What Happened to Wedding Photography Inquiries?

[@jbivphotography]

How are wedding bookings going for you?

[@MarchonC]

Very slow. Just 3 on the book this year. With 1 for next year..

[@Nathaniel_Anderson]

We've got 33 for this year and 14 for next year so far

[@showshow8804]

Still recovering from 2023 burnout. Kinda wanna stop doing weddings and trying to focus on having fun for 2024.

[@neildeakin4454]

@@Nathaniel_Anderson What area?

[@psoet]

I stopped doing weddings because I saw the declines last year. Now this year it’s not looking any better. Americans are just struggling to pay for our high prices.. lol

[@miakkomm]

As a photographer myself it’s so refreshing to see another photographer being real transparent about the industry ✨

[@jbivphotography]

There’s not a lot of transparency in the industry and I kind of hate that. I’m going to do my best to always be open with everyone so they know where I am, where my struggles are, and how business is going. There’s too many photography influencers out here and not enough business owners.

[@afterdarc]

@@jbivphotography social media is full of liars. They will say they are doing good so you can sign up for their "classes" to make $200k a year doing photography lol

[@JJPelszynski]

As a former wedding photographer I feel ya. Now I run a landscape business here in Tampa Bay and it’s typically fairly resilient against economic downturns. The grass Never stops growing lol. That said, this year the inquiries have most definitely slowed. Good luck out there! Better times are ahead 👍

[@TimFilmsCars]

The transparency here is SUPER refreshing. I'm not necessarily seeking any wedding work right now, but there's takeaways here for everyone. Quality content as always.

[@BryanLopezProductions]

The main issue is hes in the top side of being a photog and having the KZbin income helps him not only cover expenses but still invest in SEO/Website, local publications. Where 99% of other photographers would probably pass up on doing that because of zero events. Even having another income like a 9-5 job. I couldn't see them throwing money at a stalled business.

[@MonteWeaverofficial]

Thanks for your transparency! - I believe you're going to have more bookings coming soon! I speak it

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you for that! 🙏 I agree with you. I'm not worried at all about my bookings. It's very interesting to see how things are going with weddings currently.

[@JuanRojas956]

We all appreciate how honest you are with us. People like to praise about their business saying they are doing really well and have a fully booked schedule but the reality is you don't know what's going on behind closed doors. You brought up some interesting points I hadn't thought about. This is why you're my favourite wedding photographer.

[@Ram.Saketh]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge/wisdom on wedding photography as well as gear reviews.

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much for the Super Thanks and watching. I hope this was helpful!

[@NileSWPhotography]

You know what I realised bro? January is just always a really bad time for me photography wise and I think it’s the same around the industry. You’ll be fine man. You’re still one of the greatest wedding photographers out there. It can be tough when the slow spells come, believe me, I know. Jan-March 2023 must’ve been the slowest months for me since I started in 2016 but just trust in the process man. Hope you’re doing good

[@bboyswoosh87]

Yeah this month, February, and March is the worst months for me. This is really true, the bookings stop around November/December.

[@NileSWPhotography]

@@bboyswoosh87 yeah I’ve learnt to always save a bit for those months because the bookings are more or less non existent until about mid Feb/March for me too. It’s also nice to know it’s a universal thing to an extent 😅

[@JuanLeonel]

WOW! I needed this! I though it was just me but is happening almost exactly here in my hometown in Chile. Thanks for been this transparent, honest and clear to talk about this. Felt like talking to a friend about it. I'm doing my work as you said, and I will add a few that you mention but thanks to share this, I almost even felt a bit ashamed of not been booked as much as I did last year, so thank you again!

[@hollyhockphotography9496]

Thankyou so much for putting yourself out there with this video. Its so nice to see someone so honest showing true, raw content. I & many other photographers I know feel so relieved so know we arnt the only ones experiencing this. thankyou so much!

[@Umiflow]

Love this, and yes advertising agree! . Even the biggest brands advertise, or draw people in with some discounts or maybe even a free session. The key is understanding who you’re talking to through your ad copy, and framing yourself to be the authority (in your niche) understanding pain points of your couple and what you do differently, all aids in attracting people to your brand, the key being communicating that online. In 2024 we gotta be more than just photographers, we have to learn to market and understand our process deeply from initial acquisition, to how we nurture them, down to closing. You’re taking all the right steps! Love your channel

[@lucinadubai1772]

You're a top guy John, I'm sure things will pick up soon for you!

