Shooters Wedding Podcast | Wedding Planning, Photography, Videography & Supplier Real Talk

Welcome back to Episode 12 of the Shooters Wedding Podcast.This week Toby somehow manages to lose the game and disappear after the intro, leaving Chris and Jon to go head-to-head in the ultimate wedding industry showdown: TOG vs VOG.Photographers and videographers work alongside each other every weekend, but do we actually see weddings the same way?In this episode we debate some of the biggest topics in the industry:📸 Is photography easier than videography?🎥 Is wedding videography still viewed as a luxury?📱 Are photographers too obsessed with Instagram?🎬 Do videographers spend too much time chasing cinematic shots?🚁 Are drone shots overrated?📷 Is documentary photography genuine storytelling or just an excuse to do less?We also end up talking about content creators, film photography, singing waiters, wedding trends, and for reasons nobody can fully explain… Pogs.Plus, Agony Uncles returns with another batch of wedding industry dilemmas, including a makeup artist with a very specific complaint, a groom refusing to include someone in the group photos, and a bride questioning her fiancé’s choice of best man.Whether you’re Team Tog or Team Vog, there’s plenty to argue about in this one.Thanks for listening.

Episode 11 is here! 🎙️This week it’s just Chris & Toby as Jon takes some well-earned time away after welcoming a baby boy into the world 👶❤️In this episode:🚁 A drone pilot gets instant karma after bragging all day🐷 Toby nearly dies eating a hog roast at a wedding👶 A baby lets rip during a church prayer👔 A groom discovers his suit still has the security tag attached🦷 A drunk wedding guest flushes her teeth down the toilet🤣 Agony Uncles returns with more terrible adviceA very chaotic catch-up episode full of wedding supplier stories, behind-the-scenes madness and absolute nonsense.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

This week on the Shooters Podcast, we tackle real wedding day dilemmas in our “What Would You Do?” episode.From missing suppliers and bad weather to awkward couples and difficult guests — we give honest, no-BS answers from behind the lens.Plus:🔥 Industry gossip (AI photo scandal)🔥 Agony Uncles returns🔥 Real wedding planning advice (kind of…)If you’re planning a wedding or work in the industry — this one’s for you.

We might’ve slightly lied to make this one happen… 😅 (KIDDING!)Episode 9 of the Shooters Wedding Podcast is here — and we’re joined by Andrew Keher 🎙️If you’ve seen those painfully accurate wedding photography reels online… yeah, that’s him. But behind the humour is a seriously smart creator, and in this episode we get into what actually works when it comes to content, booking couples, and building a name in the industry.We also throw Andrew straight into Agony Uncles 🔥 so expect a mix of solid advice, honest chat, and a bit of chaos.If you’re a wedding photographer, videographer, or supplier trying to stand out — this one’s for you.Got a dilemma? Send it in for the next episode 👀

Social Media Is RUINING Wedding Planning (Or Is It?)Description:Is social media actually making wedding planning easier… or way more stressful?In this episode of the Shooters Podcast, wedding photographers Jon Warr and Toby Lidstone break down the truth about planning a wedding in the age of Instagram, TikTok, and viral trends.From inspiration overload to unrealistic expectations, we talk about what couples are really dealing with—and how to cut through the noise.👇 Topics we cover:* Is social media helping or hurting wedding planning?* Why couples feel overwhelmed when planning weddings* Instagram vs Google: how couples actually find suppliers* Wedding trends vs real weddings (the truth)* Are weddings becoming too performative?* The problem with styled shoots and expectations* Should you ban phones at your ceremony?* Supplier etiquette disasters (this one gets spicy…)🎯 Whether you're planning your wedding or working in the industry, this episode will change how you think about social media.

