Integrating Automation for a Hassle-Free Photography Business

This article is 100% written by AI about Episode 50 of Workflows with John Branch IV

Hey everyone, Scott Wyden Kivowitz here! Welcome to another episode of Workflows, where we dive into the fascinating world of photography and discuss ways to streamline processes and boost creativity. I'm thrilled about this latest episode, where I had the pleasure of catching up with an incredible photographer, John Branch IV. It’s been almost a year since we last saw each other at WPPI, and it was fantastic to hear about his latest endeavors.

One of the highlights of our conversation was John’s structured approach to wedding photography. He shared how visualizing specific shots throughout the wedding day helps minimize stress and ensures he captures all the crucial moments. We all know that anxiety of worrying about not taking enough photos, but John’s planned-out techniques provide reassurance that these key moments are well documented. It’s a great insight for anyone in the field, emphasizing the importance of preparation.

Handling stress discreetly is a mark of professionalism in photography, and John couldn't agree more. We touched on subtle ways photographers manage equipment issues without the client ever noticing. For instance, John shared a particularly challenging experience of dealing with focusing issues during a night-time proposal. Proposals are tricky, with the pressure of low light and potentially full buffers, but having two camera bodies and remaining calm is a solid strategy to maintain professionalism.

Automation and business practices were another big topic. John praised the value of automation in saving time and maintaining efficiency across his businesses. Despite admitting he’s not the best at system management, John’s use of HoneyBook for email automation showcases how technology can streamline client interactions and task handling.

John’s self-employment journey offers flexibility and independence, and we dug into the tools he uses to make life easier. Having inspiration from being an Apple employee, John uses Final Cut Pro for video editing but dabbles with AI tools like Imagen for photo editing efficiency and Gling for video editing. These tools enable him to maintain his signature style while saving precious time.

Inviting guests to view wedding galleries with QR codes and automated gallery links is a brilliant idea John is considering. Plus, my suggestion of making aesthetically pleasing signs with QR codes for weddings could be a great way to engage more guests in the process.

We ended on a fun note, with John talking about procrastination. He chose a random question about tasks that never get finished. Relatable, right? Turns out, like many of us, John also battles with keeping his desk tidy and aims for a more organized workspace.

For those interested in the nitty-gritty details of John’s workflow, we delved deep into his entire process from the website inquiry to album creation and delivery. His efforts in using AI tools help in maintaining a balance between work and family life, which is particularly important when you're self-employed.

In wrapping up season three, I’m excited to take a brief break and return in February with fresh episodes for season four. I truly appreciate John sharing his wisdom with us. If you want to learn more about John and his work, check out jbvphotography.com and follow him on social media at JB IV Photography.

Thanks for tuning in, and see you all in the new year!

Best, Scott Wyden Kivowitz Host of Workflows