My Photography Story | From Broke to Full Time Wedding Photographer
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- čas přidán 18. 04. 2023
- Honestly setting out to be a wedding photographer is not an easy road and it may take longer than you think to feel successful. Let's talk about my back story and how I got to where I am today.
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License Free Music for CZcams and Wedding Videos:
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My Recording Gear:
Fujifilm XT4: bhpho.to/2ZSpEfo
Fujifilm XT3: bhpho.to/3uq764e
Fujifilm 23mm f/2: bhpho.to/3q2c1oR
Mefoto Tripod:
Rode VideoMic NTG: bhpho.to/3sxJRUl
Atomos Ninja V: bhpho.to/3r0LfOY
SanDisk Extreme Pro: amzn.to/2wfqzHK
MagMod MagBox Softbox: bhpho.to/2MoNwEl
Godox SL60W: bhpho.to/3uzyTiH
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Patreon: / jbivphotography
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Facebook: / jbivphotos
Twitter: / jbivphotography
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. - Jak na to + styl
5:54 Phil's channel: www.youtube.com/@philporto
Thanks for posting this. I forgot to post a link!
You posted this at the right time for me, man.
I’m in a dark space right now. Trying to raise my 2 kids right. Facing eviction. Trying to make sure my wedding photography company gets where I want it to be. I got one of those “thank you, but we’re moving in a different direction” emails this morning.
To not feel alone in this situation and know it can be overcome means everything.
Thank you.
You're gonna pull through, man. Heads up, courage 👍
@@Jackbrsp thank you, my man 🙏🏻
I don’t know why but this comment just tugged at my heart , I pray God opens doors to recurring clients , who will connect you with other clients . May you see growth in your company
keep fighting man! Never give up!!
hope everything works out you for Richard. It WILL work out for you.
This video truly moved me. I first encountered your videos, broke and depressed in 2020 and it’s like it put the air back in my lungs to see your BTS videos. It was cathartic to see you in the field doing your thing-something that I missed doing so much. And then for you to be so generous in all of what you share!!!! You’re literally the reason for a lot of my photography career goals today. I’m anxious about monetizing what I’m so passionate about but you’ve been able to make it look possible without diminishing the beauty and meaning of it all. The more successful you are, the more generous you should be and you exemplify this. I just want to say THANK YOU. And 👏👏👏👏👏👏 for your WIFE!
Hey John! I was at one of the Fuji talk events or whatever that you did at Southeastern Camera in Raleigh. I was really depressed at the time because my wife passed away but you motivated me to get back out there seeing that you're real.
I remember watching your videos when I was just starting to do wedding photography full time. I am at the point where I don't need to worry about paying my bills or absolutely needing to book a client.
I actually used to work at Walgreens and I still remember making phone calls during my lunch break trying to book a client and Saturdays I would go to work as a cashier at 6 am and at 3pm run to a birthday party or anything I could get to make some money and take pictures. I would not get home until about 11 at night, but I loved every second of it. I met my wife at Walgreens and we got married fast, but a year later she got really sick and lost her sight and became deaf and physically disabled if it were not for photography I don't know how I would have supported her and our two daughters who were almost 1 and 3 at the time. Kayla believed in me so much even when everyone around her told her not to believe in me and that I should get a real job at Walmart or go back to Walgreens. She was there for me when we had nothing once we had our power turned off because I couldn't get it paid because someone didn't pay me for a party and I had to borrow money to get it turned on. I wish she could be here, because everything she dreamed of is now possible and I feel guilty for living it without her.
I guess my point is if I somehow managed to somewhat make it in photography maybe you can too, just don't give up and work hard. Maybe one day I will do a video sharing my entire photography story on my channel.
I'm not really sure what the point is in writing this, but I learned a lot watching your channel and I don't really like putting people on pedestals, because it's weird haha, but John you really do seem like a Genuinely good person.
