Shifting Focus with John Bunn

What does professionalism actually look like at a wedding? Not on Instagram. Not in theory. But in the room. In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with etiquette expert Alison Cheperdak to talk about modern wedding etiquette, social awareness, and the subtle behaviors that shape your reputation in the event industry. If you are a wedding photographer, filmmaker, planner, florist, or creative vendor, this conversation will sharpen how you show up with clients and fellow vendors. We cover: • The essential rules of wedding etiquette every vendor should know • Common wedding day faux pas that hurt your credibility • How to interact professionally with planners and clients • Navigating compliments and awkward conversations with confidence • Cultural considerations in dress and traditions • Why kindness is a competitive advantage in business   Your work might get you in the room. But how you behave determines whether you are invited back.   Connect with Alison: Website: https://www.elevateetiquette.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevateetiquette/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elevateetiquette    Support Alison's new book: Was It Something I Said? https://elevateetiquette.com/book    Recommended Resource Mentioned: Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg   👋 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 Modern Etiquette 03:56 The Journey to Etiquette Expertise 06:26 The Impact of Social Media on Etiquette 09:37 Understanding Wedding Etiquette 12:40 Common Wedding Faux Pas 15:34 Researching Wedding Etiquette 18:38 Vendor Etiquette on Wedding Day 21:37 Building Relationships with Wedding Planners 24:35 Navigating Compliments and Conversations 27:29 Maintaining Professionalism in Challenging Situations 30:30 The Importance of Kindness in Etiquette 33:23 Conclusion and Book Launch

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/  Most wedding creatives never actually get unstuck. They just work harder inside the same ceiling. In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Ryan Koral, one of the early pioneers of wedding filmmaking, to unpack the real reason some creatives grow, pivot, and build freedom while others stay trapped in the same cycle for years. Ryan started filming weddings in 2005, helped shape the education space for filmmakers, and eventually transitioned into corporate storytelling. But this episode is not about leaving weddings. It is about identity, brand, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. We talk about letting go of control, the truth about branding, why most networking fails, and how storytelling is still the most powerful asset you have in business. Ryan also shares the mindset shift that allowed him to grow, delegate, and evolve without losing who he is. If you feel stuck between where you are and where you want to go, this episode will show you what actually needs to change. Ryan's Links Studio Sherpas https://www.studiosherpas.com/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness  https://www.instagram.com/growyourvideobusiness  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ryankoral/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Ryan's early filmmaking journey 01:53 From weddings to corporate without losing identity 03:43 Why education and community shaped his career 06:36 Ryan's current business model and priorities 10:41 Storytelling as the foundation of brand and connection 15:05 Growth requires delegation and letting go 21:10 Control vs trust in creative business 26:30 Balancing life, art, and business 32:39 Early struggles and learning from mentors 34:01 Networking that actually builds relationships 38:09 Branding and perceived value in the market 53:18 Crafting a brand story that feels true 57:14 Continuous growth and authenticity 🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com  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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/  What does it actually take to build a wedding planning brand that people trust at the highest level? Rena Wiser didn't inherit it. She didn't shortcut it. She earned it. After battling cancer and walking away from a stable career in the beverage industry, Rena took a leap of faith and started Event Lab. In this episode, she breaks down what most planners get wrong about branding, pricing, networking, and vendor relationships. If you want to get out of the middle market, this conversation hits all three pillars of the Exposure Triangle: Work, Brand, and Network. We talk about: • Starting at the bottom and earning your stripes • Working for free to learn the industry • Pricing based on value, not fear • Why authenticity attracts better clients • What drives planners crazy in vendor outreach • How collaboration actually works at the top level This is not theory. This is earned experience. If you're a planner, photographer, filmmaker, or creative trying to level up, this one will challenge you in the right ways. Listen in. Follow Rena here: https://www.instagram.com/eventlab1  See Rena's Website: https://www.eventlab1.com/    🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 to Rena Wiser's Journey 02:40 Starting Event Lab: A Leap of Faith 07:34 Understanding the Wedding Industry 14:30 Pricing Strategies and Client Relationships 19:40 Finding Your Niche in Event Planning 26:19 Building a Collaborative Vendor Team 31:44 The Importance of Teamwork in Weddings 37:05 The Importance of Timelines in Wedding Planning 38:01 Challenges with Non-Team Players 39:59 Maintaining Professionalism in the Wedding Industry 44:18 The Shift in Collaboration Post-COVID 51:20 What Drives Rena Crazy in Vendor Outreach 55:48 Building Genuine Relationships with Vendors

