A Wedding Photographers Journey: Recent Episodes
Darren & Kara of Darren Musgrove Photography
Come with us on our journey as wedding photographers, especially if you are new & looking to progress in this wonderful career. No tekkie jargon or confusing language, no subscriptions, no workshops, just two people chatting fun wedding photo stuff. We're Darren & Kara, Uk Wedding photographers. We work the wedding scene and want to bring you our stories, our experiences and our opinions, and most of all our encouragement to those that are looking to start out. In a seemingly over saturated part of the wedding industry you may feel like giving it all up before you've even started. Well DONT!
We've been away for a few months, the volume of work and lack of time to put aside to sit down meant we haven't recorded an episode. Well..... we did sit down and record once, but due to Darren's bad throat at the time of recording the episode didn't get aired. But we now have something for you, with some proper good nuggets to take away!
We recap on some weddings we've covered this summer. There was something unique about them all and an underlying current was present in them.
How hard is it to find your ideal wedding photographer? We have some advice for couples in the process of trying to find their ideal wedding photographer.
What is this new thing that has surface in the wedding photography industry where a photographer is hired, but then biffs the job to someone wanting at the 11th hour? Worse still, they take on multiple weddings for a date, then send them out to others to do the work? Is this ethical? Or just business?
New starters and training. Should you be reaching out to established photographers to 'tag along' on a wedding day to see how things work, and see how a wedding photographer operates? If so, would you be willing to pay for that kind of access and training?
Come and join us for some fun photo chat.
If you've got something for us, or want to contact us at all, so so via our socials or website:
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Birthday, Bike crashes, and bright sunshine......it's all been going on lately.
Catch up with us as we discuss our latest wedding experiences. The difficulties we've faced, the decisions that had to be made and the fun we've had.
Carrying an injury into a wedding day (you can't let your couple down can you!) and soldiering on, and how did a wedding go on Cup Final Day when the wedding party are avid football fans and their team is playing in the final.
What's the best way to deal with a camera shy couple, and how do you cope when you go blank on a photo shoot with them.
Come and join us for some fun photo chat!
Contact us via our socials FacebookWebsiteInstagramTwitter
It's been a few weeks, but we're back with another episode.
We talk about an event we were requested to photograph recently, and it was in a church.....but it wasn't a wedding! We reveal all and how we handled things.
We've had a change! Our website and logo is brand new and shiny. We discuss the decisions behind the change, what the visuals represent, and how we hope our new website will roll and the features it offers to our clients.
Plenty of encouraging words to the new photographer who is entering the world of wedding photography (or photography in general)
A few stats (taken from https://ukweddings.org/key-facts) and hopes for the future...and a bit more fun photo chat with us.
Come see us, message us on our socials:
WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter ......we'd love to hear from you. Any questions, or opinions you have, let us know and we'll discuss them.
A repeating topic keeps cropping up here and there. The feeling is there from couples planning to wed that most photographers are out to just extort money from them, by over charging for photography. This is a feeling that has festered in many peoples minds. But is this right? Do those planning to wed and seeking a decent photographer need to be educated at all? We discuss this in our latest episode. When is a professional photographer not a professional photographer? When they complain about rules put in place by venues! We'll give our take on this, and remind ourselves that we are JUST the photographers Ghosting.....wooooaahhh! It's horrible, and it happens to us all. How do you deal with it? Insurance! Do you need it? As a second shooter, or an assistant who's responsibility is it? Rebranding, renaming and new websiting! What decisions are we making and what worries do we have? Mix in a bit of what we've been watching on Netflix and why working for yourself is so great, and you have a great bit of podcast listening in our latest episode. Join us for some fun wedding photo chat! Our socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter Website ....drop us a line if you've heard anything you like, you hate, you agree with or you cant get your head around (that'll be most of it then!)
We're back after the Holiday break. So, belated season and new year best wishes to you all!!
Hello 2022!