Your wife sounds like mine! With a person like that, you feel invincible! Hats off to her! 👏👏👏👏
👏👏👏 I love your story and I love the credit you give your wife. Stay at home parents don’t get near enough credit for what they do for their families
your wife is the MVP, thats the lesson i got from this. shout out to you and your resolve. one of my favs on here !!
Thanks so much!
Not a wedding photographer, but I am going for it. I’m trying to get my name out as a photographer, I shoot literally everyday creating art, and have been doing it for 5 and a half years. Im hustling to get seen by others. It will work for me too.
👏👏👏👏👏👏 Shoutout to all the wives that help us achieve our dreams!
You have a good wife buddy , she supports you fully and she deserves a merit and so do you too for helping us newbies out , you really are the best support for us all
I'm so sorry to hear about your hard drive failure John. I make videos too and dabble in photography and oh my gosh I can NOT imagine how stressed you are about that. Easier said than done, but try to focus on just getting through every X increment of time: every day, every hour, every minute. You'll get through this.
You could not have uploaded this at a more perfect time. I was just affected by tech layoffs, working for the same company for 5 years and I thought I'd be there for a long time. I'm at a point now where SO many people are asking me to take their photos and I just always say I do it for fun... but maybe now is the time to officially launch a business? It's terrifying to me. So many photographers in my area.. how can I stand out? what if I fail? IDK. Just thinking out loud.
Your video resonates with me so much, and I always appreciate your content. Thanks so much for making this little corner of the internet full of fun and valuable insights.
You John without realizing it, watching your videos you have been a mentor to me, and thank you for opening your heart, you are a very humble human being, and I am very sorry that you have lost your files
clap 👏 👏 👏 👏 for the wifey holding it down
So much WOW here. First - wow...sorry to hear about losing data/files; that would literally frustrate me. Two - wow - this video was massively great! Seriously. You showed vulnerability, transparency, honesty, candidness and just a bit more of yourself (which is already quite likable which is part of your CZcams appeal); this video took it to the next level. Three - WOW - major props to your wife! Nothing is better than having a supportive spouse who believes in you, pushes you and shows no fear when it comes to change. She could have easily wanted the easy, predictable life for herself, you and the kids - but no....she has some major courage going on. Badass! Right there. She gets like a lot of WOWs here!! Hats off, Mrs. Branch! Lastly - and another multiple WOW moment: your wanting to do right about your clients in 2020 and giving them back deposits when you didn't have to....just amazing. The story about the cancer couple got me a little teary (actually dealing with a rare cancer myself right now - so it hit different!)..... just another example of what kind of human you truly are. Major respect and loyalty coming your way. I always look forward to your videos/content.... so it isn't wasted on me that in a time that you lost so much content - you came on here anyway with a simple, heartfelt video. Thank you. (and always a WOW at how much you love the photography community and how much you want to share with everyone). Lots of wow. Thank you!
👏👏👏👏👏 to your wife. I enjoy watching your videos and appreciate your being open about the uphill battle it took to get you where you are and the support you received from your family to do it!
You're blessed to have such a supportive wife who truly believed in you. Kudos to her. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
It really is the main driving factor in my business.
Thanks for the story. I'm just getting started with photography on the weekends in a similar situation. I have a wife and four kids also. It's encouraging.
👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 For your wife bro!
Thank you for sharing. Despite the current challenge, you’re still blessed.
I’m a beginner and you have no idea how much your video has inspired me to continue on. Between kids, military and nursing career, and everything in between with constantly pcsing (relocating) to new areas it’s been difficult to establish a clientele or even get my name out there when no one really knows me. My work is okay - still and always room for improvement but I feel confident enough in it to question why I’m having trouble to book. The constant gatekeeping within our community as creators and artists doesn’t help at all. Nursing has me exhausted but with two kids and our income, I can’t just up and leave my job. It’s all just a vicious cycle of being extremely inspired to overworked, discouraged and depressed. So thank you so much again for this video. I realize that it’s perfectly normal to go through these phases but maintaining a positive outlook and consistency is key.
