Category: All Podcast Episodes

Lighting designer and owner of Images by Lighting Ray Thompson is here today to talk about storytelling with lighting for events and designing lighting for lux weddings. He has over 30 years of experience and an amazing passion for creative design.

He also pioneered the modern event lighting industry. His company has created the lighting for events at major corporations like Adobe, Taco Bell, Gillette, NFL Super Bowl and many more. He has also been involved in premieres and events for major movies and entertainers like HBO, DreamWorks Pictures, Disney/Buena Vista, Elton John and more.

In this episode, Ray shares how he got started and was able to transition his passion into a career and an award-winning company. He also talks about the evolution of lighting, changes in technology, tools smaller designers can use to create amazing lighting, how he finds inspiration and more.

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right vendors. Zola gives wedding vendors 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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[00:00] This episode is sponsored by Zola.

[00:44] Ray Thompson is one of the true icons in the industry for what he does with lighting design.

[02:05] Lighting is critical to telling a story no matter what you’re doing.

[02:14] Many years ago, Ray began lecturing and educating people about lighting and what can be done with lighting and where events were going.

[03:01] When Ray was a kid, he was always good with science and math. His dad owned a vending machine company, and Ray had access to the broken machines, so he would create lighting installations in his bedroom.

[03:27] He would even sequence lights to music. He wasn’t sure how to make a career out of this, so he went into electrical engineering.

[04:22] He moved to LA and was an electrical engineer for Hughes Aircraft.

[04:36] While working at Hughes Aircraft, Ray had created some lighting sculptures in his apartment, which a well-known event professional saw and he tells the story of how that led to building a clientele.

[05:46] Ray shares how one of his first big breaks came from Allan Carr.

[06:46] Once props and scenery became decorations for parties, lighting also became a natural element.

[07:39] Lighting is a dance from the moment you enter an event. Light creates an experience and storyline through color, texture, and intensity.

[08:56] Ray is very spiritual. He loves color and the study of chakra and color on your being.

[12:58] Ray directs the events, and lights can be used to create total theater for events.

[16:03] We discuss Ray’s concept of the relation between lighting and “the choreography of emotion.”

[18:38] Ray likes to be involved early on in the design process and discusses why.

[19:07] We learn the behind the scenes process behind a project from proposal to end design.

[25:10] Messaging for brands like Tesla involves a unique lighting design approach for a product reveal.

[26:04] Ray tells the story behind designing the lighting for the wedding for a king in Dubai.

[29:21] We get to hear about lighting projects such as the Governor’s Ball for the Emmys, the Oscars Green Room, the Super Bowl, and studio and movie premieres.

[33:25] He has worked with very high-end entertainers from Elton John to Katy Perry.

[34:41] Ray shares his secrets for production efficiency and profitability that he’s learned over the years.

[37:48] Ray shares how lighting technology has evolved since he began in the industry.

[41:10] LED screens will get cheaper and cheaper for video walls.

[41:45] Ray reveals the best way for industry professionals to work with lighting designers.

[42:47] Battery packed pin spots and battery packed uplights are great cost-effective and simple ways for planners and designers to notch things up a level.

[43:34] Going to concerts is inspiration and relaxation for Ray. He also gets inspired by the very creative producers that he works with.

[44:35] Andy thought the video screens and the lighting at the Ed Sheeran concert were amazing.

[45:50] Ray loves what he does.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram

The Wedding Biz on Facebook

Images By Lighting

Images by Lighting

Images by Lighting on Instagram

Images by Lighting on Facebook

@images_lighting on Twitter

Mentioned By Ray

Freedom Par by Chauvet

FUEL Lighting Systems

Alan Carr

Colin Cowie & His Interview On The Wedding Biz:

Colin Cowie Lifestyle

Colin Cowie: Part 1 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences

Colin Cowie: Part 2 Creating Groundbreaking Luxury Experiences

David Beahm & His Interview On The Wedding Biz:

David Beahm

David Beahm: Risk & Synchronicity

This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment & Zola.

Andy is so excited to present this interview to you with Zainab Alsalih who has been on the show once before when we were still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zainab is the founder and creative director of Carousel, one of the most prominent companies in the region for event design. She is considered one of the most respected authorities on weddings in the Middle East, and she has been covered and quoted in countless regional and international programs and publications in many languages, including Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart, and Vogue. She has also been recognized on many occasions as one of Dubai’s leading female entrepreneurs.

Listen in as Zainab touches upon various topics such as how the pandemic has impacted her over the last two years. She also reflects on one of her favorite weddings from the last two years, how she felt having to have virtual meetings when the pandemic was at its height, how rearranging her environment rather than letting it get stagnant inspires her, how the pandemic has caused some people to become more demanding, and so much more!

Andy had such a good time catching up with Zainab, and he really hopes that you enjoy listening to the conversation as much as he did! If you do enjoy it, then Andy would be very appreciative if you would share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure also to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right vendors. Zola gives wedding vendors 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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[0:00] – This episode’s sponsor is Zola.

[1:04] – Zainab Alsalih of Carousel returns to the show.

[2:31] – Zainab discusses how she got through the COVID-19 pandemic.

[4:41] – Zainab touches upon balancing her professional life with her family life.

[5:45] – Has business bounced back for Zainab?

[6:59] – Zainab observes that weddings are relatively smaller nowadays.

[8:07] – Zainab reflects on a wedding from December 2020.

[11:27] – Learn how Zainab felt about having to have virtual meetings.

