Joel Serrato is today’s guest, and Andy is so excited to have him on the show! Joel has been named a top wedding photographer by Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings, and his photography is based on capturing pure moments of authentic emotions. Some of his noteworthy work includes work for Pat Benatar, Tamara Mowry, and Adam Housley, and the quality of his work simply speaks for itself.

Joel details how his original interest was in filmmaking but that his husband Jose Villa got him interested in wedding photography. He touches upon whether he prefers digital or film (and makes a pretty bold statement that might surprise you), what he does to bring in compatible clientele, and whether or not he has managed to find a balance between being a professional wedding photographer, a husband, and a father to two little ones.

Joel also strongly believes in event professionals supporting each other rather than going up against each other, and he even demonstrates that by reaching out to photographers who got jobs over him and congratulating them. This positivity is something that he also carries with him pretty much everywhere that he goes, and he gives an example of how he managed to make a really good situation out of a literally rainy day, putting on what he calls his “swan face.”

This was such a special conversation for Andy because of how kind and thoughtful Joel is, and he really appreciates Joel’s time and how open that he was on the show. If you enjoyed Andy’s conversation with Joel Serrato, then he would really love it if you were to share this episode with at least three people you know who might also enjoy it. Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode and to leave a top review wherever you listen. That really helps out Andy and the show!


This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right planners and vendors. Zola gives wedding professionals more control, better exposure, and higher quality leads – all with competitive pricing and no annual commitment. Create your free listing at www.zola.com/andy.

 

Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don’t forget about Sean Low’s podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.

 

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Time Stamps

[0:00] – The sponsor of this episode is Zola.

[0:23] – Andy recommends the book The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.

[1:54] – Andy is excited to announce that Joel Serrato is this episode’s special guest!

[2:52] – Discover that Joel got his start in filmmaking.

[5:35] – Joel identifies his husband Jose Villa as his greatest teacher.

[7:39] – Does Joel prefer film or digital?

[10:03] – How does Joel look at lighting, composition, and style?

[12:04] – Joel walks us through the usual process with his clients.

[14:44] – Joel believes that wedding industry professionals should support each other.

[16:09] – Hear what the biggest challenges of destination weddings are.

[19:29] – Does Joel approach photographing celebrities differently?

[22:59] – Joel gives an example of a challenge that he had to overcome.

[25:37] – Learn how Joel calmed a nervous bride down.

[29:24] – Joel discusses situations that led to other opportunities.

[31:26] – Joel reveals whether or not he’s able to balance his professional and personal lives.

[35:14] – Joel reflects back on how his parents inspired him.

[36:41] – What gear is Joel currently using?

[38:59] – Andy gives us Joel’s website and Instagram information.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Rick Rubin – The Creative Act: A Way of Being

 

Find Joel:

Joel’s Website
Joel’s Instagram Page

 

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.