Conversations Over Sweet Tea: Recent Episodes
Virgil Bunao
Award-winning photographer Virgil Bunao hosts this intimate podcast featuring conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, friends and colleagues.
In this episode, I talked to Social Media Guru, Erin Phillips of Pinckney Palm about what are some of the things we need to be doing right now with our social media content during this pandemic. We are all having to navigate this crazy time. It's unprecedented. What do we do? Do we scale back? Do we double down? Take a listen.
In this episode my friend Anna Witte, a freelance broadcaster joins me in interviewing Film Director Todd Kapostasy. Todd is one of the brains behind ESPN 30 for 30: Rodman: For Better or Worse Documentary.
In this episode, Virgil asks Haley for some tips to give to brides on what to have in their emergency kit on their wedding day. Here are the amazon links: Deodorant Wipes - https://amzn.to/3dJjjsc Sewing Kit - https://amzn.to/3cP53fX Blister Bandages- https://amzn.to/3dMfl1N Repellant Wipes - https://amzn.to/2BNfdkE Liquid I.V. - https://amzn.to/2YhJXlg Tylenol - https://amzn.to/2MHbQOm Colgate Optic - https://amzn.to/2UoJsVD Static Guard Travel Size - https://amzn.to/3cMx1Jx Permanent Hem Bonding Strips - https://amzn.to/2YeqiTo Altoids - https://amzn.to/2Uow4R3 Spanx for Men’s - https://amzn.to/3f1MpTK
In this episode, Elaine discusses her experience with her wedding photographs. We talked about the whole process of searching the perfect fit. From searching the perfect photographer who is available and willing, from aesthetic to budge; from shooting her wedding and the experience that came with it to final delivery of photos- we touched on all of them! We even went through some images from the wedding!
John Branch is a wedding photographer out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Follow John's work - https://jbivphotography.com
Follow John's Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCosyY6mQVJ6P0KX4adbIjA
Jillian talks about her passion for fashion blogging and influencer marketing. We touched on everything from getting her blog started, to quitting her full time job and being an influencer full-time, from her thought process in blogging and working with brands, revenue streams to staying relevant.
Neillie and I discussed a few interesting wedding photography topics that arise during client meetings. We discussed pricing, trends, how clients are choosing their photographers these days and what are the things that wedding photographers need to be working on to navigate this very competitive, over saturated market.
In this episode, Dr. Jimerson and I discussed doing different physical activities and not specializing on one type of physical activities. Don't do just yoga. Instead, walk, run, crawl, weight train and do other things. Get up from your desk every 15 minutes. When you run into a physical ailment, go see a chiropractor who focuses on soft tissue therapy. Hope you like this episode. It's a good one.
The Seasoned Marketer, Vivian Walton discusses current best practices and strategies in creating and distributing content.
A few weeks ago, I visited Tara Guerard at her beautiful office in downtown Charleston. Our conversation covered a variety of topics about luxury weddings, entrepreneurship, motherhood, being creative and standing out and working hard to be the best version of yourself.
In this episode, we discuss the journey of being a business owner and a photographer of weddings- the struggles and the triumph. We discuss tips and advice to new photographers, how social media plays a roll in today's business and how Stephen chooses to stay "in his lane" and press on.
In this episode, my friend Josh Benser, a former television commercial producer and now a marketing executive for a big hospital conglomerate joins me along with my assistant Grace. We discuss current digital practices and consumption of young people.
Jennings King discusses how she balances life, entrepreneurship, family while building and maintaining great client relationship. In this episode, social media marketing is discussed. Jennings also gives tips to brides and photographers.
Beloved local photographer Kim Graham started her business in 1999, photographing countless weddings. Now she spends her days capturing clients in scenic Lowcountry environments, often with daughter Gracie in tow. Like our host Virgil, Kim shares a love for teaching artists young and old (DM her on Instagram to set up a session or look out for her at Charleston Creative Community). Kim shares with Virgil her do's and don'ts for Instagram, favorite apps and her secret to creating continuous content!
Key Takeaways
- Get to shoots early. You can prepare for your client while also securing additional content for your print shop or social media feed.
