Our Creative Commune

In this special episode of Our Creative Commune, we're swapping things around! Pete and Laura are hijacking the podcast with their co-founders of the British Wedding Film Festival, Joce Boissin and Jeff Wood, to dive deep into everything you need to know about this brand-new event for the wedding film industry.We start off sharing some stories from the end of the wedding season, including Jeff's travel nightmare of losing all his kit right before a huge destination wedding and how he was forced to adapt.Then, we get into the heart of the festival. We share the vision behind creating an awards ceremony dedicated solely to celebrating the incredible craft within our industry. We discuss why we felt it was so important to have categories that recognise specific skills like sound design, storytelling, and cinematography, and how we hope it will inspire a new wave of creativity.Thinking of entering? We cover all the crucial details: the surprisingly hefty trophies you could win, the incredible panel of judges (including a James Bond sound designer and a Netflix producer!), the submission process, and what makes a film stand out. Plus, we give you all the info on the awards night itself—a chance for us all to get glammed up, connect, and feel inspired at the Manchester Art Gallery.This is more than just an awards show; it's a celebration of our community and the art we create. Whether you're considering submitting a film or just want to join the party, this episode has all the inspiration and information you need.Timestamps00:00 - Intro & Welcome to the BWFF Team 00:55 - Catching Up: How Was the End of the Season? 01:03 - Jeff's Destination Wedding Nightmare: The Airline Lost All My Gear! 04:50 - The Creative Benefit of Being Forced to Adapt 08:31 - Joce's Adventure with an Anamorphic Lens in Morocco 11:23 - Introducing the British Wedding Film Festival 11:51 - The Reason We Started These Awards 13:10 - Celebrating Individual Skills 14:30 - Using the Awards as a Creative Motivator for the Season 16:17 - It’s Scary Entering Awards 17:45 - Let's Talk About the Trophies 18:21 - The Incredible Judging Panel 22:05 - How the Judging Process Will Work 23:20 - The Awards Night 24:25 - The Venue 25:04 - Submission Deadline: 1st December! 26:07 - The Categories & Submission Rules 28:14 - Best Cinematography & Best Sound Design 32:02 - Best Storytelling 32:31 - Best Cinematic Language: Using Match Cuts & Parallel Action 36:55 - Best Use of Music & Best Colour Grading 38:39 - Best Elopement: Telling a Story with Just Two People 39:36 - Film Length & Password Protection 44:41 - Jeff's Story: The OG of Cinematic Wedding Films 46:57 - Jeff's Thoughts on Shooting with Phones 52:39 - Joce's Story: From iPhone Clips to Full-Time Pro in 2 Years 58:46 - Highs & Lows of the WeekThe British Wedding Film Festivalhttps://www.britishweddingfilmfestival.com/ Pete & Lauralawsonfilms.co.ukJoce Boissinhttps://www.lunedemielstudio.com/Jeff Woodhttps://www.jeffwoodvisuals.com/

How many photos are too many? In this week's episode, we dive headfirst into a hot topic rattling the photography community: are we overwhelming our clients by over-delivering images? We debate whether a curated gallery of a few hundred photos is more valuable than a folder of over a thousand, and question what we'd want from our own wedding photographer.We also get real about the struggles of social media after taking a week off Instagram punished our reach, sparking a conversation about whether the perfect grid still matters or if it's time to get more personal.Alongside the business chat, we catch you up on our latest adventures, from shooting a wedding at the iconic Traitors castle (and revealing its secrets!) to road-tripping to Scotland and enjoying a half-term break on the beautiful Yorkshire coast. Join us for a candid chat about work, life, and the creative challenges we all face.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & a chaotic start01:03 - The joy of singing alone in the car02:40 - Liam's wedding at Guardswell Farm in Scotland05:45 - The secrets of shooting at the Traitors Castle09:28 - Working with fellow photographer Ash Springle10:55 - Remembering industry legends Ed Peers & Ross Harvey13:04 - Half-term adventures, portrait shoots, and comparing forests14:58 - An update on the team's upcoming film festival18:20 - Making work trips into mini-holidays20:18 - The pressures of a busy schedule and life admin22:36 - A relaxing week on the North Yorkshire Coast and discovering Haworth25:08 - The Instagram struggle: The punishment for taking a week off26:49 - Does your feed need to show your face?29:15 - Dealing with internet trolls and negative comments32:57 - Hot Topic: Are photographers delivering too many images?45:38 - Highs and Lows of the WeekLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cyliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