https://theexposuretriangle.com/  - Mentorship and Mastermind Group is now open for enrollment - grab a seat before they are gone What does it actually take to build an ultra-luxury brand in the wedding industry? Maxine Owens didn't grow her business by chasing more weddings. She did it by refining her work, elevating her brand, and building intentional relationships with the right people. Today, she designs some of the highest-end weddings in the industry while taking on only a limited number of events each year. In this conversation, Maxine shares how she transitioned from zoology to luxury floral design, why rebranding transformed her business, and how genuine networking created real momentum. We also talk about client experience, creative alignment, and why saying no is often the move that moves you forward. This episode quietly reflects all three pillars of the Exposure Triangle: Work, Brand, and Network.   Follow Maxine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxowensdesign/  Check out Maxine's Website: https://maxowensdesign.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 john@johnbunnfilms.com  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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 Background 03:46 Maxine's Journey into Floral Design 06:14 Transitioning to a Luxury Floral Business 08:28 Building a Team and Expanding Services 10:57 Rebranding and Elevating the Business 13:56 Networking and Industry Connections 17:00 The Importance of Social Media and Branding 20:05 Overcoming Introversion in Networking 22:54 Advice for Aspiring Floral Designers 32:50 The Power of Mutual Benefit in Networking 36:51 Finding Your Niche in the Wedding Industry 39:59 Intentional Connections and Strategic Networking 46:56 Building Momentum and Confidence in Your Business 52:50 Understanding Minimums and Green Flags in Client Inquiries 01:05:19 Designing for the Camera 01:08:30 The Power of Collaboration 01:09:17 Building Genuine Relationships 01:10:49 Connecting with the Audience 01:11:22 The Future of Education in Floral Design  

14 day free trial of Lemlii and 25% off by clicking here: https://john-bunn.com/lemlii  Most creatives try to grow by improving their work. But real, sustainable growth happens when your Work, Brand, and Network are supported by the right systems. In this bonus episode, I sit down with Lucas and Joshua, the founders of Lemlii, to talk about the infrastructure behind calm, clear, and consistently booked creative businesses. We unpack how Lemlii was built specifically for wedding filmmakers, how smart automations remove daily overwhelm, and why your client experience is shaped just as much by your backend as your films. Through the lens of the Exposure Triangle, we explore how systems strengthen your work, create a more confident brand experience, and make you easier to trust, refer, and recommend. If you have ever felt buried in emails, scattered across platforms, or stretched thin managing leads, bookings, payments, and delivery, this conversation will show you a simpler, more focused path forward. This episode is not about software. It is about building a business that runs with clarity, confidence, and intention. 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com  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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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. Chapter Markers 00:00 Why systems support Work, Brand, and Network 03:00 The story behind Lemlii and why it was built for filmmakers 05:57 What makes Lemlii different for wedding creatives 09:03 Automations that protect your time and creative focus 11:56 Designing a simple and powerful business experience 14:44 Elevating the client journey through delivery and communication 17:48 Listening to users and shaping the future of Lemlii 21:00 Final thoughts and how to build a more focused business   #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

https://theexposuretriangle.com/  - Mentorship and Mastermind Group is now open for enrollment - grab a seat before they are gone In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, John Bunn sits down with Angela Shea, founder of Social Templates, to unpack how Instagram is really working heading into 2026. They talk burnout, mental health, authenticity, Reels, SEO, trial Reels, and how creatives can build consistency without letting social media run their lives. This is a practical, honest conversation about making Instagram part of your workflow, not the thing that drains it. Try Social Templates free for your first month - http://socialtemplates.co/johnbunn  Promo code: JOHNBUNN 🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 03:01 Burnout and mental health 06:01 From photography to social media 09:07 Creating Social Templates 11:53 How Instagram is changing 14:51 Generating leads with Reels 18:11 Authenticity and personality 31:25 Organizing content for consistency 39:15 Using templates efficiently 47:16 SEO on Instagram 51:24 Trial Reels explained 01:01:37 Mastermind and collaboration 01:15:06 Ethics of remixing content

