Revisiting Our podcast with Lisa Devlin

Rediscovering Wisdom in Wedding Photography

In the whirlwind world of wedding photography and videography, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget why you started in the first place. That's why we're excited to revisit one of our favourite episodes from the podcast, where we chatted with the amazing Lisa Devlin. She's not just a legendary wedding photographer but also the brain behind Photography Farm, a learning hub for creatives like us. This episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom on balancing business with creativity and finding joy in what you do. Let’s break it down.

Lisa Devlin captured in the wild by Magic Wedding Photographer

What We Covered: Key Takeaways and Practical Tasks

1. Keep Growing and Learning

Lisa talked a lot about the importance of always looking for ways to improve, no matter where you are in your career. She shared how her journey from music photography to weddings helped her grow in unexpected ways.

Lisa said, “You can never be a good educator without still being a working photographer... They feed into each other so well.” She stressed that being open to learning and teaching helps keep her work fresh.

Practical Task:

• Try Something New: This week, experiment with a style or technique you’ve never tried before. Whether it’s a different editing process or a new lighting setup, push your boundaries.

• Book a Workshop: Check out upcoming workshops at Photography Farm or similar events in your area. The idea is to learn something new that challenges your current way of working.

2. Balancing Creativity with Business

One of the things Lisa touched on was how hard it can be to juggle the creative side of things with the business side. She admitted she’s not naturally efficient (who is?), but she’s worked on creating systems that help her manage both without losing her sanity.

“I’ve been working a lot on my productivity,” she said. “Maybe separating my days into weeks more formally—Monday and Tuesday for wedding photography, Thursday and Friday for farm stuff.”

Practical Task:

• Time Block Your Week: Take a look at your schedule and see if you can block out specific days for different tasks. Dedicate certain days to editing, shooting, admin, and marketing. Stick to it for a couple of weeks and see how it feels.

• Consider Outsourcing: If editing is eating up your time, think about outsourcing it. There are plenty of services or freelancers who can take this off your plate so you can focus on what you love—shooting and storytelling.

3. The Power of Community

Lisa’s success with Photography Farm really highlights the importance of community. Whether it’s learning from others or collaborating on projects, having a network of like-minded folks can make a huge difference.

“I love hanging out with new photographers... they’re just so inspiring because they don’t have the bad habits we have.”

Practical Task:

• Join or Start a Local Meetup: Whether online or in person, join a group of creatives in your area. If there isn’t one, consider starting your own. It’s a great way to share knowledge, get feedback, and even collaborate on shoots.

• Engage Online: Participate in photography and videography forums or Facebook groups. Don’t just lurk—ask questions, share your work, and give feedback. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn and how much you can offer.

4. Personal Branding and Staying Authentic

Lisa is all about keeping it real. She talked about the importance of being yourself in your branding and how that authenticity helps attract the right clients.

“People do business with people... That’s what I go with,” she said. This is why she’s never been too hung up on having massive social media numbers—engagement and connection matter more.

Practical Task:

• Audit Your Online Presence: Spend an hour going through your website and social media profiles. Does it reflect who you are and the kind of work you want to attract? If not, tweak your bio, update your portfolio, and make sure your online presence feels true to you.

• Share Your Story: In your next social media post, share something personal about your journey as a creative. It could be a behind-the-scenes look at your process, a lesson learned, or even a mistake you’ve made and grown from. Authenticity resonates.

Make It Happen

Now that we’ve unpacked some of Lisa’s advice, let’s talk about how you can start implementing these ideas in your own wedding business or craft. Here’s how to take these insights and run with them:

1. Embrace Continuous Learning: Whether it’s through workshops, online courses, or simply experimenting on your own, make learning a regular part of your routine. Start small—maybe commit to learning one new thing every month. This keeps your skills sharp and your work fresh.

2. Streamline Your Workflow: Look for ways to make your business run more smoothly. This could be as simple as setting up a more efficient editing process, like Lisa’s ‘speedy workflow’ method, or as big as hiring someone to handle your post-production. The goal is to free up time so you can focus on creativity and client relationships.

3. Build and Engage with Your Community: Surround yourself with other creatives. Whether it’s online or in-person, being part of a community can help you stay motivated, inspired, and informed. Plus, it’s just more fun when you’ve got a crew to bounce ideas off and learn from.

4. Focus on Authentic Branding: Make sure your branding—online and offline—reflects who you really are. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about being genuine in how you present yourself. Your ideal clients are out there, and they’re looking for someone just like you. Make sure they can find you.

Wrapping It Up: Apply, Grow, and Keep Loving What You Do

Revisiting this episode with Lisa Devlin reminds us that the key to success in this industry isn’t just about technical skills or marketing—it’s about continuous growth, authentic connections, and finding balance in your work and life. As she said at Thrive 23 “You’ve got to stay on the bus! (Love that quote!) Whether you’re behind the camera or at your desk, the ideas we’ve discussed can help you not only improve your business but also rediscover the joy in what you do.

So, grab your camera, dive into those edits, or head out to that networking event—and remember, this journey is yours to shape.

If you found this blog helpful, consider joining us on YouTube and Instagram @perspectivebycinemate and feel free to reach out for support. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue creating awesome work!

Stay positive, keep creating and in the mean time… ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

Simon

Cinemate