Photographers

295 A Conversation With: Rime Arodaky & Greg Finck

295 A Conversation With: Rime Arodaky & Greg Finck

Listen, as Andy and his guests, Rime Arodaky and Greg Finck,discuss how the pandemic affected them personally and professionally, what they have been doing with their time and where they see the industry post-pandemic, plus so much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Rime is a popular gown and dress designer out of Paris, and her company is considered a “Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses and inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves.” Greg runs the business side of Rime’s company, as General Manager, and is also a wonderfully gifted and admired photographer. 

Listen as Rime and Greg discuss how their businesses were flourishing before the shutdown and how they have kept communications up with clients during the pandemic.

Rime shares how the three ways she sells her bridal gowns have helped keep her company growing and has allowed them to maintain their twenty employees. 

Rime and Greg both believe that the trend with weddings for the next three to five years will be more understated, with couples pleasing themselves instead of worrying about what others want. They all agree that the shutdown, although painful financially, has been rewarding personally, pushing them to make decisions they have been putting off.

283 THE NEXT LEVEL: ZAINAB ALSALIH discusses ABI MATESUN,  Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker

283 THE NEXT LEVEL: ZAINAB ALSALIH discusses ABI MATESUN, Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker

“Success is not about the destination, but rather the journey.” Listen as Andy and his guest, Zainab Alsalih, Founder and Managing Director of Carousel Events, a bespoke event design and wedding planning company based in Dubai, discuss the way Abi sees and photographs a wedding, his need to find the love-story with his clients and the importance of good visuals plus much more on this episode of The Next Level. 

Abi is the Founder and CEO of Malekfoto Films and Malekfoto Weddings. Abi is a two-time Emmy-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, public speaker, and two time Telly Award winner. His wedding visuals have attracted over 60 million viewers around the world.

Zainab shares how attuned to his couple’s love story that Abi always is, the way he is involved through the whole process, and why knowing how the planners are designing the decor and lighting, for the event, helps give him the best visuals. They also speak about his use of storyboarding when preparing to shoot an event.

Listen, as Zainab and Andy speak about Abi’s definition of success and how he believes that it’s not just about the wedding day itself but also about the journey to the event that’s important.  Abi is very dedicated to telling each couple’s love story through photographs and film. He thinks of each event like a cinematographer, with the couples as the stars and the guests as the supporting cast. 

282 ABI MATESUN: Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker

282 ABI MATESUN: Emmy-Winning Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Photographer & Speaker

“Everything you see in life that has impacted the world in any form or way started as a dream.” Listen as Andy and his guest Abi Matesun discuss what Abi means by this statement, why he left Nigeria, how he started in photography and the transition into film, and much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Abi is the Founder and CEO of Malekfoto Films and Malekfoto Weddings. Abi is a two time Emmy-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, photographer, public speaker, and two time Telly Award winner. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Abi studied Management and Information Systems at the University of Texas.  

“Catching all the moments between the moments.” Listen as Abi tells the story of how he films weddings, and his process when he meets with the couple for the first time. He and his team then do a storyboard so they can make life easier for the wedding planner. He says they want to be like a special forces team. Their footprint is very small, but their impact is unforgettable.

Abi speaks about the story behind his documentary Inner Conflict, the love story Fire and Ice, that he filmed in Iceland, and how important the music is to his work. Abi also speaks about how he handles the business and artistic side of his business and how the pandemic is affecting him both personally and professionally. 

“Success is doing better tomorrow than you did today.” Abi is so insightful and passionate about his life and his work, and the way he views his art is so different from anyone else you will ever meet. Take the time to listen to the brilliance of Abi Matesun.

277 THE NEXT LEVEL: JENNIFER STEIN discusses MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World

277 THE NEXT LEVEL: JENNIFER STEIN discusses MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World

Andy welcomes Jennifer Stein back to The Next Level. Jennifer is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Destination I Do Magazine, which can be found at newsstands in all fifty states and twelve countries. She also publishes a daily blog, consults, custom publishes and has a podcast called CONFETTI.