[@DynastyUK]

In all seriousness, I've only booked some for this year purely because of big discounts. BUT you shouldn't just lower your prices, you should show their true value and have a real good reason for the discount, either make it personal or as a reward to loyal followers etc. I booked most of mine by celebrating my 6th year shooting weddings as a reward for everyone to help celebrate. ALSO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH PREVIOUS CLIENTS, Ask them if they want an album now, or if they know anyone getting married because you have a massive one off sale. Reward the old clients.

[@CalvinGrayCat]

50% if they get divorced and book you for the second wedding

[@clarkjamesdigital]

@@CalvinGrayCatsneakily engineer the divorce and make your own repeat customers

[@tylerrieth5887]

Thank you for your transparency! Any updates now that we’re halfway through the year?

[@xspideysamx]

THANK YOU for being REAL! i am so sick and tired of seeing popular KZbin/educator wedding photographers fake bragging about how they are doing AMAZING and how the only way we can succeed is if we buy in their courses. FOR ONCE! I see someone be real and honest. THANK YOU! for the most part we are all struggling this year and we are all in this together.

[@nicolelav9007]

Thank you for this very real, honest video!!! I’m going into my second year doing 8 this year but also work full time still. It’s tough but i’m going to make sure my work is the highest quality I can give instead of getting as many weddings booked as possible. Thank you again!!

[@is.nicollette]

My goodness! Hands down to your humbleness and transparency about this business. Thank you for all of this!!

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much. I really try my best to make sure people don't just think "influencers" are out here having a part and also that I'm not a real wedding photographer.

[@is.nicollette]

Honestly, that is the kind of transparency that I Would love to hear more often. I’ve been doing wedding photography for three years and every season I’ve seen different fluctuations of inquiries. I have always hoped to have this as the main source of income but I haven’t managed that yet. Blessings to you, your wife and your kiddos. I respect the amount of work, patience, and commitment you both have with the business and raising your children.

[@BoraBora_Sasha]

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. I can relate to your experience, as I work as a wedding and honeymoon photographer in Bora Bora, mostly for American clients. It's clear that for many younger couples today, the cost is becoming a bigger concern than quality. This seems to be a trend where everyone is trying to save money in any way they can. It's a big change from how things were before COVID, and it's affecting all of us in different ways. Things will surely change over time, and we just need to keep adapting and doing our best. Stay strong!

[@JeffreyHauser]

I have much respect for you, your wife & family. Family is the cornerstone of our nation & essential for the stability of our country. I am hopeful for your buisness to gain momentum in 2024 & that God would bless you exceedingly & abundantly. Best wishes, John.🙏

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much. I appreciate this comment. ❤️🙏

[@AdrienneCatanesePhoto]

Thank you so much John for sharing this: we are all feeling this too (I only have a few for 2024 also); you are so generous and kind in sharing your struggle this year--we are all in this together :)

[@dsdddsd4543we]

John, what fantastic timing on this video. I just looked at my company's numbers minutes ago. I am in a similar situation where I look after my sister and mother. I could imagine a family of seven. January is supposed to be a massive month of bookings, but it was slow. We currently have 13 weddings booked for the year. I believe it is solely economic and layoff related. The Fed raised interest rates to slow down the economy, and we are now seeing the effects of it in the wedding industry. Couples are choosing to spend less on discretionary items and are now focused on just putting food on the table and keeping the lights on. I can't blame them. We have more competition than ever, so couples have even more choices, which affects pricing power.

[@diegoteran3812]

Hey! I live in Wake Forest! :) I have been following other wedding photographers and honestly, you're the best one... by far... I love your work and your videos and things will pick up

[@KKraemerPhoto]

Thanks for covering this John. About 3-4 months ago I saw this slump coming with nothing booked for 2024 yet and no inquiries coming in. I had to shut it down and go back to a full time job.

[@jbivphotography]

Oh wow. I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it was a choice you didn’t feel too bad about.