In this episode we talk about the winter wedding we experienced, and as lovely as the day was, as a photographer it brings added problems. What to do when you have a severe lack of light both natural and artificial. How did we cope, and what decisions did we make to make it workable?
This time of the year is traditionally quiet for actual wedding work, but a very busy time for enquiries. So why do you as a photographer choose to cut your prices? We discuss and urge you all to have faith in yourself and stand confidently with your pricing.
.....and a 1972 film revisited.
Join us, and get in touch. Let us know how your year's been, and what you are looking forward to and hoping for in 2022.
Our socials for contact are Facebook Instagram Twitter Website
We're often asked many questions from potential clients. Some standard, and some not so. How do you answer the more obscure questions?
Copyright is a complex law. It can be the most contentious of topics between photographers, and clients alike. What's the right way to deal with this, and what could be the potential outcome of the decision?
There has been a surge in the amount of people now offering wedding photography services. We embrace all those that want to give it a go and forge a path in this very competitive, very saturated but massively rewarding side to the industry. But as newcomer, how are some dealing with feedback offered, or critiques given? We discuss this and more.
Our cat makes a guest appearance....again, so keep your ears open for her input!
We've had few tricky jobs recently, so we chat about the challenges faced, and decisions made in order to get the best out of a difficult scenario.
Sit back, grab a cuppa, pour a glass and join us for some fun wedding photo chat.
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know how you are doing in the world of wedding photography, or even photography in general. What challenges are you facing? What pee's you off? and what do you love about doing your thing?
Get in touch:
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In our latest episode we catch up with things that the last month has presented us. We have had a few weddings and other photo jobs.
We've been on the road a bit, and a very nice Welsh wedding has been a highlight for us. We revisit the day (or two) and discuss what we found to be the most beneficial experiences and decisions that had to be made for things to work.
We also mention a visit to a very familiar place to those that enjoy a certain Netflix series!
Kara is progressing with her skills, and is now dabbling in the manual mode. She'll explain why this unexpected progression is taking place.
Castle weddings, pre wedding shoots and could we possibly be off to Denmark next year!??
Catch up with us on our latest episode.
Also, we'd love to hear from you.
Let us know how you have found the last years or so, and what you have done to keep yourself going and stay alive in the photography industry.
Heard something you liked, or disagreed with? Drop us message and we can take things further (no fisty cuffs allowed)
Questions, feedback, whatever you've got......let us have it!
Our socials for contact.....
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We're at it again, a much needed waffling session on all things weddingy.
We recap on our most recent experiences in the weddings we've photographed. They all vary as do the couples. Are two weddings ever alike? We don't seem to think so. What kind of hat do you have to have on when you go from one wedding to another?
Without getting technical, we talk about the lenses we use between us to get what we need, and why we choose the ones we do. There are all kinds of lenses that do all kinds of jobs. What do you favour and why?? We'd love to hear your preferences.
Venues thinking about charging suppliers to work on a wedding at their venues? Is this actually a thing? How would this affect you? What would your reaction be? We'd love your opinion also.
All this and a bit more of us two chatting fun wedding photo stuff.
You can find us on our socials here:
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We'd love to hear from you, your thoughts, opinions struggles and successes!
Weddings are happening again!
They're just like buses....none for ages, and then WHALLOP!
We look back at a few weeks worth of weddings, and at their uniqueness. The ups and the downs and the difficulties and the problem solving.
Find out how Kara is coping with her new role in photography, and the way she works.
And a Hearse at a wedding? It is actually a thing. Find out where this happened.
This and lots more crazy waffle from us!
(Obviously)
In our latest episode we discuss the lack of payments that photographers demand for their work. I am dead against this, so it seems I am a bit of a baddie! Not all photographers agree that they should be paid for some of their work? We get stuck into this one alright!
Also, if you are just getting into, or thinking about starting your journey as a wedding photographer....go right ahead. You can and will succeed. Small steps, but in the right direction. Listen to our tips and recommendations for a successful start.
