FEATURING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER SAM MEGGS

Initially hired by a friend to step in for a wedding photographer who had dishonestly sold their services using someone else's portfolio, Sam Meggs found himself thrust into a genre he had no prior experience of.

What began as a one-off favour became a defining creative moment. Over a decade later from that day, Sam now runs a successful business in Ontario, a popular Canadian go-to destination for couples.

We talk about that initial start, how his new photographic career blossomed and why working in your community alongside and with your competitors is a strong business decision.

The show starts with a story of why signature images are your strongest USP, plus last week's guest Rahul Khona shares his Story of the Completely Unexpected.

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SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS:

The show is sponsored and supported by MPB. Buy, sell or trade used photo and video kit. Shop for quality used camera kit you need, in the UK, US and Europe. Sell to MPB and get an instant quote, free shipping and fast payment.

We’re also supported by Fujifilm UK, with its range of compact and lightweight X-series mirrorless digital cameras and GFX System, a large format mirrorless digital system that achieves the world’s highest level of image quality, used by wedding photographers worldwide.

1000 Weddings is presented by Neale James a British wedding photographer, podcast host and mentor.

PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY: SAM MEGGS

Photographs copyright Sam Meggs. Not to be reproduced or used without express permission from the photographer.

FURTHER LINKS

Music from Sam’s playlist for couples, including Blink 182’s First Date and Tenerife Sea from Ed Sheeran.

Sam Megg’s family photography business and Instagram.

Sam’s pricing strategy.

Olive Juice Media’s website and Instagram.

Josh Sauer, a wedding photographer in Kingston, Ontario, mentioned within the show.

CHAPTER MARKERS IN TODAY’S SHOW

2.10: How wedding fayres have changed and why signature images are important.
14.50: Supporting a hobby becomes a wedding photography career.
16.00: Nerves and habits setting out to shoot a wedding.
17.40: Working with a vast geographical canvas.
19.00: Referrals for business.
19.40: Rebranding the business in 2022 to become Olive Juice Media.
20.55: The high tide raises all ships: be active in your community.
24.20: A soggy wedding day in paradise is today’s Story behind the Story from Rahul Khona.
27.00: Blending in to a wedding.
28.00: Working with content creators and sharing space with other photographers.
30.30: Marketing in a busy arena and standing out to clients.
31.25: The second dance could be more important than the first?
33.00: The perfect personal moments.
33.50: Using and showing prices on your website.
36.30: Being transparent in negotiation.
37.20: Pack an emergency kit in your car.
41.20: Rehearsal dinner coverage - does it have strong take-up?
43.30: Helping clients feel safe.
45.20: Simplicity of website design and building for the mobile environment.
46.10: The unexpected career and writing blogs.
47.50: Introversion.
49.00: Let’s play ‘what do you shoot with?’
50.10: Building a robust backup.
53.10: Sam’s Story behind the Story - the simplicity of authenticity.
55.00: A blue tooth speaker in the kit bag.
56.50: Street photography at weddings.

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

Sam Meggs recounts a perfectly natural moment within today’s Story behind the Story feature.

SIGNATURE MOMENTS

The two photographs featured within today’s monologue at the head of the show by Neale James.

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#012 KEEP YOUR COMPETITORS CLOSE