[@kristenkatexo9700]

Thank you so much for making this video! This year has been a STRUGGLE even in the UK. I used to be at the top end of average, leaning into luxury pricing wise and had absolutely no problem getting bookings. Since this summer have had absolutely zero... UNTIL last week I bit the bullet and lowered my pricing to what I felt was still reflective of my time but in a more affordable bracket and honestly inquires have gone through the roof! Something to think about for sure, sending lots of love to you and your family this year 🤞🏼📸

[@workingman545]

Greenville, NC here. Im not a wedding photographer, but I i like your content. Im probably gonna drop honeybook this year. I'm just not booking enough to make it worthwhile right now. Hope things turn around for you.

[@jbivphotography]

Totally makes sense. Gotta keep the business lean as things slow down. Thanks for watching.

[@NathanDove]

Fellow Triangle wedding photog here. Love your perspective John! Budget is definitely the biggest factor influencing bookings right now. Plus, it doesn't help that the market is saturated with wannabe photographers charging $1000 for a full wedding day. I'm rounding out income this year with families and events.

[@jbivphotography]

Yeah. Generally the photographers charging smaller amounts aren't a problem but I do think people are going with less quality for budget. Also too the gap between the top and lower photographers is harder for couples to see. The real value I think is our experience with wedding days but from a photo sense cheaper photographers can usually get done with a large majority of couples are looking for. I'll just have to stick it out for now and see how the year goes.

[@loismacomber6318]

Amazing info, I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you for being transparent! The beginning of your video is what I just went through, thinking of all the possible combos and reasons. Lately things have been better, so it just means finding what works in the current market while not compromising your worth.

[@claudiavicenciophotography344]

Same thing here , very complicated time ! I encourage all photographers who do our work with passion and honesty.

[@cynthiachungNYC]

This is SO SPOT ON. Thanks for making this video John!!!

[@kellywilliams6403]

Seriously, thank you for putting this video out there. I thought it was just me...

[@vojkan_milenkovik]

Respect and admiration for your honesty in this video. Very refreshing to see the other side of the wedding photography business.

[@jbivphotography]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope it was helpful.

[@heartfeltstudio6119]

very big of you to share that. I've been telling my peers about the lack of people dating and developing relations that lead to tying knots. in a way it's nice to know someone that has big influence are also experiencing low booking rate.

[@ImJoshHuggett]

Hey John, Wedding photographer/ videographer in Australia here. We currently have 105 weddings in the calendar for 2024 with the back end still booking out. 73 weddings between now and July. I focus so, so heavily on marketing, workflows, selling and the booking process. I'd love to jump on a call with you and run through your process from start to finish and see if I can't be of help. No charge or anything, I just like the challenge.

[@phlotographer]

Just curious as I have been retired for 24 years after 33 as a wedding photographer. John has a starting price of $6500 US which is basically $9900 Aus as of today. So lets just round it at $10K to start thus so far without any upsale your business is approximately due to be well over $1 million for 2024. I wonder how many others are like that anywhere. Mind saying how many staff photographers and freelancers? Just curious to know what is going on in the business today.

[@cindyswindell2615]

Really appreciate your transparency!

[@jbivphotography]

I’m glad to hear that. The main reason I wanted to make this video is to remind everyone that it’s not always as good as it seems especially for us “content creators”. And also to assure everyone in whatever they’re currently going through.

[@thesamuelnam]

Hey John been a fan since you had about 2k subs. Can you do a revenue breakdown on your KZbin channel? As a photographer you have a leg up with KZbin.

[@jbivphotography]

That's very true. Weddings are only a portion of my income at this point now so only having a little bit booked isn't keeping my bills from getting paid. However, I totally am feeling it. I did a break down in the past and I might do one coming up. I'm always a little hesitant to do them because I don't want it to come off as bragging and more so educational to let people know what's possible as a KZbin content creator.

[@thesamuelnam]

It'll educate waaaay more since your fans know you're humble. I'm almost full time on KZbin as well.@@jbivphotography

[@rickbiessman6084]

Thanks SO much John for the transparency and humility. I’m only starting out trying to get into the industry, so I haven’t felt the effects of the engagement gap, but your attitude towards the business side of things is definitely something I’m taking note of. Hope things get easier for you!