Wedding season is coming… are you actually ready for it?In this episode of the Shooters Wedding Podcast, we’re talking about how to survive double headers, triple headers, and the chaos of peak season - without completely burning out.We get into:How to prep properly for busy wedding weekendsWhy hydration, food, and rest actually matter (more than you think)The mental toll of editing vs shootingWhy teasers/sneak peeks are part of your marketing - not just tasty for couplesManaging expectations with couplesPlus, we dive into some classic industry frustrations:Vicars and registrars making life difficult 😬Supplier meals - expected or appreciated?Venues not engaging on social mediaAnd the absolute chaos of sweet carts and evening food 😂We also answer your Agony Uncles questions, including:What to put in supplier gift bagsDealing with awkward ceremoniesWedding day logistics and planning tipsReal talk, honest opinions, and a few controversial takes along the way.💬 Got a question or something you want us to cover?Drop us a message - we might feature it in the next episode.⭐ If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave us a 5-star review… and feel free to roast us while you’re there.

🚩 Red flags in the wedding industry… and how to spot them.In this episode, Chris & Toby break down the biggest warning signs couples should look out for when booking suppliers - from hidden fees and pressure selling to poor communication and lack of reviews.We also flip the script and talk about red flags suppliers see in clients 👀Plus:A disastrous pre-wedding grooming story 👀A fake 1-star review sagaAnd Agony Uncles returnsIf you’re planning a wedding or working in the industry, this one’s for you.

🎙 Shooters Wedding Podcast - Episode 5: Why We Love This IndustryAfter last week’s debate about AI in the wedding industry, we thought we’d balance things out with something a little more positive…So in Episode 5, we’re talking about why we genuinely love working in weddings.Because despite the long days, the travel, the editing marathons, and the occasional chaos… there’s a reason so many photographers, videographers and suppliers stay in this industry for decades.In this episode we chat about:📸 Why weddings don’t actually feel like “work”👷 Toby’s journey from building sites to wedding photography🏢 The corporate jobs we escaped from🎥 The creative freedom of running your own business😂 Some of our funniest moments at weddings🎧 Another round of Agony Uncles answering your questionsPlus the usual chaos, questionable advice, and random tangents that seem to happen whenever the three of us get together.If you work in weddings, or you’re just curious what it’s really like behind the scenes - this one’s for you.⸻👍 If you enjoyed the episode:• Like the video• Subscribe for future episodes• Drop us a comment with your thoughts or questions for the next Agony Uncles or an episode you'd love to hear!⸻🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:Search Shooters Wedding Podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram:@shootersweddingpod📸 Find the hosts:Jon – @jwarrphotoChris – @diamondfilmweddingsToby – @tobylidstonephotography⸻Weddings might be chaotic… but we wouldn’t have it any other way.⸻

Episode 4 – Is AI Helping the Wedding Industry… or Slowly Killing It?AI is everywhere right now - editing photos, writing emails, planning weddings, even creating art. But is it actually helping wedding suppliers… or quietly replacing them?In this episode of The Shooters Wedding Podcast, Chris, Jon, and Toby dive head-first into the AI debate.We talk about:• How wedding photographers and videographers are already using AI in their workflow• Whether tools like ChatGPT are a game-changer for running a business• The hypocrisy around people complaining about AI while happily using AI-powered editing tools• The environmental impact of AI (and whether it’s actually as bad as people say)• How couples might start using AI to plan their weddings• Why artists like caricaturists and illustrators might be the most affectedPlus the usual mix of tangents, blunt opinions, and questionable takes from three wedding suppliers who probably shouldn’t be trusted with microphones.Is AI the future of the wedding industry… or the beginning of the end?Let’s talk about it.

The Busy Illusion, Social Media Bullshit & Wedding Awards! Ever notice how everyone in the wedding industry suddenly had “90 enquiries over the weekend”? Yeah. Us too. In this episode of Shooters, we’re pulling back the curtain on: • The “Busy Illusion” (you know the one 👀) • Social media exaggeration in the wedding industry • "Comparisonitis" (Imposter Syndrome and why it quietly wrecks people • Wedding industry mainly photography & videography awards - do they actually mean anything? • AI content… clever tool or lazy shortcut? • and why so many people are OBSSSSSESSSSSSSSED! 😂We talk about the pressure to look fully booked, the obsession with appearing “in demand”, and how that fake urgency marketing affects photographers, videographers, and couples alike. We also get honest about: • Award saturation in wedding photography • Whether “award-winning” is actually impressive anymore • Client reviews vs shiny badges • The real impact of social media personas • And how comparisonitis can stunt both your business and your confidencePlus we go slightly off piste into: • Wedding etiquette that actually matters (and what doesn’t) • Wedding party responsibilities • Following up enquiries without sounding desperate • Why individuality is better than copying trendsWe also rock into our second episode of Agony Uncles!This one’s for:Wedding photographers, wedding videographers, and suppliers who are tired of the smoke and mirrors, and couples who want to see behind the curtain.If you’ve ever: • Felt behind because Instagram says everyone else is smashing it • Questioned whether awards are worth chasing • Wondered if you should really get upset if enquiries ghost you • Or rolled your eyes at “fully booked for 2028” postsThis episode’s for you.Let’s talk about what’s real.