Matt is an award-winning photographer who has gained a world-class reputation for his exquisite documentary style photography. Matt is considered the Royal photographer for his work with the Cambridges. He helps change-makers make a difference and shoots on behalf of Ocean Culture Life, a global community of storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and environmentalists whose lives have been shaped by the sea. 

Jennifer and Andy discuss Matt’s love of travel, how he immerses himself into the culture of the people he photographs and how he connects with his clients by taking them to the places they love and getting them to relax. They also speak of Matt’s charity work and the fact that he doesn’t just take photos of beautiful things, he takes photographs that can change lives.

If you knew this pandemic had an end date, would you change how you live your life right now? Andy shares that he is using this time to take a day to himself to recharge and how it is allowing him to come up with fresh ideas. Jennifer speaks about the Black Lives Matter movement, and how it’s coming on the heels of the pandemic has allowed people to think about what it means and take the time to listen.

If you haven’t listened to Matt’s interview, sit down, give yourself a moment to listen and be inspired to look for the positive things when right now it seems easier to focus on the negative. 

276 MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World

276 MATT PORTEOUS/Photographer: The Way He Sees The World

“I’m lucky now because I get to go to really beautiful places and photograph wonderful people.” Listen, as Andy Kushner and his guest Matt Porteous discuss the small island he was born and raised on, when he became interested in photography, how the way he saw the world differed from other kids his age, his years surfing and taking pictures plus much more on this episode of The Wedding Biz

Matt is an award-winning photographer who has gained a world-class reputation for his exquisite documentary style photography. Matt is considered the Royal Photographer for his work with the Cambridges. He helps change-makers make a difference and shoots on behalf of Ocean Culture Life, a global community of storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and environmentalists whose lives have been shaped by the sea. 

Matt speaks about the small channel island near France where he grew up, how he became a stonemason when he left school, then took off for two years to travel and surf. Matt shares that when he takes photographs, he likes to immerse himself in the culture of whoever is being photographed and how he balances all the different genres and projects he is involved with.

Have you ever heard of the documentary style of wedding photography? Matt shares his process with his clients and how he gets the guys he photographs to relax for photos. Matt discusses how he became known as the Royal Photographer, his work with Ocean Culture Life, and with some charities that helps rescue children in India from child labor.

Matt says he feels very blessed to live the life he has and he doesn’t take one moment for granted. During the pandemic, he put together a tutorial to help others navigate the world of photography. This was a very dynamic conversation that you won’t want to miss.

260 A Conversation with: Phil Van Nostrand

260 A Conversation with: Phil Van Nostrand

This is the first of a series of conversations, called “A Conversation with,” beginning with photographer Phil Van Nostrand. Phil was first interviewed by Andy on 12/3/18 (see link below).

Taking good care of ourselves, during this pandemic, is critical to our mental and physical health. Although Phil had been traveling 100-200 days per year, he has adapted fairly well to living as we now know it. Andy and Phil discuss whether or not they feel fear about their finances and what their perspectives are on the topic. Phil brings up a discussion on mini-matrimonies for clients and the mini-wedding society for the B2B market.

They also discuss the need for pivoting and reinventing themselves doing what they love and feel passionate about. Andy takes this opportunity to announce the launch of The Wedding Biz Network, featuring leading voices across the wedding and events industries exploring topics with and gaining inspiration from other industry leaders and upcoming notables. The first Network member, who launched his show on the 26th, is Sean Low of The Business Of Being Creative.
And Phil mentions the mastermind group he’s started as well as discovering old passions.

Listen in to gain inspiration from these two industry experts as they examine how to best get through the current pandemic.

236 THE NEXT LEVEL: LYNN EASTON discusses JOSE VILLA Part 2 – Wedding Photography At Its Finest

236 THE NEXT LEVEL: LYNN EASTON discusses JOSE VILLA Part 2 – Wedding Photography At Its Finest

Do you know how digital photos typically look different from pictures taken using film? Listen as Andy and Lynn discuss Jose’s new preset that allows him to use digital but still get the film look plus much more. Lynn Easton of Easton Events is a wonderful planner and designer based out of Charleston and Charlottesville who works worldwide. 

