social Media Preview

51:12 GEAR CHAT: New Fuji X-Half & DJI Mavic 4 Pro

53:33 COMMUNITY ALERT: "Pervy Caller" Targeting Photographers

55:30 Our Highs & Lows of the Week!

01:03:20 Outro & Upcoming Adventures

Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Content Creators, Making Tax Digital, AI Feedback, Freelance Business, Podcast, UK Weddings, Working Whilst Ill, Pervy Caller Alert

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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The Scottish "Fyre Festival" Retreat & Supplier Recommendations Gone Wrong

Mon, 12 May 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Pop the kettle on! Welcome back to Our Creative Commune, Episode 108. Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee are here with the usual coffee-fuelled chaos, chatting all things wedding photography and videography.

This week, the pollen count is trying to take us OUT, Liam’s back from a surprisingly chilly Spanish wedding (his 21st there! Buckfast may have been mentioned), and snapping portraits of the lovely Martin Cheung. We swear everyone else has been doing some work too!

Things have gone a bit crazy – suddenly everyone wants to book us, pay us, and meet us! We’re navigating the 'OMG money!' vs ‘****, tax bill!' tightrope, and, of course, drooling over rumoured new cameras. Liam’s also attempting to bring back the 90s with film photography (spoiler: he forgot the film).

Then we get stuck into the proper meaty stuff: Is it cool for photographers to shoot a bit of video (or videographers to grab stills) when you're both on a job? What do you do when a supplier you recommended bails for a stag do THE NIGHT BEFORE?! And you absolutely HAVE to hear the story of the 'Scottish Retreat' – think Fyre Festival, but for photographers. Seriously, it’s a car crash.

As always, we’ve got our highs (awards night planning is looking lush!) and lows (Pete’s hay fever, Bee’s iron levels, Liam’s twitchy eye – it’s a medical marvel over here). Plus, we day-dream up our own hopefully-not-a-disaster creative retreat. So grab that coffee (or a Buckfast, no judgement) and join the commune!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Hello & What's In Our Mugs?

00:32 - Hay Fever vs. Wedding Pros: The Struggle is Real

03:00 - Liam's Spanish Wedding No.21 (Minus the Sun, Plus the Buckfast)

06:25 - Liam Shoots Martin Cheung

07:02 - Are Shorter Weddings The New Thing?

09:00 - It's All Kicking Off! (Bookings, Cashflow & Mild Panic)

11:21 - New Gear Lust & Why Our Old Photos Are So "On Trend"

13:28 - Liam's Great Film Camera Experiment (Fail No.1)

15:35 - BTS Content: Phone Clamps, Meta Glasses, or Just Being a Dick?

18:09 - TOPIC: Hybrid Shooting - Are We All Secretly Filming/Snapping?

26:27 - Child Labour... Uh, I Mean, Content Creators in Training

28:31 - TOPIC: Recommending People - What If They Go On a Stag Do Instead?

37:10 - TOPIC: The Photography "Fyre Festival" - You Won't Believe This Scottish Retreat Story!

51:46 - Our Creative Commune Retreat? (Less Disaster, More Booze)

53:58 - Highs & Lows: Awards, Macerators, Table Tennis & Twitchy Eyes!

01:03:44 - More Highs & Lows: Running PBs, Posh Funerals & Dodgy Iron Levels

01:10:28 - Never Eat Only Haribo & Coffee. You've Been Warned.

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Authenticity vs Automation: Weddings, 35mm & DIY Distractions

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Wedding season is kicking off! Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they shake off the winter slumber (and recover from some intense DIY projects) and dive back into the world of weddings. This week, we tackle the hot topic: is 35mm film making a comeback? We discuss a client request, the pros and cons of shooting film today, the costs, the nostalgia factor, and whether digital can truly replicate the look. Plus, is Liam finally gearing up to actually try it!

We contrast the analogue love with the rise of AI editing and culling tools – are they helpful or hindering authenticity? We also get real about the business side: handling unexpected cancellations, the ethics of contracts and refunds (including a tricky divorce scenario), and the changing landscape of referrals in industry groups. Hear about recent weddings in Scotland and the Lakes, dealing with tricky lighting, and our usual highs and lows. Grab a coffee and enjoy!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro & DIY Madness: Liam's plumbing adventures, Pete & Laura's new carpet/desk saga.