How would you react to negative feedback? How would you deal with it? If it's happened to you, we'd love to hear how you dealt, and coped with it. It can't be a nice feeling, but you can still use it as a win situation.
Getting your own look to your photos and the importance of this and not copying others, and much, much more.
Join us for some fun wedding photo chat! (and grumbles....and laughs!)
Socials: Facebook Twitter Instagram Website
After further updates from the UK government recently, weddings here have a little more freedom than before. We discuss what a wedding may look like at the moment.
Kara has upskilled, so what does that mean for us going forward?
Have couples started to see the cracks appearing in the wedding industry? what realisations are they having?
Recent work we have been involved in, particularly some new concepts as far as couples go.
....and photographers....WHY are you still working for FREE!? You are shafting the rest of the industry and your fellow photographer.
We discuss all these points in our very own way.
Connect with us on our socials: Facebook Instagram Twitter & Website
Disclaimer: The content on this podcast are our own thoughts and opinions. We do not profess to be expert in any topics discussed. We have our own mind, our own skills and our own way of working. Embrace the uniqueness of yourself and others.
Hello....it's us, remember?
We thought it time to get ourselves in order and get an interim episode recorded to let you know that we are still here. The reason for our silence.....well actually we've been in lockdown, then out, then back in lockdown (if you can call it that!) So as a result we have not been able to carry out any photography work let alone any wedding work.
But....over yonder, on the horizon there may be a new day dawning. We could be back in the game later this year.
In this interim episode, we talk about how we've been dealing with lockdown and how we see the current 'STEPS' process planned out of this, going. Will it work?
2022 cold be a mammoth year for wedding photography, but with an already over saturated part of the industry getting even more saturated how can a couple possibly know what's right when it comes to finding their photographer.?
How old is too old? Hear what we think on the varying ages found in the wedding photography industry.
As always some fun photo talk, and our opinions on what we see, hear and do.
You can see a bit more about us, and can get in touch via these social media platforms:
Facebook Instagram Twitter and Website
What a gruelling year it's been, we're now ready for some R&R! 8^) (hahahaaa! Who am I kidding!!)
We review our debut season and revisit our episodes by digging out some timely reminders and key points.
Did you have a favourite episode? Was there one that made you laugh, or your blood boil above all the rest!? We'd love to hear.
We will be back for an end of year special so keep your eyes out for that.
We've enjoyed every minute, bringing you our views, having a grumble about this, and a laugh about that.
Season 2 will be here before you know it, and hopefully we'll all have been back to a near normal way of living and working by then.
As always DM us Insta Twitty and faceachebook, give us your questions, opinions and anything else you fancy throwing at us!
Stay happy, be nice and keep yourself on that photography journey!
D&K
teamdmp
We're back at it! Fresh from our most recent Wedding. It's been a while, but we talk an actual Wedding...albeit a smaller, more intimate affair.
This impostor syndrome is actually a real thing! Have you experienced it? Maybe you have without realising. If you doubt yourself, and wonder how your getting away with doing what you do.....you may well have entered, the Impostor Syndrome Zone..... hear Darren's epic film introduction on this.
Wait...what's that little voice in the background!?.....Mrs Google voice speaker gatecrashes our podcast! See if you can hear her asking Kara a question mid podding!
Lot's more fun wedding photo chat in this weeks Episode. Join us for an hour of funnies!
We'd love to hear from you fellow industry folk. Let us know what you're up to. Got a question for us, or an opinion on what we do? Just message us on our socials : Facebook, Instagram & Twitty or fire an email over to us at darrenmusgrove@gmail.com
Music used in Episode with thanks to AShamaluevMusic
The Law Commission is planning to present some changes to the way weddings are held (in the UK), giving couples greater freedom to marry where they want. Will this have much effect on the industry? How much kit do you really need to take with you on a wedding day? Hear us describe what we used to take with us, and how we roll now! Styled shoots! Is the photographer key to their success? ...and are they our thing! We have plenty of chat in this episode, so join us for a fun hour. Got a question you want to ask us. Message us via our Facebook page or Instagram...and even Twitter. We'll include these in our next episode.