[@kaylalawson1469]

Appreciate your transparency! So true! We’re a family of 6 and it’s so challenging! continue to be you and grind! ✨

[@emanuellsmith1944]

Thanks for sharing sir. I love the transparency and your hopeful ending.

[@aleksjakobsons]

My respect John, doing what you are doing with a family of 5 kids must be quite tough. Very inspirational! Good luck this year!

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much. It's fun. Lots of work, but fun.

[@aleksjakobsons]

I can only imagine that. I am myself an expat who lives abroad and is having a full-time job, family with 1 kid so far and a photography side-hustle on side. John, it would be nice to learn on how you manage everything, maybe a potential idea for a future youtube video?

[@LZnathalie]

Hi! new follower here! another few trends I’ve noticed that are awful all around for our photo/ video industry -people are asking friends to take their photos, people are asking one single documentarian to either document as little or as much as they can on a tight budget. -Ive seen a rise in film photogs to shoot weddings for a teeny tiny amount of time. I’ve seen people just toss the photo or video or budget into honeymoons instead… nowdays the big reality is people are noticing that a recession is coming and big lay offs are happening, with that many are seeing that they need to prioritize survival over memories n unfortunately thats one of the things many of us live on :(

[@A1000Truths]

S/O for keeping it honest. A lot of folks forget it’s a business at the end of the day. Everyone needs to adjust.

[@whatsupfoo4592]

bro. I had to give it up but luckily my brother got me into a family business. And we’re doing okay. Not as much stress bc I know I get an income every week. But one day, hopefully I’ll get back into it. Best of luck to you John 🙏🏽

[@ChristyZilka]

I am just starting and it is 100% very difficult to justify paying for all these services/apps. I appreciate your honesty, transparency and for offering to chat more about paying for the SEO/Honey Book... I would love to hear more about all these back-end costs and how it benefits us who are just beginning and make nearly no money (yet :) Thanks!

[@PumaM90]

What camera/lens did you start with?

[@davidbigephotography]

Your honesty is appreciated. It's slow here in the UK too, and seemingly couples are more after the budget togs.

[@edwink0]

Brother, North Carolinian here also with 5 kids so I hear and feel your pain. We are in the videography business where it's easier to differentiate yourself. I always wonder how difficult it must be for photographers to differentiate. Also, market saturation is a factor, there are so many options now. Everyone and their cousin is in photo/video. Anyone with a camera and bag of lenses. It is tough. Keep doing your thing. You seem like a savvy and sophisticated professional. Don't compromise on your pricing, continue offering the best possible experience for your clients. You will come out on top. Don't be a slave to the algorithms either, you can get lost in that rabbit hole of social media and SEO.

[@deciusfilms3651]

Thank you for sharing this great and transparent video! I'm in a similar situation as you, 5 kids and my wife homeschools. We're here in South Florida and the prices have shot through the roof, everyone was moving here cause of covid and the price of living went up. Last year was my first decline in bookings, this year so far is low as well but im grateful i can film and photograph just about everything which keeps inquires and bookings coming, even if its not from weddings

[@vivaphotographywirral6779]

Hi John, It's nice to hear that I am not alone. Here in the UK, 2023 was slow, but 2024 is even slower and like you, I have taken 0 new bookings this year, with only a couple already booked. People are definitely struggling with the cost of heating their homes and with the cost of food, etc. Mortgage interest rates increasing, etc. I've tried advertising in local magazines, but to be honest, they have generally not brought in any significant amounts of business. I hope that it works better for you. It seems that people are booking the lower priced photographers, and to be honest, I am not at the expensive end of the market, but I am still not getting the level of business that I'd like.

[@mrsebanks]

Thank you for being so honest!!

[@sons910]

Febuary is usually a good booking month and I’m sure you will get many more bookings, any couple would be lucky to have you as their wedding photographer.

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that! I'm sure I'll be able to book for this year. It's interesting to see how things are going.

[@animummediagroup4425]

We appreciate you John!

[@jbivphotography]

I’m glad to hear that. I hope this was helpful.