(5:52) Wedding Season Begins!: Liam shoots a photographer's wedding in Scotland (The Byre at Inchyra), Pete films a local Lake District wedding. We chat portraits, marquees & avoiding downtime.

(17:23) Is 35mm Film Back?!: Exploring the trend, the appeal (nostalgia vs digital), the costs, the logistics, and whether we should offer it. Liam volunteers as tribute to try it in Spain!

(27:38) Camera Nerd Corner: Reminiscing about old film cameras (Contax 645, Mamiya) & finding undeveloped rolls!

(29:42) Film vs. AI: The contrast! Discussing AI culling fails and new AI retouching tools – helpful or harmful to authenticity?

(34:43) Business Real Talk: Handling a last-minute cancellation, contract ethics, deposit debates, and a tough scenario involving divorce & album refunds.

(46:09) Shooting Challenges: How would you handle a church ceremony lit entirely pink?!

(51:20) Referral Rant: Why are referrals drying up in big groups? The shift to WhatsApp cliques, and referral etiquette.

(59:58) Highs & Lows: Running obsessions, DIY triumphs, pre-wedding nerves, expensive flights & listener love!

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

We'd love it if you could leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it really helps other creatives find us. You can also send us a message on Instagram with your thoughts on this week's topics.

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Navigating Rejection & Industry Shifts in Wedding Photography & Videography

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for our regular chat all about the world of wedding photography and videography.

This week, we’re re-introducing ourselves for new listeners before tackling the big issues: the frustrating rise of client ghosting and rejection, navigating the popular "editorial" photo trend (is it all it's cracked up to be?), and debating radical portfolio strategies to stand out.

We’re also sharing stories of demanding client inquiries, the tricky landscape of destination weddings post-Brexit, and indulge in some serious gear lust (hello, autofocus anamorphic lenses!). Plus, hear a little more about the British Wedding Film Festival awards launch, and catch up on our personal highs and lows, featuring fantasy book addictions, DIY disasters, and Hadrian's Wall adventures.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Creative Business, Client Ghosting, Editorial Photography, Portfolio Strategy, Wedding Industry Trends, Destination Weddings, Canon R6, Anamorphic Lens, Fuji, Videography Awards, Small Business Challenges.

Timestamps:

* (01:46) Re-Introductions: Who are Pete, Laura, Liam & Bee?

* (08:34) Editing Styles: Shifting back to a lighter, airier look?

* (10:33) Portfolio Panic: Should we delete half our website to stand out?

* (11:52) The Ghosting Epidemic: Why are clients disappearing & how do we cope with rejection?

* (18:11) Editorial Wedding Trend: Debating the style and educating clients (Martha May article mention).

* (23:33) Finding Your Ideal Client: They still exist!

* (30:34) Gear Talk!: Anamorphic lens lust, RF primes, Canon R6 vs R6 MkII, Fuji dreams & Bee's unique photo project...

* (39:57) Nightmare Inquiries: Dealing with demanding clients and unreasonable requests.

* (47:24) Destination Wedding Dilemmas: Navigating the risks post-Brexit (especially Greece).

* (55:39) Industry News: Videography Summit buzz & Our NEW Videography Awards launch!

* (59:55) Highs & Lows: Hadrian's Wall hikes, fantasy book addictions, Peter Kay, DIY injuries, and more!

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Awards Launch! Plus: AI Assistants, TikTok Trauma & Property Photography Pain

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:30:00 GMT

Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee are back for another catch-up. This week, we're excited to officially announce the launch of the British Wedding Film Festival – hear all about the idea behind it, why we think the industry needs it, and what makes it different. Liam shares the highs and lows (aching legs and Lightroom battles!) of his new property photography side hustle.

We also dive into takeaways from a recent videographer retreat:

Using AI like ChatGPT as a 'personal assistant' (inspired by Arran Kenny's method) – useful hack or too much?
The TikTok debate – do we really need to be there, even if the clients are?

Plus, we discuss that scary Italy visa story, get some clarity on using music legally on Instagram business accounts, and of course, share our personal highs and lows – featuring Bee's surprising AI astrocartography results, a wet legging incident, and Pete getting schooled by a kid at table tennis.