https://theexposuretriangle.com/ - Mentorship and Mastermind Group is now open for enrollment - grab a seat before they are gone In this week's episode, I break down exactly how I went from no bookings, to booking over 25 weddings last year. I also break down how I have gotten into a 20k+ market in the past year by doing this exact plan. This episode is special, because it is a live workshop I taught last week. Listen in as I record a live workshop to 50+ Wedding Professionals - I teach you how to get 'unstuck from the middle market' and I show you my new Exposure Triangle System - where I also now have a Mastermind Group that is open for enrollment. Want to learn more, hit the link at the top of the description 🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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

🎓 Free live training: Getting Unstuck from the Middle Market: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck  👥 Free community + mastermind details: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/  Most wedding photographers and filmmakers don't feel "stuck" because they're failing. They feel stuck because they're busy… and nothing is compounding. In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, I break down what the middle market really is, why so many talented creatives get trapped there, and what has actually helped me move out of it. After filming over 500 weddings since 2007 and generating nearly $400,000 last year with fewer, higher-end weddings, I can tell you this: getting out of the middle market isn't about grinding harder. It's about shifting your focus. In this episode, I introduce the system I've been building and living inside of: The Exposure Triangle. A simple way to look at your business through three levers that determine whether you stay stuck or start breaking out. We talk about: • what the middle market really looks like • why hard work alone stops working • how experience and environment shape your ceiling • why your work, brand, and network must align • and how to start creating momentum that compounds I also share the story behind how I repositioned my own business, what changed when I began focusing on higher-end experiences, and why I'm opening a new live mastermind designed to help creatives finally get unstuck. If you've been busy but capped, improving but not advancing, or quietly frustrated even though things look "fine"… this episode is for you. 🎓 Free live training: Getting Unstuck from the Middle Market: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck  👥 Free community + mastermind details: 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com   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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 & why this episode matters 04:26 What the middle market really is 12:19 The Exposure Triangle explained 20:40 Elevating your brand and client experience 27:46 Networking, compounding growth, and the mastermind announcement

Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" -  https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck  Join the NEW community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/  In this video, I am showing you a peek BEHIND the curtain. I recorded this discovery call where the bride was only interested in video, and ended up booking me for both video and photo a week later. This booking was over $25k (I can't share the exact numbers due to privacy). I don't look at these as 'sales calls' I look at them as 'discovery calls.' I am there to discover what they are looking for, and seeing if I am a good fit. I don't like being pushy, or making people feel like they have to buy something. So I don't do that. Enjoy! Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" -  https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck  Join the NEW 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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

Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" -  https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck Join the NEW community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/  For the last two weeks on the podcast, we've been talking about a problem almost no one names. The middle market. Booked, but not confident. Busy, but capped. Improving, but still stuck. In this episode, I finally show you the system that changed everything for me. Not tactics. Not hacks. A structure that helped me see my business clearly, stop guessing, and start making decisions that actually moved the needle. This is the same system I built and used last year as I moved out of the middle market and generated over $400,000 in bookings. It showed me why better work alone wasn't fixing it, where my business was leaking energy, and what actually deserved my focus. If you've felt close but never quite breaking through, this episode will help you see why. I'm also inviting you to a free live training called Getting Unstuck from the Middle Market, where I'll walk you through this framework live and help you identify what's actually holding your business back and what to focus on next. Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" -  https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck  Join the NEW 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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

