Our Creative Commune

There's a photographer out there who has received 430 enquiries since January. We don't fully know how she's doing it - and that's kind of the point. Is this level of success replicable, or largely accidental?

This week Pete, Laura, and Bee dig into what's really going on in the wedding photography and videography market right now: why some people seem to break through while everyone else is fighting for scraps, whether your website might actually be working against you, and the uncomfortable truth about pricing: most of us haven't raised our rates in nearly a decade...

Half the episode was recorded before anyone noticed the mic wasn't on. That's the vibe this week.

Pete, Laura, and Bee (Liam is off conquering Scotland and London simultaneously) are talking about the real pressures hitting the wedding industry right now - and what, if anything, we can do about it. Bookings are shifting. Budgets are tighter. Midweek and shorter-coverage weddings are on the rise. And one person out there reckons full-time wedding photography might not even be viable anymore.

Then there's the ghosting. Bee's Instagram post on the subject got 30,000 views and 122...

The busy season has officially arrived, and we are already feeling the heat (literally and figuratively).

This week on Our Creative Commune, Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee sit down in the sun to catch up on a wild few weeks of local weddings, destination showcases, and the ever-changing landscape of booking clients. Are we all suffering from Zoom fatigue? We debate whether it’s time to stop video consultations altogether and build a brand enigma instead.

We also share some wild on-the-job stories, including a dream local shoot at Rivington Barn, the chaos of...

This week on Our Creative Commune, Liam is missing in action, but for a good reason: he is currently surviving a chaotic schedule of destination weddings, 16-hour days, and driving lessons. Pete, Laura, and Bee sit down with a coffee to discuss the very real dangers of the "hustle mindset" and why saying yes to every inquiry might actually be hurting your business. We also chat about the rising trend of analog wedding filmmaking - from Super 8 to 90s camcorders - and why "human-made" art is becoming the ultimate luxury in a world increasingly flooded with lazy, AI-generated content.<...

Grab a cup of tea and join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for another catch-up inside the Creative Commune. This week, we're diving deep into the frustrating reality of the modern wedding industry. Ever had a consultation where you absolutely nailed it, gave the couple amazing advice, shared a few laughs, and then... absolute silence?

We’re breaking down the psychology of "ghosting," debating whether giving too much free advice on a Zoom call is actually hurting your booking rate, and discussing the exact timeline of when you should be sending your follow-up emails.

...

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: th...

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...

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...

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 ph...

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 ve...

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...

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...

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 's...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 wi...

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 a...

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 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...

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:

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 pr...

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...

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 – ar...

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 litt...

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:

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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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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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

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

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

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