In this episode of Our Creative Commune, we're fresh from a beautifully emotional wedding in the heart of Storm Amy and a fun-filled autumnal family shoot. We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of fellow creative, Damian Brandon (https://damianbrandon.com/)This leads us into a passionate discussion about the current state of the wedding photography industry. Are we seeing a decline in the traditional craft of photography? We delve into the rise of the "snapshotty" and "editorial" styles, the importance of understanding good light, and whether the focus has shifted from capturing genuine moments to creating content for Instagram.Plus, Liam gives us an update on his new life as a driving instructor, Pete shares his insights from the world of Reddit on what couples are really looking for, and we chat about the highs and lows of our week, from technical triumphs to creepy crawly encounters. Join us for a candid conversation about creativity, business, and the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Catching Up02:13 Recapping Adam & Jade’s Stormy Welsh Wedding07:36 Working With the Incredibly Talented Damian Brandon12:38 Main Topic: Is the Art of Wedding Photography Being Lost?14:51 The Death of Good Light: Why Are Photographers Ignoring the Basics?20:12 Does Technical Quality Even Matter Anymore?27:43 What Do Couples Actually Want? (Insights from Reddit)30:43 The Changing Internet: SEO, Google, and Finding Clients Now33:56 Liam's New Venture as a Driving Instructor38:56 Building a New Website & The Logo Debate42:12 Blogging vs. Full Galleries: What Should You Send to Clients?45:32 The "Be Everywhere" Strategy for Modern Marketing46:45 Highs & Lows of the Week (Including Hard Drive Sleeping Bags & Spiders!)57:39 What's Coming Up Next?Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cyliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

In this episode, we discusses the most talked-about trend in the wedding industry right now: the rise of the content creator. Are they replacing videographers, and how should creative professionals adapt to a TikTok-driven market? We share our honest thoughts on the challenges and potential solutions, from offering next-day clips to staying true to your unique style in a sea of trends. Is it possible to fight the tide, or is it time to evolve?We also dive into what we've been up to on the road, including Liam shooting a stunning wedding in Ostuni, Italy, and Pete's "life-changing" experience hiring a second shooter for the first time at a wedding in Anglesey. Plus, hear how Laura and Pete got inspired by music videos and started experimenting with flash-style, direct lighting for video and a 4:3 aspect ratio to create a raw, editorial feel.Join us for an open conversation about navigating the ever-changing creative landscape, a surprisingly detailed chat about the limitations of expanding foam, and our usual highs and lows of the week—including one of us starting a brand new career!TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome & Morning People vs. Night Owls 03:49 What We've Been Up To 03:53 Liam’s Shoots: London, Tunbridge Wells & A Wedding in Italy 05:29 Pete's "Life-Changing" Anglesey Wedding with a Second Shooter 08:21 Laura & Pete's Dorset Wedding & Manchester Shoots 08:57 Creative Development: Experimenting with Direct Lighting & 4:3 Ratio 17:24 DIY Chat: The Surprising Limits of Expanding Foam 18:21 Main Topic: The Great Content Creator Debate 19:32 Are Suppliers a Bigger Problem Than Couples? 22:29 The "Your Wedding is Not Content" Movement 30:25 How Videographers Can Adapt to the Trend 39:06 Final Thoughts on the Future 46:08 Highs and Lows of the Week 50:32 Liam's Big News: A Career ChangeGet 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOLLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cyliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

This week, join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a catch-up packed with wild wedding stories and industry insights. Liam shares a tale from the depths of Scotland, where he photographed the first and only elopement inside a massive, disused WWII underground oil tank - complete with world-record-breaking echoes and drone flights in the dark. He then takes us to Iceland for a vow renewal, revealing the stressful reality of shooting in iconic, tourist-filled locations and the rules you sometimes have to bend to get the perfect shot.The team also dives into the great dishwasher debate (are your precious mugs and knives safe?), discusses the pros and cons of the new Canon C50 video camera, and shares their thoughts on recent industry shake-ups. Plus, they explore the unspoken rules of working with other suppliers and share personal highs and lows, featuring everything from a hit-and-run and a ghost named Jim to the joys of booking a wedding in Montenegro.Timestamps00:36 - Wedding season fatigue & back-to-school chaos.02:23 - Liam's story: Photographing an elopement in a disused underground oil tank in Scotland.10:28 - Pete & Laura's "painless" wedding shoot in Scotland.13:31 - Shooting a wedding for a fellow photographer.14:42 - The great debate: Should you put precious mugs and knives in the dishwasher?18:00 - Liam's story: A vow renewal in Iceland and the challenges of shooting in tourist hotspots.23:39 - Discussion on managing expectations at popular photo locations.26:47 - Industry News: The new Canon C50 video camera.30:44 - Industry News: The Easy-Flix gallery migration controversy.34:36 - The pros and cons of culling software like Narrative and Photo Mechanic.40:13 - How to handle working with difficult or rude suppliers on a wedding day.46:52 - Liam's travel drama: Getting locked in a car park and a hit-and-run.51:31 - Highs and Lows of the Week.Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOLLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cyliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