- Be a teacher, not a competitor. Being kind and helpful to others will always pay off in the end.
- When editing, pay attention to skin tone.
- Kim uses InstaSize for her image boarders on Instagram and VSCO A6 and A4 to elevate her iPhone photos.
- Don't chase trends. Find a style true to you, and focus on what matters most: emotion, light and the moment.
To shop Kim Graham's prints visit her Etsy shop, here.
Virgil takes an in-depth look at the photography industry while mentoring Keely Laughlin, a photographer in her first year of business. After spending years in the marketing industry, Keely transitioned to full-time freelance photography - a competitive field in a desirable destination like Charleston, SC. Virgil advices Keely to reach new followers on social media through video and styled shoots - awesome advice for photographers new & old in today's digital age!
Key Takeaways
- The industry is full of talented photographers, but your work ethic and personality can help you stand out. Share it!
- Pick and choose your influences. It can be overwhelming to look at other people's work. Find what inspires you, not depresses you!
- Analyze your monthly expenditures and make sure your business and pricing strategy is working for your budget and lifestyle.
- When it comes to clients, be honest, manage expectations and apologize when you need to!
Virgil lets us listen in on his mentoring session with Nathan Gohl, a high school senior with a passion for photography. After 14 years as a professional photographer, Virgil is an expert at helping young creatives get smart about their careers. Have a notebook handy, this episode gets strategic! Virgil covers topics like what equipment to purchase early on and how a strong work ethic can make or break your career.
Key Takeaways
- Be Self-Aware - When starting out, be honest with yourself and think hard about wether photography is a hobby or a potential career.
- Be Strategic when Purchasing Gear - Consider your gear upgrades carefully and analyze whether a potential purchase elevates your client experience.
- Photography is More Than Clicking A Button - Knowing your strengths can help you identify which sector of photography you will be successful in! Are you good with people? Or introverted and artistic?
- Work Hard - You have 24 hours each day, make them count. You can accomplish just about anything if you're the hardest working person in the room.
- Regret & Gratitude - Approach your life with gratitude, but also work hard to never feel regret.
For information on Virgil's upcoming workshops, or to schedule a private session email VirgilBunao@mac.com.
On this episode of Conversations Over Sweet Tea, Virgil welcomes his colleague Natalie Knox to the show. Natalie has held the coveted position of Wedding & Event Specialist at Boone Hall Plantation for 5 years. Boone Hall Plantation is one of the most sought after wedding venues in Charleston, South Carolina and has served as the backdrop to famous nuptials like that of Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds! Natalie and Virgil dive deep into their industry with tips for brides, guests, and pros alike.
Key Takeaways
- For Aspiring Wedding Pros - A degree is not everything, get your hands dirty during college! Work in fields you have an interest in, it will beef up your resume and let you know if you're on the right path.
- For Brides - Don't sweat the small stuff! There are almost always unforeseen issues, but if you do your research and hire great vendors they will ensure your day runs smoothly.
- For Guests - Be respectful! The person getting married has spent a lot of money to have you at their wedding so be appreciative, easy going and complimentary (and don't wear white!)
- Guests should arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony time on the invitation - don't be late!
Before Pinterest, guest Holly Ledingham (follow her on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram) kept her favorite recipes and ideas in a binder. When she discovered the site, she took to pinning every single day and within one year had 250,000 followers.
Now a Pinterest expert, she works as a social influencer for New York Times company HelloSociety and brands like Country Crock, Nabisco, and DreamWorks to name a few. In the episode, Holly and Virgil discuss several ways to achieve greater success from your Pinterest account.
Key Takeaways:
- Compelling content comes first!
- Success on Pinterest takes time & consistency (ideal daily pins 25-40)
- Showcase all that you're interested in, not just your own work
- Utilize automation services and the Pinterest App to stay consistent (Tailwinds, IFTTT, Pinterest App, Buffer, Viral Tag, PinPinterest)
- Know what images work! When pinning, verticals play better
- Add value to your best content by boosting
About the Sponsor
Roe Roe's caters authentic Filipino cuisine across the Charleston area. Visit Roe Roe's Catering on Facebook.