[@darrellcassell]

Wild man. It’s gotta be location based from what I’m seeing. We’ve chatted before, but Ashevilles wedding market is still very strong. I’m currently at 29 weddings with a few for 2025 booked as well. My friends in FL and CA aren’t seeing a drop either. A lot of it does sound like it could be SEO for you though. Are you running Google ads to help while that gets sorted out?

[@sheilapogue7183]

You're so smart to double down on advertising right now and it sounds like you were really thoughtful about where and how, excellent content as usual. I hope you see some lift!

[@jbivphotography]

I'm hoping it makes sense. If anything it should lead to a bigger boom once things start picking up. Thanks again for the well wishes and I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@alexhall9450]

Hey John. Wedding photographer here from Australia. We are finding it’s simply down to price and value for money. Everything is 30 percent more expensive and people can’t afford expensive wedding photography

[@marvinbluephotographyandfilm]

Thank you for your transparency

[@jakphoto]

I love this frank honesty, John. Something I feel is disturbingly lacking in the wedding industry with how Instragram posts pull a veil over how people are really doing. Refreshing and informative, as always!

[@CallejasMichael]

Hell yeah brother I really appreciate you. You really give a sense of community. We’re in this together. We will be okay. As long as we keep the mission in mind things will be fine.

[@jbivphotography]

Always! I really hope that I'm seen as more than just "an influencer". I still take weddings and I'm still struggling sometimes to wonder why I'm not booking. We're in this together and we're all going to get through it.

[@CallejasMichael]

@@jbivphotography trust me bro when I started my journey, I was consuming your content so much. Because from my perspective, you are actually doing it and you have shown that in your content. Plus I liked ur editing style and you seem chill and REAL. A lot of how my business is set up it thanks to your recommendations

[@garywright200]

Hey John, appreciate this content. Just did my first wedding in September, was watching your POV wedding day videos to get ready. Also, let’s see those receipts lol.

[@marios739]

thank you very much for sharing this! helps a lot really

[@mattgunst]

That’s a really honest video and that’s actually what KZbin needs, real person in real life and not only people that shows you the perfection of everything! Thanks for that and look, you are great, everything will be better soon 😎 Another thing to consider in my opinion (I’m an italian destination wedding photographer) is that weddings in America have become too expensive and people prefer to come and get married here with the same budget or less. Italy, Spain and Greece are blown away with weddings by overseas people every year. That might also effect American locals

[@mrjohnryan]

I'm with you in the Raleigh area! Not exactly the most encouraging video, as I'm trying to reboot my photography and videography business, but the world needs transparency like this! Thanks John!

[@gnnadi1]

I am just here for the knowledge, work as full time nurse who likes to buy cameras and take pictures. You are one of my favorite educators and if I can afford to bring you to Dallas for my Dtrs wedding (she is 16 now though 😂) you know you are coming.

[@jbivphotography]

😱😱 thank you so much for that super thanks I whole heartedly appreciate that and I hope the candidness of this video was appreciated. ❤️❤️

[@alexanderchua]

I also have 2 booked wedding videography this year. Its scary but Im keeping my hopes up.

[@IsaiahMcAllisterImagery]

I think as photographers we all need to learn to adapt better. Last year I started shooting video as a way to increase bookings. 50% of my weddings last year were video. This year I am thinking of adding a social media add on to my packages. I can bring my Osmo 3 and take a few short clips of the B & G with my Osmo and create a few social media reels for them rather than lose out to a social media content creator (yes... that's becoming a thing for weddings now). If someone wants a 6 hour package, but you only offer 8 and 10, are you going to negotiate a 6 or just refuse altogether? When times get tough, adaptability is necessary.

[@jonallen4100]

Totally agree with packages with the aftermath of Covid, my enquires for intimate coverage has gone through the roof. So I have changed my booking model to cater for 3 & 5 hour gigs. Also I find myself not being interested in 10 hours anymore. I love coming home earlier and enjoying a little more private time. I have also stared to offer small wedding albums in packages to increase the value without discounting

[@martharetallick204]

I signed up for your flash course. Looking forward to it!

[@jbivphotography]

Sounds great! Thank you for trusting me with the pre-orders. Can't wait to get it out to everyone.