It's the usual mix of wedding industry chat, creative business insights, and friendly banter. Pull up a chair and join the commune!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Keywords: Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography, Creative Business, AI, ChatGPT, TikTok, Social Media Marketing, Side Hustle, Property Photography, British Wedding Film Festival, Wedding Awards, UK Wedding Industry, Working Abroad, Instagram Music Rules.

Timestamps:

Liam's new property photography side hustle & the joys of re-learning Lightroom (03-15 - 08:32)

Takeaways from Roo Stain’s videographer retreat (08:34 - 11:25)

Using AI like ChatGPT for productivity (Arran Kenny's method) & Bee's astrocartography adventures (11:25 - 19:02)

The TikTok debate for wedding pros - is it essential? (19:03 - 26:55)

BIG NEWS: Launching the British Wedding Film Festival! (27:45 - 39:57)

Concerns and discussion around working abroad (Italy/US visa stories) (39:57 - 44:31)

Clarification on using music on Instagram Business accounts (Meta Sound Collection) (45:22 - 47:13)

Highs & Lows of the week (Anniversaries, TV series recommendations, embarrassing moments & more!) (47:14 - 1:00:28)

Links:

British Wedding Film Festival: https://www.britishweddingfilmfestival.com/

AI Tools: ChatGPT (https://chatgpt.com/), Claude (https://claude.ai/)

TV Recommendation: Adolescence (Netflix)

Book Recommendation: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Salmon

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:30:00 GMT

This week we chat about the struggle with destination weddings, pension pots and using music on Instagram. Check out the episode on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Rants

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:30:00 GMT

Join us for a catch up after Liam's adventure in Rio. Be sure to check out our Youtube channel if you'd like to see our faces: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Hanging out with Kelly Clarke

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:30:00 GMT

This week we are joined for coffee and cake by our lovely friend (and super talented photographer) Kelly Clarke, queen of the side hustle and holiday aficionado. Be sure to check out our Youtube channel if you'd like to see our faces: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Check out Kelly's work: https://kellyclarke.co.uk/

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Dictaphone

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:30:00 GMT

This week we chat about AI stealing our faces and clients who never download their images, be sure to check out our Youtube channel if you'd like to see our faces: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Our 100th Episode!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:30:00 GMT

Join us to celebrate our 100th episode. A huge thank you to all our lovely listeners, we can't quite believe we're still going! This week we decided to film the episode, so be sure to check that out over on Youtube if you'd like to see our faces: https://youtu.be/v7R2g0HEaj8

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Cheese

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:30:58 GMT

Happy new year! This week we chat about shooting winter weddings, car woes and cheese (so much cheese).

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Merry Christmas!

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:30:18 GMT

Join us for a look back at 2024 and some plans for the year ahead. We'd like to wish all of our lovely listeners and fabulous and restful Christmas and New Year!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Photographers are people

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:55:41 GMT

This week we catch up and revisit the 'vibe' chat, discuss sponsored instagram posts and plan camp commune.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Vibes

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:30:36 GMT

Join us for a heated debate about following trends and capturing the vibe.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Happy Halloween

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:30:39 GMT

This week we catch up and chat about Coda Conference, many wedding dramas and whether couples will start using generative fill.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Stinky Trainers

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:30:26 GMT

Join us for a coffee and a chat about wedding attire, venues not saying thank you for images and whether clients have a say on what you post on Instagram.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Chocolate fingers

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:30:29 GMT

Festive trigger warning: DO NOT listen to this around little ears!

This week we chat about dealing with overdue edits, stepping on each other's toes with previews, and comparison being the thief of joy.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Team work makes the dream work

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:30:35 GMT

We're back! Join us for a catch up after the madness of the summer hols; we chat about editorial trends and photographers and videographers working well together.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:30:16 GMT

It's just Pete & Liam this week, can we be trusted to podcast on our own? This time we're mostly chatting about clients leaving mean reviews, why they do it, and if there's anything you can do to stop it before it happens - or at least manage the fallout.