After a much-needed holiday break, the gang is back behind the mics and feeling refreshed... mostly. Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they catch up on a wild few weeks of work, life, and misadventure.Liam kicks things off with tales from a three-day wedding in Spain, complete with tuxedos in the ocean, an aggressive jellyfish, a competitive bucking bronco incident, and an unexpected visit from the local police. Meanwhile, Pete shares his less-than-glamorous story of surviving "Vomitus Maximus" after a beautiful wedding in the Scottish Highlands.This leads to a candid discussion on the biggest challenges facing wedding creatives today: Is the rise of "editorial" photography making it harder to capture authentic moments? And why are clients increasingly choosing phone-based content creators over traditional videographers?Finally, we get real about the big one: burnout. Deep in the thick of wedding season, we share our personal struggles and tangible advice on how to manage the pressure, rediscover your creative spark, and find the joy in your work again when you feel like you have nothing left to give. If you're feeling the strain, this is the chat you need to hear.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Catching Up01:09 - Why We've Stopped Filming the Podcast02:28 - Liam's Wild 3-Day Wedding in Spain (Tuxedos in the Sea, Jellyfish & a Bucking Bronco)07:50 - Liam's Drone Incident & a Visit from the Police09:37 - Pete & Laura's Scottish Wedding Adventure11:19 - Pete's Unfortunate Bout of "Vomitus Maximus" (Food Poisoning)14:37 - Getting Soaked by a Champagne Spray15:44 - The Big Discussion: Is the "Editorial" Photography Trend Killing the Vibe?24:13 - The Rise of Content Creators vs. Traditional Videographers27:20 - Main Topic: How to Beat Creative Burnout This Wedding Season28:02 - Laura's Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Getting Ahead34:05 - Letting Go of Perfectionism & The 80/20 Rule39:24 - The Real Reason We Get Anxious Before a Wedding46:18 - Our Top Tips for Burnout: Nature, Hobbies & Asking for Help52:36 - Sparking Joy: Trying New Lenses & Techniques57:47 - Highs and Lows of the WeekGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a special "postcard" episode, recorded live from next to their tents during their wholesome (and feral) camping holiday! Swapping the studio for a field, the team gets real about the highs and lows of the creative life in the middle of a busy August.In this episode, we chat about our recent travels, from a stunning but stormy cruise through the Norwegian fjords to an epic 14-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for a single elopement. We then dive into some all-too-relatable industry frustrations, including the awkward dance of dealing with difficult wedding bands and a deep dive into the dos, don'ts, and disasters of hiring second shooters.The conversation then takes a serious and personal turn as Liam shares the full, cautionary story of being scammed out of £4,500 by a fake marketing "expert." It’s an open and honest account of how easily it can happen and the emotional toll it takes, serving as a must-listen for any freelancer or small business owner. We wrap it all up by sharing the simple joys that have made our trip unforgettable, from barbecues to a magical night watching shooting stars.Timestamps00:00 - Intro00:31 - A Postcard from a Field: The Feral Camping Holiday Begins03:32 - The Pre-Holiday Work Grind05:02 - Cruising and Seasickness in Norway07:52 - A 14-Hour Drive for a 3-Hour Elopement11:03 - The Importance of Taking a Break in Peak Season12:55 - Industry Rant: When Wedding Bands Are "Cheeky F*cks"18:23 - Industry Deep Dive: The Woes of a Bad Second Shooter28:26 - The Full Story of a £4,500 Scam43:50 - Highs & Lows of the Week49:26 - Outro: Time for a BarbecueGet a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Driving through the night fuelled by nothing but caffeine and desperation? Or wondering if a popular wedding trend is all it's cracked up to be? This week - that's us!Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommuneJoin Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a debrief on the delightful chaos of being a wedding creative. We recount our most stressful travel nightmares—from car breakdowns in rural France to nearly missing ceremonies by minutes. We also share stories from our latest weddings, including one on a boat and another where we experimented with a "video-first, photos-second" approach.What's going on in the wedding industry this week? Wer deep dive into the recent drama surrounding a planner's critique of film photography. Is it an overpriced, "deranged" trend, or a beautiful art form? We break down the controversy, discuss the power of creative freedom, and explore why you should always "shoot what you want."Plus, we share our highs and lows, featuring wholesome jam-making, a last-minute elopement to Skye, and a serious warning about an online scam that cost one of us thousands. Tune in for a packed episode full of laughs, rants, and a few hard-won lessons.Timestamps:00:35 The reality of post-wedding burnout.03:45 Our most bonkers wedding travel stories (breakdowns in France, marathon drives across Europe).08:50 The stress of nearly missing a wedding.13:26 What we've been shooting: A pub, a boat, and a "no-photos" wedding.24:04 THE BIG DEBATE: Is film photography an overpriced, "deranged" trend?31:32 Our take: Why you should shoot what you want and embrace creative freedom.38:51 Highs & Lows: Wholesome moments, elopements, and getting scammed out of £4,500.Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935CyLawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-schoolSay hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommuneliamandbee.comlawsonfilms.co.uklawsonphotography.co.uk#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune