Photographers Keeping it Real

Episode 36 - Vegas, Gangster Salesmen & Surely We Can Do Better Featuring Chris Denner
This episode, wedding photographer Chris Denner shares insights from his 27-year career in photography, discussing the challenges of self-employment, the necessity of being a good business operator, and the evolving nature of client relationships in the wedding industry. Chris also explores the role of AI in photography, the significance of mentorship, and the changing dynamics of modern couples. He encourages photographers to embrace their unique styles and to be proactive in their client interactions, ultimately highlighting the need for creativity and adaptability in a saturated market.
Chris & Scott Discuss;
Self-employment is challenging but rewarding.
Business acumen is essential for photographers.
Creativity must be nurtured and exercised regularly.
Understanding client needs leads to better relationships.
Financial management strategies can ease stress.
AI can be a valuable tool in photography.
Mentorship and community support are vital for growth.
Modern couples seek deeper connections with their photographers.
The photography industry is becoming increasingly competitive.

Show links;
Chris's website
Chris's Imagen profile

Hosted by Scott Carney Photography

Episode 35 - Marketing, Industry Compromise & F**k SEO with Martin Cheung
Back for 2026, host Scott, owner of Photographers Keeping It Real welcomes Nottingham-based wedding photographer Martin Cheung to discuss the evolving landscape of wedding photography and the importance of collaboration within the industry. They delve into Martin's journey from a corporate IT job to becoming a full-time wedding photographer, emphasising the balance between personal life and work commitments. Martin shares insights on how to effectively engages with clients and other wedding suppliers, highlighting the significance of being helpful and approachable to secure recommendations and build lasting relationships. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and the shift in marketing strategies, particularly the diminishing role of traditional SEO in favor of more direct client engagement through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Scott & Martin discuss;
"Take good photos and be helpful but If you can only do one of the two, be helpful."
"Don't worry about SEO; focus on what your clients want to hear."
"Modern brides don't really use Google."
"You can make the business whatever you want."
"The conversion rate is important to understand."
"You have to compromise at every level in wedding photography."
"Be nice to a magician, and you might get bookings worth eight grand."

Find out more about Photographers Keeping it Real here - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/
Show Links:
Martin Cheung - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/
Wedding Photography Unveiled Podcast - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/wedding-photography-unveiled/
Martins Website Design Business - https://www.martincphotography.co.uk/wedding-photography-unveiled/
Host - Scott Carney Photography - https://scottcarneyphotography.com/

EPISODE 34 - SET FOR SUCCESS SUMMIT AND CHEESE WITH MICAELA KARINA
The summit is a free to attend online event for photographers over 3 days between the 10th and the 12th of February 2025 with 18 industry leading speakers, including the likes of Sam Hurd, Corey Potter, Melissa Love, Lisa Devlin, Faye Cornhill, Adam Lowndes, Anna Pumer and many many more covering everything from SEO, workflows, websites, social media, marketing, making iPhone films and even money and avoiding burnout. All designed to improve your business
Register here (affiliate link) - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/2148040251/a8KN2mt2
Micaela is one of the nicest people in the industry and we have a great chat including;
Micaela's favourite cheese
Visibility for your business and Meta ads
Micaela's start into weddings
Time vs money with marketing
The Set for Success Summit
Small changes that make big changes
Much more...

Show Links;
Micaela's website - https://www.micaelakarina.com/
Micaela's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/micaelakarinaphotography
Set for Success Summit Register - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/2148040251/a8KN2mt2
No Fluff Facebook Ads Course - https://courses.get-it-together.co.uk/a/38013/a8KN2mt2

Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/
Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/
Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 33 - House Plants, Starting in Weddings and Larger Wedding Previews with Ben Lee
In this episode I welcome the very talented wedding photographer, Ben Lee to the podcast. Ben has actually only been photographing weddings for a couple of years but has grown to become a huge talent and it was a pleasure to chat to him. We discuss;
House plants
Bens awards
Bens fashion career and day job
Finding your style early on
Tips for getting second shooter work
Bens appearance on Tenable the gameshow
Delivering larger wedding previews
Much much more...

Show Links:
Bens Website - https://benlee.photography/
Sam Docker - https://samdocker.co/
This Is Reportage - https://thisisreportage.com/
NineDots - https://nine-dots.co/
Andy Gaines - https://andygaines.com/
Tyler Wirken - https://www.wirkenphoto.com/
Chelsea Cannar - https://www.chelseacannarphotography.com/
Patrick Mateer (The Mateers) - https://www.mandgweddingphotography.co.uk/
Andrew Keher - https://andrewkeher.co.uk/
Tom Beynon - https://www.tombeynonphotography.com/

Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/
Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/
Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/

Episode 32 - Is less more with client galleries featuring Marc Gartland
In this episode I welcome the wonderful Liverpool based wedding photographer, Marc Gartland to the podcast. Marc has won multiple awards from PKIR, TIR and judged a round of our awards in 2024. We discuss;
Editing backlog
What we do in the off season
Struggles of running a wedding photography business including social media posting
The Panasonic Lumic S511 camera and Panasonic Lumix system for weddings
Judging photography awards
Is less more with client galleries?
How is 2025 looking for Marc?
Much much more...

Show Links:
Mark Gartland's Website - https://www.marcgartlandphoto.co.uk/
Hollie & Patrick Mateer website - https://www.mandgweddingphotography.co.uk/
David Scholes Photography - https://www.davidscholesphotography.co.uk/
Lyndsey Goddard Panasonic Blog Post - https://www.lyndseygoddard.com/canon-to-panasonic-the-move-to-lumix-s5ii-for-wedding-photography/

Join PKIR here: https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/
Host: Scott Carney - https://www.scottcarneyphotography.com/
Join PKIR to listen to exclusive members only extended versions of the podcast, submit to the awards and watch exclusive members content to help improve your documentary wedding photography - https://www.photographerskeepingitreal.com/register/