BIG announcement coming soon, be the first to know here: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship  In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, I'm talking directly to creatives who feel stuck in the middle market. You're booking work. You're busy. Your craft is improving. But something still feels off. In this episode, I break down why some creatives eventually break out while others stay stuck for years. Not because of talent. Not because of luck. But because of how they respond to being stuck. I share what the middle market actually is, why it's such a dangerous place to live, and the difference between chronic pain and acute pain in business. We talk about the patterns that quietly keep creatives capped, the choices that create real momentum, and what it personally cost me to move out of the middle and into a calmer, higher-value season of business. This is not a tactics episode. This is a clarity episode. And it sets up next week's conversation, where I'm going to break down the framework that made growth repeatable for me. If you've ever thought "I'm close" but nothing seems to tip, this one's for you. Today's Sponsor ⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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 Welcome to Shifting Focus 02:15 Why my life and business feel different now 06:05 What the middle market actually is 10:42 Why the middle market is so dangerous 14:30 The patterns that keep creatives stuck 18:10 Why some creatives break out and others don't 22:05 Busy vs intentional decision making 25:40 Chronic pain vs acute pain in business 30:05 What acute pain actually looked like for me 34:10 From volume to higher value bookings 37:10 Same revenue, less than half the work 39:10 What's coming next and the framework ahead

You are first on the list to know when you click here: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship  So many creatives are doing everything "right" and still feel stuck. They're talented. They care deeply. They work hard. Yet year after year, their business looks mostly the same. In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, John Bunn reflects on the past year and shares his vision for 2026. He talks honestly about the role rest and reflection played in gaining clarity, why the middle market is the most dangerous place for creative businesses, and why talent alone is rarely the problem. Most education in the wedding industry is built for beginners. But what happens when you're no longer new and still not where you want to be? This episode breaks down why so many capable creatives get stuck in the middle market, how misunderstanding your audience keeps you there, and why strategy matters more than effort at this stage. John also shares why he's launching a new mastermind focused specifically on helping creatives build a clear plan, get unstuck, and move forward with confidence. If you've ever felt like you're working hard but not making the progress you expected, this episode is for you. Today's Sponsor: ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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

Be the FIRST to know about my private Mastermind Group: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship  In this episode of Shifting Focus, John Bunn sits down with Leslee Layton, an Oklahoma based photographer and filmmaker who added photography to her brand after spending over a decade as a videographer. Leslee shares what it actually looked like to step into photography without starting over, how she worked through imposter syndrome, and why waiting until you feel ready is often the thing that keeps creatives stuck. They talk about navigating pricing differences between photo and video, building trust with planners and clients, and why genuine relationships matter more than chasing growth hacks. This conversation is honest, practical, and encouraging for photographers and filmmakers who feel the pull to evolve creatively while protecting what they have already built. Leslee Layton Website - https://lesleelayton.com/  Leslee Layton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lesleelayton/  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com  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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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 Leslee Layton 04:15 Adding photography after 10 years in video 08:41 Building confidence in a new creative lane 11:04 Learning curves and staying humble 15:09 First weddings as a photographer 20:07 Pricing photography versus videography 24:20 Networking with planners and vendors 31:40 Early challenges and mindset shifts 34:03 Building a portfolio and client trust 37:36 Genuine relationships over algorithms 40:20 Working through imposter syndrome 42:36 Expanding creativity without starting over 46:24 Mentorship and sustainable growth

Be the FIRST to know about my private Mastermind Group: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, I sit down with wedding photographer and educator Summer Grace to talk about burnout, sustainability, and what it actually takes to build a business that lasts. Summer shares how she transitioned from elopements to larger weddings, how COVID reshaped her priorities, and the role social media played in her early growth. We talk about designing intentional client experiences, why her engagement sessions are built differently, and how in person connection continues to matter in an increasingly online industry. We also dive into Summer School, the educational side of her brand, and how she is building community and long term support for photographers through education and shared experience. This conversation is about choosing longevity over pressure, creativity over constant growth, and building a wedding business that supports your life instead of consuming it. If you are feeling stretched thin, creatively drained, or questioning the pace of your business, this episode offers a clear look at what another path can look like.   Summer Grace Website https://summergracephoto.com/  Summer Grace Instagram https://www.instagram.com/summergrace.photo/  Summer School Education https://www.instagram.com/the_summerschool/  Summer Grace Podcast https://summergracephoto.com/podcast-shownotes  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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 Introducing Summer Grace and the burnout conversation 04:30 Transitioning from elopements to larger weddings 06:57 Social media and early business growth 09:53 How COVID reshaped Summer's priorities 20:19 Education and diversified income streams 23:28 What sustainability actually looks like in practice 25:30 Taking creative risks without burning out 29:47 Designing meaningful client experiences 44:11 Building community through education 46:17 Final thoughts and what's next

