Shifting Focus with John Bunn

What does it actually take to start booking higher-end weddings fast?
In this episode, I sit down with Holden and Gracie of Kate Laine Events to talk about how they went from college friends with an idea to planning their first $350,000 wedding just a couple years into business.
This conversation is about way more than "luxury weddings." We talk about trust, presentation, confidence, networking, content creation, vendor relationships, and why experience matters just as much as the quality of your work.
If you're a wedding photographer, filmmaker, planner, or creative trying to move out of the middle market, this episode is packed with practical takeaways on how to position yourself differently and build a brand people remember.
We also dive into:
• How they started booking higher-end clients early
• The importance of personality and storytelling in content
• Why relationships with vendors matter so much
• The role confidence plays in pricing and positioning
• How to scale without losing quality or burning out
• What actually makes couples trust you with a large wedding budget
This episode is a masterclass in building momentum in the wedding industry without pretending to be someone you're not.
Follow Kate Laine Events:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelaineevents 
Website: https://www.katelaineevents.com/ 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
 
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

What actually makes someone become the photographer everyone knows, trusts, and refers?
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Noella Andres to talk about authority, branding, education, and why simply posting great work online is no longer enough to stand out.
Noella shares her journey from wedding photographer to educator, speaker, and industry leader, along with what photographers often misunderstand about influence, visibility, and becoming known for something specific.
We talk about:
• Why authority is built slowly over time
• The difference between attention and trust
• How education can elevate your business and brand
• What actually leads to speaking opportunities and brand deals
• Why networking still matters
• Creating strategic content instead of random content
• Launching courses, podcasts, masterminds, and live events
• Why "industry gatekeeping" is changing
If you want to become more than just another photographer posting online, this episode is for you.
Follow Noella:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noellaandres
➡️ Podcast ⬅️
noellaandres.myflodesk.com/bkhzg7vkw7
Just Launch It ➡️ Freebie
noellaandres.myflodesk.com/launch
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 Introduction to Noella Andres
02:05 The Journey Into Photography
04:51 Transitioning Into Education and Coaching
07:54 The Evolution of Photography Education
10:58 What Actually Builds Authority in the Industry
14:02 Brand Collaborations and Industry Opportunities
24:12 What Brands Look for in Ambassadors
27:02 Authenticity, Expertise, and Trust
28:47 Preparing Yourself for Bigger Opportunities
31:25 Relationship Building and Networking
35:07 Launching Podcasts, Courses, and Masterminds
39:51 The Future of Education in the Wedding Industry

Join THE EXPOSURE TRIANGLE Mastermind Waitlist: https://john-bunn.com/exposure-triangle
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I'm talking about the one thing I believe matters more than talent, gear, social media strategy, or even your portfolio when it comes to booking high-end weddings: trust.
Over the last 19 years in the wedding industry, I've seen firsthand that couples, planners, and families don't just hire the "best" work. They hire the person they trust most. In this episode, I break down how trust impacts your brand, your referrals, your pricing, and your ability to consistently book better weddings.
I share personal stories from recent weddings, lessons I've learned while building relationships with planners and clients, and practical ways you can become someone people feel confident referring and investing in.
If you've ever wondered why some creatives continue to grow while others stay stuck in the middle market, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Exposure Triangle Mastermind - https://john-bunn.com/exposure-triangle Bride and Groom Video  - https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ Color Presets & LUTs - https://john-bunn.com/shop
00:00 Introduction to Wedding Photography and Filmmaking 05:10 The Importance of Trust in Client Relationships 16:38 Building Trust Through Personal Connections 30:31 Long-Term Benefits of Trust in Business
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

Get your first month free of Social Templates: http://socialtemplates.co/johnbunn 
Use code: JOHNBUNN
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I break down how Instagram became a real part of my brand and not just something I posted on when I felt like it.
Over the last two years, I committed to consistency, clarity, and using Instagram as a tool to connect with the right people. That shift led to over $350,000 in bookings and, more importantly, consistent referrals from planners and past clients.
This is not about chasing trends or going viral. It is about building momentum, staying top of mind, and creating a brand that attracts the right buyers over time.
If Instagram feels random or inconsistent in your business, this episode will give you a practical way to start using it with purpose.
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
00:00 Introduction and current momentum
02:04 Why positioning changed everything
05:48 Defining your ideal buyers
09:08 Building consistency for 2 years
12:04 Creating content that attracts the right people
14:54 Using Instagram to build real relationships
17:46 How referrals and bookings started compounding
23:59 Final thoughts and next steps

⭐️ Musicbed -Switch today and get a 14 day free trial: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC 
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Jeff Chang of The Apartment Photography — one of the most respected wedding photography brands in the world.
Jeff shares his 20-year journey from shooting $200 weddings off Craigslist to building a globally recognized brand, all while staying creatively fulfilled. We dive into the tension between art and business, how to create images that actually mean something, and why most photographers stay stuck in the middle market.
We also talk about:
• How to create "portfolio-level" images on real wedding days
• The balance between creativity and profitability
• Why your network might be the missing piece in your growth
• The mindset shift that changed everything after COVID
• How Jeff built a massive following through simple, consistent content
This is a masterclass in longevity, intentional growth, and building a business that doesn't kill your creativity.
If you're trying to charge more, attract better clients, and actually enjoy the work you're creating, this one is for you.
Follow The Apartment Photo:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theapartmentphoto
Website - https://www.theapartmentphoto.com/ 
 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff Chang and His Journey
02:14 The Evolution of Wedding Photography
05:28 Navigating the Early Days of Business
08:16 Growth and Challenges in the Wedding Industry
11:20 Post-COVID Transformation and New Opportunities
14:29 Balancing Creativity and Business
17:30 Defining Style and Artistic Vision
23:21 Balancing Creativity and Efficiency
27:40 Navigating Expectations on Wedding Days
32:25 The Exposure Triangle: Work, Network, and Brand
38:47 Continuous Improvement in Photography
43:22 Leveraging Social Media for Growth
47:56 The Power of Hooks in Content Creation
48:55 Understanding Consumer Behavior on Social Media
49:40 The Importance of Consistency in Content Production
50:34 Creating Engaging Reels: Tips and Techniques
51:07 Adding Value Through Educational Content
53:06 Building Relationships Through Authentic Content
54:37 Navigating Growth and Inquiries in a Growing Brand
56:25 The Balance of Fame and Authenticity
59:19 Creating Value Beyond Numbers
01:03:28 Future Plans and Educational Offerings
01:05:12 Fun Personal Insights: Disney and Lego