In this episode of the Shooters Podcast, Chris, Jon, and Toby delve into the often unspoken truths of the wedding industry. They discuss the pricing , the distinction between styled shoots and real weddings, and the frustrations that wedding suppliers face. They also discuss various aspects of the wedding industry, including the impact of social media on perceptions, the importance of hiring professional DJs, and the balance between experience and quality in photography. They emphasise the necessity of booking early to avoid disappointment and delve into the costs associated with photography gear. The segment 'Agony Uncles' features listener questions and advice, highlighting the challenges faced by wedding professionals.Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and tips for navigating the wedding planning process.Styled shoots can mislead couples about a photographer's experience.Understanding the couple's needs is vital for wedding suppliers.Investing in learning and improving skills is beneficial for wedding professionals. Hiring a professional DJ is crucial for a successful wedding.Experience in photography doesn't guarantee qualityBooking early is essential to secure desired vendorThe cost of photography gear is a significant investmentListener questions provide insight into industry challengesThe wedding industry is evolving, and so should its professionals

In this episode of Shooters, Jon, Chris & Toby get stuck into the stuff couples actually get wrong when planning a wedding – from chaotic mornings and unrealistic timelines to awkward family politics and trends that probably need to die.We talk about how booking habits are changing, why communication with your photographer matters more than any shot list, and how to avoid spending half your drinks reception being dragged into group photos you don’t even care about.There’s plenty of real talk from the supplier side too: what makes a great couple to work with, the red flags to watch out for when hiring suppliers, and why compatibility matters just as much as portfolio.Plus: foam glow sticks, A Thousand Years, supplier meals, wedding regrets, and the timeless question… should that tradition stay, or should it absolutely get in the bin?Funny, honest, and actually useful – whether you’re planning a wedding or working in the industry.TakeawaysJanuary used to be the peak of booking months.People are booking much more last minute now.The wedding industry has seen a shift in booking trends.Couples are becoming more savvy with their wedding budgets.Effective communication with photographers is crucial.Timings for weddings can vary greatly depending on many factors.Shot lists should be concise and focused on important moments.Unique moments should be communicated to photographers in advance.Couples should enjoy their drinks reception instead of being tied up with group shots.Supplier meals at weddings are often not equal to guest meals. Wedding meals can often be disappointing for suppliers.Communication with photographers is crucial for a successful wedding.Handling anxiety about being in front of the camera is common.Choosing the right photographer is essential for a stress-free experience.Compatibility between couples and suppliers can greatly affect the wedding day.Equipment and professionalism are key factors in wedding photography.Reviews and contracts are vital for ensuring quality service.Budgeting wisely for wedding suppliers can prevent issues later on.Red flags in wedding photography include lack of communication and reviews.Timing of speeches and meals can significantly impact the wedding experience. Wedding mornings can be chaotic and require careful planning.Vendors should coordinate to avoid time conflicts on the wedding day.Couples should stand firm on their choices to ensure a fulfilling wedding experience.Getting a good night's sleep before the wedding is crucial.Reflecting on wedding choices can lead to regrets; prioritize personal preferences.Family expectations can influence wedding decisions; couples should navigate this carefully.Trends like foam glow sticks can be divisive; consider their impact on the wedding atmosphere.Music choices for weddings should resonate personally, not just follow trends.It's important to communicate clearly with vendors about timelines and expectations.Traditions in weddings are evolving; couples should feel empowered to make their day unique.