Be the FIRST to know about my private Mastermind Group: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship   In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, John Bunn sits down with Staci Brucks, a wedding photographer who grew her Instagram following to over 110,000 by doing something most people avoid. She stopped overthinking and started taking action. Instead of waiting for perfect posts, perfect captions, or perfect timing, Staci focused on consistency, alignment, and showing up as herself online. That single shift led to real momentum, brand deals, and sustainable growth without chasing trends or algorithms. • Why overthinking stalls growth • The difference between strategy and momentum • How consistency builds trust faster than perfection • Posting before you feel ready • Building relationships that create referrals • Using Instagram as a business tool, not a stress machine • Balancing creativity with professionalism • Creating efficient workflows • Working smarter with tools and systems • Staying aligned while you grow Follow Staci: Website https://stacibrucksphotography.com  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stacibrucks/  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com  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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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 Staci's journey into photography 02:03 Transitioning from corporate to creative 04:58 Business model and client relationships 07:46 Pricing and wedding coverage 11:05 Finding the right clients 14:03 Marketing and momentum 16:57 Networking and referrals 23:15 The power of small gestures 26:04 Client relationships in action 27:00 Authentic social media strategy 34:51 Editing workflow and efficiency 43:55 Balancing art and business 52:49 Overcoming self doubt 57:35 Personal branding on social media 58:47 Building confidence 59:19 Authentic connections 59:22 Booking higher budget clients

Be the first to know when I launch my Mastermind Group: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship  Are you feeling stuck in the middle market? I am working on an exclusive 12 week Mastermind Group that launches in January. We are going to walk through the 3 areas of your business you need to be focused on in order to get unstuck from the middle. I guarantee this will show you the exact areas you are missing it, and give you the tools to take them to the next level, so you can stop getting vanilla work. Hit the link to be the first to know when it goes live: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship     In today's bonus episode, I sit down with Ryan Koral from the Grow Your Video Business Podcast and get interviewed by him. I think this episode is full of gold for you to really take into action in 2026. Also, be sure to check out Ryan's podcast here: https://www.studiosherpas.com/podcast  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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

In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, John Bunn sits down with Hello Tomorrow Films to unpack how great wedding films are built through story, not just cinematography. This conversation dives into how to develop a recognizable style, differentiate your brand in a competitive market, and build real relationships that fuel long-term success. The team also introduces Plotline Pro, an AI tool built specifically for filmmakers that helps uncover story hidden inside long-form audio. By organizing dialogue, identifying speakers, and revealing story structure, Plotline Pro gives filmmakers a faster and clearer way to shape narrative without sacrificing creativity or emotion. Whether you are refining your voice, rebuilding momentum, or looking for better systems inside your workflow, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one brand has built a business rooted in story, relationships, and intentional creativity. Check out Plotline Pro: https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john  If you are looking for mentorship and a small group of creatives who are serious about building a business with clarity and direction, get on the waitlist for my online mastermind. Send an email to john@johnbunnfilms.com  with the subject line MENTORSHIP or join the waitlist here: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship  Follow Hello Tomorrow Films: Website: https://www.hellotomorrow.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotomorrowfilms/  🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com 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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hello Tomorrow Films 01:18 Networking and building real relationships 16:02 Branding and identity in wedding filmmaking 18:55 Developing a unique style and creative voice 21:59 Navigating introversion in business 24:59 The balance between art and business 32:14 Building a strong brand 33:46 The role of story in wedding films 34:52 Introducing Plotline Pro 40:12 The development of Plotline Pro 42:36 User feedback and experience 44:22 AI and the future of filmmaking 47:15 Plotline Pro features 48:52 Final thoughts and community #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