We ask the question, what is documentary and reportage photography and is there a difference between them at all?
Getting back into the swing of Wedding photography, but should we be doing bridal prep still? If so, what's the best thing to have in place?
What's occurring...who remembers where that's from? and what have we been watching on the telly box recently.
Lots of fun photo chat in this episode.
Follow us on Facebook, instagram and Twitter.....ask us a question or two and we'll answer on our next episode.
That word Ego! It crops up here and there in our industry. Do you know a photographer with an ego? Well, this episode might resonate with you.
Silent Thunder storms took place in areas of the UK recently. Find out what we saw and what we did when they hit our area on two consecutive nights....and see an example on our Facebook Page
Suppliers outwardly and shamelessly asking their 'couples' to send them the Professional Wedding photos that feature their business! WoW! Really!? Who actually owns the Professional photos after the event?
.... what is Milk Bath?...and who should be taking one?
....and our own contribution to a local festival to us....The Ludlow Fringe festival
Join us for some fun wedding photo chat where we discuss all this and much more on our latest Episode (13) of A Wedding Photographers Journey.
We've been on a little road trip to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We had planned a big party , but alas, due to the current situation that couldn't happen. So our next favourite thing is a bit of travelling....so we hit the road for a few days. Fun chat, with some photoey things thrown in for good measure....me and ebay, Kara and Ferrero Rocher.....and our photo fun. Some trip pics of our Brighton Stop can be found on our facebook page here: Brighton
Also.....to correct an error in the episode, Kara mentions Mark Ronson as being the man in the cover photo for this episode...but she really meant to say Nile Rodgers of Chic fame....Honest!
After some re-evaluating and deep soul searching we ask the question and discuss. Has wedding photography become a lot of the same old same? Has an 'industry standard' inadvertently crept in and taken control? Rain on your wedding day..so what!?.....and our road trip that lays ahead! Join us again for some fun wedding photo chat, a few giggles, and a lot of blank mind moments as only we could!
This may be a bit of a controversial topic as in the UK there is a massive amount of pressure being put forward to allow weddings to return to a level we are more familiar with. But not ALL wedding suppliers agree and the spokesperson for this motion being put forward does not represent the industry. But like us they have their opinion. What is most important here, a return to earnings, or a maintaining of persons well being? We discuss!
Also Wedding fayres. What is the main function of these and who generally participates? Are they a productive exercise or a social supplier meet up?
Find out why Kara has been donning some gym wear recently and what's this with the shadow people?
All fun chat again in our 10th Episode, a bit of grumbling....and a Wedding revisit. Come and listen to our opinions!
Friends!!?? Should you try to be Best Friends with your Bride?...or couple. What are the risks, if any? We give our honest take on the relationship required to work with the wedding day bride.
Have you been able to see the Neowise comet of 2020. We've been out for a bit of star gazing, and you can see our photo here!
Style of photography?.......what do you mean? Is it the way the photo is edited? We will answer this.....
Also, being fit for a wedding day photography assignment. With no weddings taking place maybe it's time to hit the home gym!
Join us for some more fun wedding photo chat......with Mousey the cat for company
Pricing on your website.....do you? or not do you? This is a question that has filled many a Facebook thread or forum since wedding photographers started to do websites. We ask, and give our opinion!
Wedding Sequels are an actual thing now.....but what is this strange phrase? Are you an award chaser and a badge displayer? What's the biggie with awards and are they all that really? As a wedding photographer, how do you work with videographers? Who has the more important role out of the two on the day??.....and Time Travel 101. Find out where we'd end up if we had a time machine at our disposal.
A jam packed episode...with a few laughs and giggles along the way. Join us for some fun wedding photo chat.