Also, as Laura & Bee aren't here to stop us, we have a little geek out about camera equipment.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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It's nice to have hobbies

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:30:12 GMT

Join us for a chat about justifying your prices and provisions for if we died (jolly!).

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Not bulletproof, not even drizzle proof

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:30:40 GMT

This week we catch up after an industry night out and chat about sharing your edit queues, deposits, couples not responding to galleries and whether videographers are lazy.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crying in a dark corner

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:30:03 GMT

We catch up after our annual fake Christmas trip, and chat about payment schedules, how we relax after weddings and Liam's shooting nightmare.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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What day is it?

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:30:48 GMT

Our brains are scrambled this week! Join us for a catch up and chat about when to reveal your price, welcome gifts and set up photos overtaking the experience.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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A weirdo hiding in a tree

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:30:40 GMT

We're back! Apologies for those have missed us for the last few weeks. We're happy to be back and having a good old catch up and chat about how things look for next year.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Don't get scammed, and Liam's deaf now

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:30:23 GMT

This week we're talking about shooting engagements, visual imagination, scammy and litigious wedding directories. Later on we have a cautionary tale about the importance of ear protection at wedding - Liam did not get good news from the ear specialist.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Love you guys

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:30:00 GMT

Join us for a catch up and a chat about styled shoots being marketed as weddings, being challenged on taking breaks when you've got an hourly package and how important it is to spread the love.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Don't take my website away

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:30:18 GMT

Today we're chatting about the Pixieset and Flothemes shut down that's caught a lot of photographers out, culling during the meal, as well as far too much information about Bee's traumatic doctors appointment (trigger warning if lady parts are not something you want to hear about).

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I missed all the speeches

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:30:55 GMT

Join us for a catch up and a chat about missing moments and how to handle it, whether we should be sharing galleries with suppliers and what to do when people try to negotiate on price.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don't need to see balls

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:30:30 GMT

This week we answer a few lovely listener questions. We chat about balancing parenthood with weddings, our approach to posey photo requests from guests, whether previews are worth the effort and what we're doing to stay productive yet chill.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragging a duvet

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:30:07 GMT

We're back for a good catch up and a chat about precious dresses, vaping at weddings and whether you can shoot with one lens.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Up the aisle

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:43:30 GMT

Join us this week for a chat about dogs, couples who send lots of inspo photos, micro weddings, and the acceptable ratio of couple to guest photos.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Erections at altitude

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

A little later than planned! We're without Laura this episode as we chat about what we've been up to this week, photographers doing really well at £3k +, sharing pictures vs a client's right to privacy, Liam getting a motorbike (everyone is shocked), offering videography as an extra to your photography package, and why you should really backup your computer before you lose everything. Whoops. Oh, and an instagram tale (as old as time) regarding how some gentlemen experience an unfortunate misdirection in blood flow on airplanes.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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I refuse to put my price down

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:30:58 GMT

We're back from our holiday in Greece to chat about how bookings are on the up, whether putting your price up rather than down could be a good plan and how Pete is a fainter.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it price?

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:30:44 GMT

This week we discuss putting down prices, getting a massive instagram following and whether it's worth it, and joint photo & video packages.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here there and everywhere

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:30:23 GMT

Join us for a chat after our trip to Silverstone and Laura's big 4-0. We talk about AI, how much to pay associate shooters and VAT.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Halfway through the year

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:30:34 GMT

We're back home this week to tackle our mountain of editing. We have a chat about reaching the halfway point of the year, how we'd actually get those blurred photos you see everywhere these days, and how to deal with rejection from prospective couples.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our 50th Episode!

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:30:22 GMT

It's our 50th episode and we're hiding on a beach in Jamaica in the dark during a tropical thunderstorm! A short and sweet episode this week where we chat about shooting in hot climates and what (not) to do.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get out of my way

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:30:42 GMT

Join us in Jamaica for some margarita fuelled chat about asking people to get out of your shot, other possible income streams and when you just can't work with someone.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so productive

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:30:17 GMT

This week we chat about the importance of previews, the engagement gap and Bee's big birthday celebrations!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You never see things like this coming

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:30:22 GMT

Join us for a catch up over half term. We chat about what we've been up to, dealing negative feedback and have a good rant about overbearing wedding coordinators.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The robots are coming