[14:20] – How does Zaibab inspire herself?

[16:00] – Andy and Zainab agree that rearranging your environment is helpful.

[17:41] – Zainab shares an update on her newest book.

[18:53] – What is Zaibab’s biggest challenge right now?

[21:06] – Zainab reveals how she feels people’s priorities have changed.

[24:04] – Andy provides Zaibab’s website and social media information.

RESOURCES

The Wedding Biz Episode 288 ZAINAB ALSALIH/Carousel Events: One of Dubai’s Leading

Women Entrepreneurs

Find Zainab:

Zainab’s Instagram Page
Carousel – Website
Carousel – Instagram Page
Carousel – Facebook Page
Carousel – Pinterest Page
Carousel – Vimeo Page

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

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

Today’s guest is no stranger to the show as he has been featured on it before! Welcome Brett Culp, an acclaimed filmmaker and social entrepreneur. He is the personal cinematographer for Hollywood stars, music icons, authors, hall of fame athletes, and royal families, and his films have been featured on Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. His uplifting keynote speeches deliver practical methods for uniting teams for a meaningful mission and creating growth through trust and genuine connection.

Brett talks about the difficult social climate in which we currently live and what responsibility falls upon the shoulders of entrepreneurs to be a source of light for people. He also touches upon his view of leadership, how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in leadership mindset, the difference between managing and mentoring, how to unlock people’s hidden potential, the benefits of feedback and one-on-one communication, why stress makes us stronger rather than weaker, and so much more!

Andy, as usual, found his conversation with Brett to be enlightening, and he hopes you find it helpful as well! If so, then he would love it if you would share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure also to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right vendors. Zola gives wedding vendors 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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

[0:00] – Today’s sponsor is Zola.

[0:56] – We discover that today’s guest is returning guest Brett Culp.

[2:26] – Brett touches upon our living in a state of constant crisis.

[4:03] – Brett advises on how to avoid feeling overwhelmed in these trying times.

[5:05] – Andy enthusiastically refers to the book The Obstacle Is the Way.

[6:45] – Brett compares the conversation to breaking the sound barrier.

[8:57] – Brett reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to independence.

[11:38] – Mentoring rather than managing is still leadership, Brett asserts.

[13:31] – Brett argues that we need to decide what we want our customer experience to be.

[16:11] – Brett points out that the meaning of leadership is often misunderstood.

[19:08] – Organizations that can respond quickly to change are the ones that will survive.

[21:35] – Andy points out that involving people needs to happen on an ongoing basis.

[23:04] – Learn what it means to be anti-fragile.

[24:37] – Hear where you can get more information about Brett.

RESOURCES

Brett’s Previous Guest Spots on the Podcast
Ryan Holiday – The Obstacle Is the Way

Find Brett:

Brett’s Website
Brett’s Facebook Page
Brett’s Instagram Page
Brett’s Twitter Page
Brett’s LinkedIn Profile

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

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

Corbin Gurkin of Corbin Gurkin Photography joins Andy today to talk about her unique journey as a wedding photographer. Corbin has photographed weddings in places as diverse as California’s wine country, the beautiful beaches of Thailand, country estates in Ireland, the hillside villages of Tuscany, and more. Her work has been regularly featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Town and Country, and she has also won PDN Top Knots Wedding Photography grand prize award!

Learn about how Corbin had originally planned to be a war photographer but eventually decided to become a wedding photographer. She also dives into how she makes standard aspects of weddings such as toasts unique and artistic, what drives her as an artist, what it was like photographing Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner getting married, how she feels about film vs. digital, how the wedding industry has changed since she started shooting wedding photography twenty years ago, and so much more!

Andy found his chat with Corbin to be very interesting and insightful and hopes that you do too! If so, then he would love it if you would share this episode with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren’t already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!

This episode is sponsored by Zola, the fastest-growing wedding platform that connects today’s couples with the right vendors. Zola gives wedding vendors 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.

SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ

Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!

Time Stamps

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

[1:44] – Andy announces today’s guest as Corbin Gurkin of Corbin Gurkin Photography.

[2:40] – Corbin reveals that she initially wanted to be a war photographer.

[4:33] – Andy pivots the conversation toward Corbin capturing unique moments.

[6:20] – Corbin argues that the endgame of all weddings is the same.

[8:34] – Corbin offers insight into her subjects being vulnerable.

[10:20] – We are walked through Corbin’s process with her clients.

[12:42] – Corbin discusses having pertinent details about an event.

[16:18] – Learn about Corbin having shot Joe Jonas’ and Sophie Turner’s wedding.

[19:24] – Corbin compares and contrasts editorial work with wedding work.

[20:28] – How does Corbin feel about film vs. digital?

[21:57] – Corbin identifies time constraints as one of her biggest challenges.

[24:37] – Why did Corbin hold off on hiring employees for a bit?

[25:54] – Corbin explains how the wedding industry is different now than when she started.

[28:57] – Corbin discloses how she puts together a cohesive editorial spread.

[30:46] – Discover what gear Corbin is currently using.

[31:49] – Andy reveals where we can find Corbin online.

Find Corbin:

Corbin’s Website
Corbin’s Courses
Corbin’s Pinterest Page
Corbin’s Facebook Page

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Wedding Biz

The Wedding Biz on Instagram: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz on Facebook: @theweddingbiz

The Wedding Biz Network

The Music Makers

Support The Wedding Biz by clicking here.

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