Being a professional photographer means behaving in a certain way. Doing business in the correct manner, and respecting the industry you and your co-photographers work in.
In this episode we discuss: Being fed at a Wedding? Yay or Nay!? Should I show my prices on my website? How to deal with those awkward weddings. Venues wanting photographers photos for FREE! Why are you doing this? What do you wear for a Wedding day as a photographer? Bridesmaids...what is their role on a wedding day?....and there's a bit of current TV favourite box sets talk!
We are on Instagram and facebook and twitter, and website, so come see us.
New wedding photographers this is for you! Established wedding photographers come and say hi! You'll love some things, hate other things but this is the spice of life...opinions rule!
We discuss how we initially aim to acquire our clients, then how we form our working relationship, the extra miles worth going in order to give them the best experience possible. They've invested with you, give a little back.
We talk Instagram tactics, is it worth attended a rehearsal? and a few other nuggets of information and advice.
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We sit down and discuss the F word! FREE!! When is it right to work for free!? Should you ever work for free!? What are the ramifications of working for free? Starting out is daunting enough so who would pay to receive the service? Is there value in a newbies service?
Also, our local #BLM event a passionate, peaceful socially distant respected protest!...see our photos on our facebook page here.
And we also re visit a wedding from last year.
We're not the type to grumble naturally, and if we do....we keep it to ourselves! So why can't everybody else? In a period of time that has seen soooo much negativity in the press, online, and in publications we though it may me a ripe time for us to lay our cards out and say what makes us grumble. The photography industry, like it or not, is full of negative people who do not like other photographers for whatever reason. WHY!!? Why is this feeling there? Why do they gang up on and outwardly discourage newbie photographers? Why are some in little cliques that won't allow entry to anyone they don't know. If you're not part of a recognised group or body of people why are you discounted as being of any relevance as a wedding photographer? It's a taboo subject.....but listen to our take, and hear our personal experiences at being on the receiving end of other photographers and their negativity.
Is the wedding industry and the way a wedding photographer works all about to change as a result of Covid-19?
Also....we reminisce on a 2019 Shabang of a wedding!
In our latest episode, we continue with our story from fledgling to fully grown pro photographer. The road I wanted to go down with the knowledge and passion I had to the realisation that I was in the wrong field if I wanted to progress as a professional photographer. The value and importance that a website has and for the correct content that website should be displaying for your success. In a nut shell, don't appear to be a Jack of all trades. Show that you are an expert in one. Believe me.......it works!
We all gotta start somewhere. All the best of the the best in whatever you can think of have all started out somewhere. Even those that where born into a privileged background, that had it all handed to them on a plate have still had to start . Starting can be a quick and simple process for some. To others it can take years to get from point A to point B! Many factors are involved in this, but as an individual artist it is up to you to keep moving in the right direction- FORWARD no matter how quick or slow this may be. In this first full episode, listen to my story and how long it was between my first ever wedding shoot as a favour and the unrecognisable kit I used, to my next wedding....and then right up to my first actual paid wedding.
Darren & Kara talk the journey, the lessons and the education. The steps they took to progress from Dad with camera, to first paying gig!
Hi, and thanks for finding us if you were looking for us. Or if you've stumbled across us while searching podcasts, then maybe come on in for a listen. This is an introductory episode for our podcast that we've named A Wedding Photographers Journey. We outline who we are, what we're about and why we have started our own podcast and the content we aim to deliver and to whom this may be of interest to. The Wedding industry is growing as is the supplier base. This includes the amount of photographers that want to make a career in this rewarding industry. We debunk those and their opinions that YOU shouldn't do it, or that you're not good enough to be shooting weddings! So if you have a passion to be part of the wedding industry as a photographer and you're just starting out...come and join us for some fun and simple chat. You will not find any F-stop, ISO or shutter speed subjects to confuse you....just Darren & Kara talking wedding photo stuff!