Mon, 29 May 2023 05:30:23 GMT

This week we talk about AI, the new photoshop generative fill, wedding hangovers and whether to charge for travel.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam is late

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:30:37 GMT

This week we chat about taking photos you haven't been asked to, the ideal food to take to weddings, whether our social media intimidates couples and weddings in space.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All our friends are 80

Mon, 15 May 2023 05:30:44 GMT

This week we have a natter about how we deal with image requests, how it feels when people copy us and the crazy costs of some advertising.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No more hotels

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:30:58 GMT

Join us for a chat about wedding previews, when you say no to bookings, and the world of insanely high budget weddings. Plus a god old moan about all the travelling lately!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(over) sharing is caring

Mon, 01 May 2023 05:30:42 GMT

This week we discuss styled shoots, shooting video and pictures at the same time and returning deposits. Plus there's some classic over sharing from Liam with one of his wedding war stories.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mr nice guy

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:30:27 GMT

Liam is finally bank from his jaunt to Spain! We chat about second shooters, vertical video and some recent happenings in the industry.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last Saturday

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:30:44 GMT

Join us on a rare Saturday off for a chat about feeling the nerves, new wedding trends and the fear of giving away raw footage.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The time Pete lost half a million

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:30:30 GMT

This week we have a chat about cancelling weddings, saving money and Pete's not so amazing crypto journey.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catching up with Adam Wing

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:30:34 GMT

This week mega wedding videographer and all round good egg Adam Wing pops over for a coffee and a catch up. He talks us through his laid back approach, and how he plans on cutting down a bit this year. He even brought a high and low of the week, what a star.

Adam's website: https://www.adamwingfilms.com/

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting your name out there

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:30:23 GMT

This week we answer some listener questions and cover some big topics like lighting, learning video and how to get established. Plus some even more important topics like does pineapple belong on a pizza?

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catching up with Janina Brocklesby

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 06:30:01 GMT

An absolute pleasure to chat to Janina Brocklesby this week. An amazing documentary photographer who's taking the industry by storm, winning all the awards - including the prestigious Rangefinder's Rising Stars. She's awesome and super open with her knowledge and tales of wedding disasters during her career.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

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Wedding Saboteurs

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 06:30:01 GMT

This week we're talking more horror stories from weddings. Ever feel like people are working against you? You're not paranoid, it's the wedding saboteurs!!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting those enquiries in!

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:30:27 GMT

This week we're chatting about our bookings for 2023 and 2024 and how to keep the enquiries coming in. Also, something about strapping a GoPro to the groom's shoes... we'll let Liam explain this one

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catching up with Sam Hurd

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:30:26 GMT

We're honoured this week to be joined by the amazing Sam Hurd, who tells us how the market is over in the US and how we should all be charging more.

Sam's website: https://www.samhurdphotography.com/

The book he recommends: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Act-Way-Being/

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are you double the price?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:30:58 GMT

This week we muse on drones, imposter syndrome and justifying prices amongst other things.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bit off tangent

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:30:48 GMT

This week we go a bit off tangent discussing life and health supplements, as well as a good old catch up after actually shooting some weddings!

The chocolate health drink: https://supernovaliving.com/

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catching up with Jonny MP

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:00:52 GMT

We're so happy to be catching up with Mr Sunset and all round ray of sunshine Jonny MP this week. He shares some insights into his business and some great tips for people starting out.

Jonny's website: https://jonnymp.com/

His latest workshop: https://jonnymp-develop.com/aspire-and-thrive/

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this middle aged life + Sexism in our industry

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:30:47 GMT

Join us for a catch up about what's been going on in the industry this week, including some pretty serious discussions about sexism.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OurCreativeCommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catching up with Emma Lawson

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:00:49 GMT

We're delighted to be joined this week by the wonderful and super inspiring Emma Lawson (emmalawsonphotography.com) who shares some amazing insights into her business.

Emma's website: emmalawsonphotography.com

The amazing CRM she uses: https://sproutsocial.com/features/social-media-crm/

The VA: https://wiva.uk/services/

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OurCreativeCommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wintering hard

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:30:56 GMT

We're back! Join us for a long overdue catch up after Christmas and chat about how we're settling into the new year.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's snowing!!

