The Beginner Photography Podcast

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018: Documentary Wedding Photographer Andrew Billington

On this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast we talk to world renowned UK based documentary wedding photographer Andrew Billington!
Super Excited for this episode with a fellow Fuji wedding photographer but don't worry Andrew shares tips that are sure to motivate anyone with a camera into becoming the photographer they want to. 

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018: Documentary Wedding Photographer Andrew Billington Beginner Photography Podcast

On this episode you'll learn:

  • When Andrew first picked up a camera

  • Why he needed a camera for his full time job

  • How he turned in his documentary passion to real commissioned theater work

  • Why he got asked to shoot a wedding

  • What he hated about the Wedding Photographer cliche

  • And why he didnt end up hiring a photographer for his own wedding because he hated them

  • How he took what he didnt like about wedding photographers and threw it out the window when he started shooting weddings

  • How many weddings per year Andrew was shooting before he left his full time job

  • Why he decided to make the jump to a full time documentary wedding photographer

  • Andrews views on the "Weekend Warriors"

  • Why there is nothing wrong with having a full time job and still expressing yourself creatively through wedding photography

  • Why professionalism is that matters most when first starting out

  • Why the best camera you can own is

  • Why knowing your gear inside and out is more knowledgeable than gold

  • When Andrew typically upgrades his gear

  • Why he upgrades he gear when he's happy with his equipment

  •  What camera Andrews says brought the fun back into photography

  • Why Andrew almost gave up on Fuji in the beginning

  • But why Fuji did to restore his faith in the brand

  • Why Andrew is happy to shoot at ISO 12,800

  • Why Andrew doesn't own Photoshop

  • Why Andrews does not shoot RAW

  • How his shooting style is benefited from shooting JPG

  • We tackle the RAW vs JPG issue

  • Why asking yourself what your intent is with the photos is an important question

  • Why confidence and style are most important to becoming successful 

  • How you can ensure you don't get burnt out shooting things you don't want to shoot. 

  • Why starting out in photography can be hard to find a style

  • Why amazing photographers are your best and worst influence 

  • The first thing Andrew looks for when he walks into a room on a wedding day

  • Why Managing expectations is key 

  • And why valuing your contract more than your relationship with your couples will always end bad

  • How Prime lenses transformed Andrews Photography

  • Why Andrews Website is designed to push brides away

  • What Andrew Tells his couples when he poses them

  • Where you should be looking for photography inspiration

  • What Andrew would tell his younger self about succeeding in wedding photography if he could go back in time

  • What Andrew does after every season to make the kit he brings to a wedding smaller and smaller

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