Hang in there John. 😢 Your footage wasn’t wasted. It’s help me get to where I am now as a paid Photographer. 😁🙏🏾 Thank you! Keep your head up and try to stay positive
Great video brother!! GOD bless!! I trust that you will be able to get that information back, especially with today’s technology. 📷 Awesome wife as well, it’s a great feeling when your spouse believes in you!! 🙏🏾💪🏾😊 I know the feeling!!
This video popped up then disappeared on my feed. I’m glad I remembered the title to search for it. I left my 9-5 to pursue photography and videography full time. On top of that I moved to Wisconsin from the Chicagoland area. I’m currently waiting for another move of God and trying to stay encouraged.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. I hope you are able to recover your data🤞 Claps to your brave wife for raising your children, encouraging you, and managing everything so you can do what you do for your family💪💪💪👏👏👏👏 Its not easy what so ever. I have 3 children including a 4 month old. I opened up my business in 2016 and haven't been able to get it off the ground. Being a stay at home mom and trying to run a business is next level challenging. But my husband always encourages me to keep at it.i know my time will come one day. I have raised 2 amazing girls thus far and I don't regret putting my dreams on the back end. You do what you have to do, have faith, take care of what's important.
This video made my day. Right now as an immigrant I am broke in Panama, trying as hard as I can to make it here as Wedding Photographer and it is being soooooo haaaaard. I hope I can survive and provide to my family, we are behind even with the rent and this video helps so much THANKS! Bests regards from a Venezuelan follower in Panama!
I'm honestly embarrassed to tell people how long ago I got into photography. It only recently dawned on me that I'm not further mostly because of imposter syndrome and not having cheerleaders. So I appreciate your story because it reminds me that though it may not be easy, it will definitely be worth it to build my business.
John, I love you videos but especially this one. I've learned a lot from you throughout my journey. It's such a relief to have finally found someone who's ok with refunding their clients during that Covid time. I mean, ok we have businesses but that time was tough for everyone. Also, I hear your words "all things will work out you just have to give yourself time and believe in yourself and in the process" that's truly hard sometime but I keep showing up. When you talk about your wife I see my husband, supporting us. I'd really like you to talk more about how you found your mentor. Thank you!
Totally agree😀
I’m sorry to hear about the footage, John. I wanted to take a moment and say that without your content i wouldn’t be where i’m at as a wedding photographer/business owner. Your practical insight and love for educating has had a tremendous impact on my life and I’m sure many others can agree. You’re the man and I’m forever a JB supporter!
Wow, amazing struggles and successes of your life. Glad to hear everything is going well now. If you had not left SquareSpace, you would’ve not had those struggles. Keep-up the good education going for all of us.
Finally new video! 😊 You should be proud of yourself John, you encouraged so many people including me, after watching your videos I finally made up my mind making photos as part time job. I was so moved as the parents said they love the photos I shoot for their babies and kids. In June I’ll be shooting my first wedding. You’re awesome! 👍🏼
So sorry for your lost...I learnt also from the hard way when I lost some of my files..Thank you brotherly..you have been a blessing to us..
I keep looking at people doing the things I thought of doing, and find myself saying it’s impossible. The finances are the main factor - but thank you for this brother
This is so encouraging ! I just started CZcams last year . I’m a wedding photographer from Nigeria 🇳🇬
First of all, to your lady 👏
Now I'd like to thank you for sharing your story, for being honest and pretty open about it. I'm on my second year of photography, I've done pregnancy, rock concerts, street, family, landscape, etc so I'm still feeling the zones I can go in and what not - I'm pending to landscape and street, tho - and this video was very important. Please keep 'em coming, Branch! Love from Brazil ❤
And I ‘m sorry about your hard drive! You did a huge job! I wish you even more success than you have now! Everything will be fine!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!!
JB, your warmth, sincerity, and expertise, all combine to demonstrate your faith in God, yourself and your wife and “kids.” Thank you so much for speaking opening and encouragingly.
Everytime I'm nervous for a shoot I watch your videos!!! You make sure you are "real" and I don't feel overwhelmed and I'm always motivated! Thanks for being transparent, and continue making content ❤ we have all been there with technical issues
I am going through your past now...Just picked up wedding photography recently and found your channel. Learning a lot from you... what you doing is really great... Thank you bro... I hope can become like you one day....freedom to work for yourself....
Not looking to sound cliche, but you are such a cool guy I have been following some of your YT vids and from the first vid I saw I knew you were a genuine guy, for a start what you give is genuinly helpful, more than that from the heart. I have watched others in the interest of learning from others but you have just confirmed it by your hard drive failing and taltooking about your journey to how you arrived where you are at.
Thank for your genuine help in wanting to help people succeed, I have heard so many times in life that people who make the grade do not want to lean down and give a hand to any one, they are often too busy making cash and here you are helping many by sharing your knowlege and expertese. Much appreciated
I photographed my first wedding last month and it was a success thanks to you and your channel. I watched so many of your videos to prepare for the big day and I fell in love with all of it. You are a natural teacher and I am so grateful I found you. Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with all of us!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾for your wife!! You are so right. Sahm is really a part time job and some!
It's SOOOO true. SAHM is the ULTIMATE job. Technically it employees me so I can get out there and make money. Grateful for all of her work.
Mad respect John 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thanks for everything that you share is been highly relevant for my wedding photography business.
And respect for your wife too, here hee applauses 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
team work makes the dream work
I really appreciate the intentionality with this post. We met during Fujikina in NYC last year and I knew you was a oslid dude. Sometimes, I think we see popular youtubers like you and think "man, they have it easy." The beauty is in the struggle and you sharing your story just reaffirms that the struggle is worth it and consistency is key. 40 weddings a year must've been insane! As an educator, sharing knowledge is the foundation of what I do and though i only do photography as a hobbyist/semi-pro level, I would be lying if I didn't say theres a bit of fear in dropping my regular 9-5 and pursuing photography full time. Any way, just want to say keep creating, keep sharing. Thanks!
You strike me as a good dude. God has blessed you in your business.
I appreciate that. I try my best.
Thank you for sharing this story, I am recently re-building my company as a Photography, Had to stop for 1 year 1/2 due to cancer. But this video showed me to not give up and keep moving forward. Like you said be patient. Great video! Thanks John!
My mentor did a wonderful job teaching me how to manage weddings, and a terrible job helping me get better at photography because he didn't want me to "go start my own business and steal clients away from him". I'll forever be grateful for what he did teach me, and forever a bit bitter about forcing the stagnation of my development as a photographer.
Crazy bro 3:15, I literally have close to the same scenario slightly different but connect with your story. I’m proud of you and inspired by you, keep making content. You really are creating unique approach and voice to photography vlogging.
👏👏👏 For your wife.
But seriously, you're a cool guy and thank you for sharing your story. I just started over in a brand new market and I had no idea you had as well. Doing photography is a lifestyle, right? I've tried other things but I just keep coming back because everything else just pales in comparison. Your work is beautiful and your videos are inspiring. Thanks for keeping it real. ❤
Hey John. I'm also a music producer, song writer that recently 8 months ago switched to photography just to see where it will take me.
I'm so happy that I started and can see the improvement. I'm always watching your videos men.
Thank you so much for sharing this l.
Honestly I like to see all videos on the business side of things. I am a hobbyist macro, wildlife, landscape, sports, and travel photography but am not phasing into all aspects of client/people photography. I have my first client scheduled for Prom photos and then in June my first wedding. The wedding is for someone who is involved with a school and hopefully some word of mouth will start a small fire. But once I have this start to my portrait portfolio i need to figure out where to go and how to market myself as the business I am becoming.
P.s.
Keep making videos. Your explanations of your knowledge is great.
hey man i just had my first big wedding this saturday. Every big wedding scared me in the past and i didnt want to make that step. I only took photos of 3-4 hours engagements. Your videos and you motivated me so much man. Im happy that i made that step. I had so much fun, seeing forward to start my business with big weddings!!! Thank you bro
thank you bro. I just starting, i have a kid also, she will have one year next month. Very inspiring ! thank you so much!
So proud of you man! You’ve deserved and earned all of your success!
Thank you so much!! It’s such a struggle but it’s been a great time. ❤️
John, thanks for sharing. Inspirational!
Right video at the right time John. Thanks 🙏🏽
Huge thank you for everything you are doing, John! You are awesome and all your content is highly appreciated. Hope the situation with the hard drive will soon resolve itself. All the best 😊
You’re amazing John❤
Great story and appreciate your honesty.
JB sorry about the data loss, very inspiring video, am a nurse but love to take pictures for fun. But scared to death on doing it as a business. This here gives me hope. The tissue was writhing reach while watching 😢.
So sorry about your hard drive. That is so stressful and frustrating. Thank you for this video. How inspiring of a story and exactly what I personally needed to hear right now. 🤗
Always love your content man. I do 30-45 min sessions usually - but your stuff is so helpful. I shoot weddings on occasion as well.
I needed to hear this! We have a similar background. I went to school for music but didn’t finish. The difference is that I got married and had a kid last year. Originally I wanted to take photos of him growing up, but I started developing a huge love for photography in general (for about 2 years now). I’m currently doing “gift shots” for family etc but would love to have photography as a serious second job. I appreciate you so much man. I watch ALL of your videos. lol EXTREMELY helpful.
I absolutely love how supportive your wife is of you, as well as the acknowledgment that you give your wife for staying home with the kids. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I appreciate you & your story John, I've definitely learned many tips & knowledge from you and others here on youtube, Its definitely a journey and that's the true beauty of it all✊🏾
Thanks for sharing your story. I was thinking this weekend of stopping CZcams, but your story was inspiring to hear and I wish you th best with your channel, busness and recoving your lost videos.
This was incredibly helpful to hear right now. I too have been feeling a little discouraged lately, but you inspire and have taught me so much so hearing your story and that you still have struggles eases my mind greatly. You’ve done and continue to do incredible things for your family and community, and I personally want to thank you so much for that. Keep up the amazing work! You are a true inspiration to so many ❤
Thanks for sharing ! Appreciate you!
Sounds like I’m not the only one that needed this video!! I also started in music technology/audio production. I never worked in it, but went to college for three years until they dropped the program. At the time I couldn’t stop classes (because I’d have to start repaying) nor could I move because my wife was finishing her degree. So I switched majors to video production and became obsessed.
Although I’m working on booking videography it was photography (specifically concert photog) that I fell in love with.
I had been a wedding DJ for 5 years at that point so I had experience managing couples.
Currently I’m still trying to get my business off the ground, but your videos have been the reason this year is my busiest year to date.
Thank you for sharing your story and helping us find some hope in it! And thank you for the quality content you produce that helps people like me progress and learn from seasoned professionals!
I really appreciate the heart posture behind this thanks for sharing man! Definitely encouraging to a new photographer like me, God bless you
Thank you John , I´m feel better !
Thanks for your story John.
You the man John! You taught me how to be a photographer!
Thanks for sharing your inspiring journey. This is exactly what I personally needed to hear right now. You are awesome John! 🙌✨Hope it works out and you can recover your files!
John, I appreciate you and your content so much. Thank you for this video and for giving us a glimpse at your story. Your for wedding day video was the very first CZcams wedding photography video I ever watched and I've enjoyed your content since. Praying that you were able to get your data recovered, but even if not, you are a talented guy with unlimited potential. God bless you and your family!
Thanks for sharing John. I’ve been following for a while, so I knew some of your story. It’s encouraging to hear how far you’ve come. I hope you’re able to recover your data. As for the SEO and backlinks, definitely interested! And for your wife: 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!
Hi John, sorry to hear about the Hard drive. You were and continue to be a very big inspiration for me deciding on pursuing photography, and your story truly resonates with me as well.
I hope you find your way out of this discouragement and continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, for if it was not for people like you, I may have never thought it was possible.
Oh god. Been there. Hang in there. Why I bought two NAS servers, one ten years ago after losing my ten 1yo’s photos, then the second a few years ago for production stuff. Hoping for the best in your recovery.
You have no idea how much this video just encouraged me! Thank you for this!!
Yes, to a video about backlinks, please! Great video, John!
Bro, I’ve been watching you since my start (2020) I thought for sure I’d been subscribed. After this I am definitely subscribed. Keep killing it man! Cheers from NY
Thank you so much for this video. I have only been doing small shoots for about two years and to be honest I have been feeling a little discouraged lately. I have my first wedding coming up in October and I am looking forward to it but not much in between. Times are definitely hard but this is something that I really love and want to make this my career. So again I appreciate you and all that you do very much.
Really appreciate how transparent you were here, this video was a nice reminder that people usually see the highlights and not the grind & sacrifice. Hope everything gets sorted!
I think you're one of the best teachers out here. I've learned so so much! Very real, honest and relatable. Thank you!
Loved hearing about your story! It's very inspiring as I'm starting to finally get paid for small gigs. Gives me something to look forward to.
This video really resonates with me, because I lost a ton of data recently too.. Its been a very frustrating time and I lost motivation . Slowly getting it back but its been tough . Thanks for sharing your honestly
You are one of my favorite people to follow on CZcams. Your videos are amazing.
John, thank you. God has used you and this video to bless my heart. This video came at such a necessary time in my life.
My wife and our 3 children are in a very similar situation to what you were in. I’m only a little ways into my photography journey but the doors are opening. Thank you. Thank your wife. And I pray for your family’s continued blessings.
Thank you so much for sharing your story part of your life and really, your work u have a lot of courage and you are so brilliant and lucky but lucky is not enough if you didn't do it by yourself. Thank you also as myself I have my own story which I didn't finish up when I started learning and sharing some of my photos Back 20 years ago and I still put so many reasons I have to know I am about to start again when I finish the project Mylife building a family home which cost a lot a lot a lot in KSA. Thank you so much.
Good Day John,
So sorry for your hard drive failure.
I do hope it gets sorted out.
Thank you for all you do for us.
I literally watch your videos every time I have a wedding job or I am frustrated about something in the wedding space and business. Thank you 🙏🏽
You keep giving back.
This is so inspiring and motivational.
Hearing your story makes me want to even push further and remain strong.
It is possible..😊 (that’s all I could get)
Thank you so much 🙏🏽
Thank you for sharing your story! Needed to hear this! It was great meeting you at WPPI!
Thank you very very much for sharing your journey. Your light inspires myself…especially when I have that “doubt” trying to break through the “wall”. Much continued success to you
Thank you John, appreciate your sincerity ! I am not a wedding photographer, buy enjoy your content.
Inspiring. Thanks John.
What an inspirational vlog. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Sorry to hear about the lost work. Your doing a fantastic job well done. One I have always said is no matter how hard things get never give up and I am a huge believer in that.
👏👏👏👏👍👍🙏🙏 we had similar situation we get it! my wife is amazing👍
Thank you so much for posting this and continuing to post educational content. It's very much appreciated. Also, mad props to your wife.
Definitely needed this encouragement for my photography business. Hello From Houston Texas
Just wanted you to know you have helped me keep going in photography
Appreciate you sharing John. I'm in the same place right now. It's hard having to manage a new photography business and a full time job and other life expenses. I learn a lot from your bts videos of you shooting on wedding days. This video encourages me to keep trying and it’ll work out in the end. Thank you for sharing.
Needed this. You were the first channel i started watching before i started photography im 2020 and the reason i got into fujifilm. I stopped taking sessions for a couple of months cause i was feeling defeated. This is the push i needed to get back in ❤