Nobody books you because you are good enough. They book you because they trust you. 📧 Sign up to learn about John's Private Mentorship Group by emailing john@johnbunnfilms.com In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, John Bunn shares real stories from the last year of his business and shows why relationships, reliability, and reputation matter more than raw talent. This is not a theory episode. It is a look at how trust quietly compounds into better clients, higher level bookings, and long term momentum. John explains how one relationship can change everything, why slow money often turns into fast money, and how being dependable builds a brand that no algorithm can replace. If you are tired of chasing leads and want to build something that lasts, this episode will change the way you think about growth. 00:00 Why Trust Matters More Than Talent 02:18 Nobody Books You For Your Work 05:10 The Montana Wake Up Call 08:42 Every Booking Is a Branch 12:33 Slow Money Versus Fast Money 16:01 Reputation Travels Faster Than Marketing 19:47 Why Trust Pays Late But Pays Big 23:20 What Luxury Really Means 26:04 Dependable Beats Impressive 28:35 What Comes Next Key Takeaways Trust is what gets you chosen, not your work. Every wedding you book is a new branch on your business tree. Trust compounds silently until it suddenly shows up in big ways. Your reputation moves faster than any marketing strategy. Luxury is built on safety and reliability, not flash. Trust pays slowly at first and then multiplies later. The fastest way to grow is to be dependable, not impressive. Relationships work, they just do not work quickly. Being calm and steady on a wedding day builds your future. Trust is only one piece of a much bigger picture. 📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866   Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email john@johnbunnfilms.com   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 ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ 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

In this episode of the Shifting Focus Podcast, John Bunn pulls back the curtain on what really moves the needle when it comes to getting noticed, trusted, and booked by top wedding planners. Fresh off a packed wedding season and a retreat surrounded by elite planners, John unpacks the mindset shifts, the strategy, and the long-game approach that has helped him grow his business into the luxury space. This one is all about relationships, presence, value, and consistency. Not hacks. Not shortcuts. Just the intentional work that builds a brand planners want to refer again and again. John also shares a teaser for an upcoming mentorship experience designed for creatives ready to level up in 2025. Want to join my private mentorship group that is coming up? email john@johnbunnfilms.com  and say 'i want mentorship' to be added to the list for more info as soon as it is available. 🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com    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  ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E  ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj  ⭐️ 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.   00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Wedding Season Wrap-Up 02:23 Insights from the Wedding Crashers Retreat 05:30 Building Relationships with Wedding Planners 09:34 Adding Value to Planners: The Key to Success 12:23 The Importance of Reciprocity in Relationships 16:19 Playing Chess, Not Checkers 20:12 Showing Up Big on Wedding Days 23:31 Staying Top of Mind After the Wedding 27:22 Consistency and Presence in the Wedding Industry 31:08 Earning Your Way into Planner Circles 35:24 Mentorship and Future Opportunities     #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

In this solo episode of Shifting Focus, I'm breaking down the exact steps I took to go from charging half my worth to securing $20,000 wedding bookings in just one year. This is the real behind-the-scenes story of how I rebuilt my business, redefined my brand, and committed to the kind of consistency that actually moves the needle.   I'm sharing the moment things shifted for me, starting with a $7,500 wedding that changed everything. Instead of seeing it as a setback, it became the catalyst that reignited my passion and reminded me what was possible when I treated every project as an opportunity.   We'll dig into how brand perception shapes your pricing, why consistency on social media matters more than ever, and how intentional networking opened the doors to planners and vendors who trusted me with bigger and better work. If you've ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to elevate your business, this episode is your roadmap.   What you'll learn: • How shifting your brand perception changes what you can charge • Why consistency on Instagram led to over a million monthly story views • How networking and in-person connections accelerated my bookings • The mindset shifts that helped me grow into a luxury creator • Why every project, even discounted ones, can build long-term momentum   Whether you're a filmmaker, photographer, planner, or any type of creative business owner, these lessons apply. This past year has proven that when you get intentional about your brand and how you show up, your business can transform faster than you think.   🎧 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 john@johnbunnfilms.com   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 ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ 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 ⭐️ 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://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ 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