Jose Villa is a film photographer known for shooting wedding photos for celebrities and high profile clients. Jose was named one of the top Wedding Photographers in the world by Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Harper’s Bazaar. Jose has also been recognized as one of the most influential photographers of the decade by PDN.

Listen as Lynn shares what she admires about Jose and his work, and his ability to shoot Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding with only a week and a half’s notice. Andy and Lynn discuss Jose’s ability to shoot photos with a lot of emotion and how amazing and organized his team is. They also chat about Jose’s use of social media and how he answers each email, DM, and text himself. 

Jose is one of those unique individuals that go above and beyond. So much so that Lynn says when he shoots events with her, he always has images to her by the end of the night or the next morning at the latest. Andy and Lynn can’t say enough great things about Jose, so hit play and enjoy!

235 JOSE VILLA: Wedding Photography At Its Finest

235 JOSE VILLA: Wedding Photography At Its Finest

Andy and Jose hopped on the line, Friday March 13th, to discuss the impact of the Coronavirus on the event industry and their businesses as a prelude to the regular interview.

Listen as Andy and Jose discuss many topics, including the celebrity weddings he photographed in 2019. There is so much to learn from Jose, regardless of whether or not you are a photographer.

If you are not familiar with his work, Jose Villa is primarily a film photographer, named one of the top Wedding Photographers in the world by Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Harper’s Bazaar. Jose has also been recognized as one of the most influential photographers of the decade by PDN.

Listen as Jose shares how the level of the weddings he does has changed and what he feels when shooting celebrity weddings. In 2019, Jose did the photography for Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s and Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin’s weddings, two of the most high profile weddings he last last year. Jose also speaks about the cameras and lenses he uses and the presets that are now available that makes digital photos look like film.

Have you ever grabbed one camera, one lens, and just started composing images? Jose speaks about how much he likes to change things up, even after being in the business for the last eighteen years. He shares about those moments he waits a whole wedding to shoot, clients that require a lot of attention and how that pays off, and his strategy with social media.

Jose is very humble and grateful for what he has achieved, and has more he wants to accomplish. Jose shoots about twenty weddings a year now and the intricacies of each event keeps him plenty busy. Listening to Jose is always a pleasure and you don’t want to miss this conversation!

229 THE NEXT LEVEL: RACHEL BIRTHISTLE discusses JOSE VILLA/Part 1 – Redefining Success With Fine Art Photography

229 THE NEXT LEVEL: RACHEL BIRTHISTLE discusses JOSE VILLA/Part 1 – Redefining Success With Fine Art Photography

Do you prefer to take photographs digitally or with film? Listen as Andy and Rachel discuss Jose Villa and why he uses film almost exclusively. Rachel is the Owner and CEO of The Lake Como Wedding Planner based in Como, Italy. She works with clients directly but also has the pleasure of morphing into the local team for many foreign agencies such as planners in the states like Lisa Vorce on Chrissy Tegan and John Legend’s wedding, Colin Cowie, and many more. 

Jose Villa is a celebrity photographer known for crafting vibrant, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. Jose has been published in many magazines around the world and was listed in the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by the American Photo Magazine. This interview from two years ago is being re-released to get you ready for Part 2 coming out in a few weeks.

Rachel has worked with Jose many times and shares how focused he is on-site, his underlying intuition and empathy when shooting weddings. They chat about how important it is to connect with the client, whether you are the photographer, the planner, the entertainment, or any other creative partner in the industry. The more you feel connected and know the client, the more you want to do a better job because you have a personal bond with them.

Listen, as Andy and Rachel discuss how guests taking pictures with their phones can get in the way during the ceremony and why they should just sit back and let the professional photographers do their jobs. Plug into this episode and keep a lookout for Part 2 in the next few weeks.

228 REVISIT: JOSE VILLA/Part 1: Redefining Success with Fine Art Photography

228 REVISIT: JOSE VILLA/Part 1: Redefining Success with Fine Art Photography

REVISIT: Jose Villa is a fine art wedding photographer known for crafting vibrant, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs. Jose has been published in many magazines around the world, including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, Instyle Weddings, Inside Weddings, Brides Magazine, Modern Bride, Weddings, Brides, Pacific Weddings, Southern Weddings and many more.

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