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:30:42 GMT

We catch up after a week of illness, boiler breakages and snow. Join us for our final episode of the year!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just the two of us

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:30:45 GMT

This week it's Liam & Pete chatting away while Laura & Bee are at yoga. We talk about what we've been up to this week, Liam's (seasonal) waning love for his Canon RF 28-70 mm F2 lens, as well as what we want to do better next year.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We forgot about fake Christmas

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:30:23 GMT

We catch up after fake Christmas and discuss anxiety and stress at this time of year.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories from the war

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:30:26 GMT

This week we catch up and chat about our previous jobs and how they've helped shape us.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booking season ready

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:30:37 GMT

A catch up and brainstorm about all the things we can do to prepare for booking season and everything we're looking forward to about the winter wind down.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want more friends

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 06:30:01 GMT

Join us before our Sunday lunch for a chat about changes in the industry over the past decade and the importance of making friends.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Open your EYES!

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:30:45 GMT

We're all back together this week, chatting about ways we can all improve and answering a few listener questions.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full frontal nudity

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:30:39 GMT

Time for Liam and Bee to fly solo; chatting about the last few mad weeks, AI culling and the time Liam accidentally flashed.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's so hard!

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:30:25 GMT

This week Pete & Laura fly solo, chatting about the madness of the last week and just how hard it is to judge awards.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let there be light

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:30:52 GMT

This week we chat about Liam's new kit and our top tips for shooting winter weddings.

Liam's fancy new Nanlite Forza 60b lights:

https://amzn.to/3Sc4tOa

Pete's cheap Yongnuo video lights:

https://amzn.to/3s6Z7sN

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guess who's back

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:30:12 GMT

So happy to be reunited this week! We catch up about Bee's dad, and our kids tell us what jobs we should have.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confidence

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:30:51 GMT

We catch up after a stressful week (a lot of which was spent of vintage buses), and chat about how we gain our couple's confidence.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awards

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:30:34 GMT

We catch up after a crazy week and chat all about awards; ones we've won and things we look for when judging them.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 05:30:21 GMT

This week the burnout is REAL. Join us for a good moan about work/stress levels and how we try and overcome it.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enquiries, where do they come from?

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:30:28 GMT

Join us for a catch up and a chat about where our wedding bookings come from.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annoying things about weddings

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 05:30:59 GMT

Today we chat about all the things at weddings that we find pointless and annoying; it's good to have a good moan!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pricing

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:30:17 GMT

We're back in the UK and discussing all things pricing. How do you know when to face the fear and put your price up?

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking care of yourself

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:30:52 GMT

Our final episode recorded in Spain! This week we discuss how we take care of ourselves in a busy wedding season, and how important our mental health is.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Destination weddings

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:30:05 GMT

This week we take a break from sunbathing to talk all things destination weddings, whilst sheltering from a crazy tropical storm.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Q&A

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:30:43 GMT

Hola from Spain! Join us on our delightful terrace for a Q & A episode where we chat about drones, staying creatively inspired and pricing among other things.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all gone wrong

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:00:04 GMT

This week we reminisce about past mistakes, mishaps and disasters. Also Pete's back from his wedding in France and has totally changed his tune.

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Equipment

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:30:49 GMT

This week we catch up after Pete's heatwave wedding, and talk about the equipment we use now and what we used back in the day. Liam also reveals his early days film mishap!

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best day ever

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:00:58 GMT

Join us on the eve of Pete's birthday walk, after a glass or two of vino! We discuss how our personalities affect our job, and touch on social media drama.

Say hi on Insta @ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's hard to fit it all in

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode we catch up after Pete's birthday weekend and Liam's adventures in Spain. Also we discuss the constant battle for work/life balance and how we try and find the joy in life when we're crazy busy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's really hard to let things go

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:11:39 GMT

Today we chat a little bit about editing, what we'd like to outsource and how we all struggle with letting things go. Plus we manage to track down the elusive Liam Crawley who's off on one of his wedding adventures.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Commune

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:42:02 GMT

Here we are sat around a kitchen table talking about losing a house in the pandemic and how we ended up living around the corner from each other. Plus why some of us hate destination weddings and others thrive on them. Among other things.