Our Creative Commune

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/@OurCreativeCommuneTimestamps:(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/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.ukWe'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OurCreativeCommuneKeywords: 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/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.ukWe'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OurCreativeCommuneKeywords: 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 YarrosGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.ukWe'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OurCreativeCommuneGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OurCreativeCommuneLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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/@OurCreativeCommuneCheck out Kelly's work: https://kellyclarke.co.uk/Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OurCreativeCommuneLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a heated debate about following trends and capturing the vibe.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back after Silverstone and travels to chat about a major kick off in the industry. Warning, this episode contains LOTS of swearing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we hear all about Liam's destination wedding nightmare, and discuss several dramas going on in the industry.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat about recent travels, previews, demands for more images and a recent news article which is causing a stir.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a hysterical breakdown and chat about tatty camera bags, delivering quickly to compete with content creators, galleries under 500 images, and are photographers hotter than videographers?Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat about AI tagging, dealing with expectations, what to shoot when nothing is happening and group shots with a natural feel.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we chat about whether long wedding films are over, what to do if you're asked to cover your tattoos, airbrushing, and how many previews to give.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat about recent fun jobs, AI generated wedding images and whether to charge for online galleries.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we catch up with Bee after her surgery and chat about charging for extra hours, modern trends for cool brides and Instagram rumours.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us this week for a chat about joyful weddings, zoom calls taking over your life and how to cope with multiple weddings in a row.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we hear all about Liam and Pete's two day Indian wedding, and have a chat about working with planners and shooting high end weddings.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us this week for Pete's terrifying sleep story, Liam's ageing head problems, talking at conferences and shooting when you're shorter than the couple.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we hear all about Liam's Spain dramas, discuss venues charging recommended suppliers and couples wanting to keep their weddings private.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we chat about Liam's trip to "London", if we would switch to a well paid 9-5, and the lovely Jeff Wood stops by and fills us in about content creators and his plans to try filming a wedding with an iPhone.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a good catch up after Liam's trip to Iceland, and discuss whether shooting weddings for free for exposure is worth it, venues banning smoke bombs and confetti and couples who don't want to pay until after the wedding.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat about how we lost a wedding to a content creator, venue recommendations and how to introduce a bit of self care into a busy season.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we discuss website updates, changes to SEO and content creators taking over the industry.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back to a full house! Join us for a coffee and a catch up where we discuss second shooter etiquette and photography trends.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Pete and Laura fly solo and discuss aggressive vicars, when to book time off and how Pete just can't call in sick.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a brew (and chocolate) at our half term holiday house in Shropshire. We chat about winter discounts, 2024 photography trends and the best game ever invented.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back! Join us for a catch up on life and everything that's happened in the last 3 weeks.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a coffee and a catch up where we discuss second shooters and new projects.Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back! Join us for a catch up in 2024 Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a look back at 2023 and some goal setting for 2024. A huge thank you to all our listeners for being with us this year, you are all amazing. Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a chat about justifying your prices and provisions for if we died (jolly!).Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.