[@lorelei619]

Goldsboro, NC here!! So we are in the same market. I am also struggling with bookings this year. To be fair, my business structure was still a work in progress so I thought maybe it was just a growing pain. While I still will be working on that, seeing others in my market struggle makes me think there's definitely more to it. I actually was talking to someone else near our area about how they have noticed couples booking closer to the actual day of their wedding. I tend to agree; most of my 2023 bookings were less than a year out. I have faith that you will see more bookings as the year goes on!

[@jbivphotography]

NC IN THE HOUSE! Yeah couples are booking later and probably cheaper prices. I've been using Fullstory to watch how people navigate my website and I can watch them go to my pricing page and basically go 😱 and then not fill out my form. So it might be a little slower this year but I knkow things are going to be ok.

[@jonallen4100]

Agreed, couple are leaving it much later to book, I think this is mainly because the saturation of people with cameras, I did not call them photographers as the work is generally very poor.

[@MackJulion]

I have to comment AGAIN. I so appreciate you being real about this. You got it bro.

[@LunaBellaPhotos]

I've been getting so many low ballers and ghosting that it's starting to get me upset, ha. I have more than enough booked this year but I always worry about next year and so on. Good luck getting more gigs in 2024 John.

[@jbivphotography]

Yeah it's pretty rough. We'll all get through this.

[@throughjuanseyes]

John, this is a very genuine video. I can imagine it being difficult to be this vulnerable. I stop watching certain KZbin photographers because they get big and end up just being KZbinrs that I feel they get out of touch with the “little guy” aka us, the audience. So thank you. This video has me eager to watch more of your videos.

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

Hey John- Yes, 2024 is not yet filling out like 2023 did. Curious what you are spending on SEO? I did it myself after steadily dropping in Google and I need more SEO improvement than I received. Hoping for a good 2024 for all of us…

[@OneBlurryLens]

Don’t know if you mentioned it before, would you consider looking into other areas of photography, such as landscape, commercial, etc.? Keep taking pictures. 100%.

[@ryanthompson4846]

This video is excellent. Thanks for your transparency.

[@thomaslarsen5057]

Here in Denmark the expectations are going thru the roof but the "budget" is lower than the cake budget...

[@jbivphotography]

Oh my goodness. I think that might be the case in a lot of places. There will always be people getting married. It’s more so what they’re trying to pay that’s in question.

[@jonallen4100]

Can you expand on expectation are going through the roof.. Please:-) Thank you

[@Derrick8137]

I'm located in Raleigh as well...2024 looks like it's going to be a slow year for me as well. Great video!!

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for watching. Yeah Raleigh still has a market but things are changing and slowing down a bit. I'm sure we'll get through this however.

[@AndrewCockerillPhotography]

Asking from the UK too. Only 1 on the books this year and no inquiries coming in!

[@dinovolpefotografo181]

Thank you for sharing your difficulties with us all, so we feel less alone. I live in Italy and exactly in Campania, the drop in bookings is also felt by me who have always worked so hard, I thank you for sharing what you do in the future and I always follow you with great interest.

[@darmaher4481]

This is something I do, I’m not saying it works but something I’m doing works for me. I price myself in that I’m busy but within range of the rate around me and price a small bit higher, I connect with hotels and the wedding coordinators so when couples book the venue I am one of the recommended vendors. Some I now see as good friends. In wedding days I have fun and just enjoy the day. I pose what’s needed and the rest is candid moments that they love. Once you build up enough weddings I find work comes back due to couples recommending me. If they are not mentioning your name then maybe your having a negative impact that others then hear about and decide to look elsewhere. Maybe it’s the feeling that your leaning more towards your video content for KZbin than there wedding so maybe they need to feel that the wedding is the most important. These are just things that I’d be thinking and wondering in your position. Not sure if any of this helps but I love your content. Your pictures are top class so it’s definitely not your work.

[@unbornharbor]

Damn same, I just booked my 3rd wedding for this year...times are tough!

[@ashleybrenda___]

Love your transparency, it's hard for a lot of people out there but let's continue on working and investing on ourselves!

[@ReelBlessed]

Fellow Raleigh creative here. I also had an insane 2021/2022 but 2023 was a little tough. Oddly did a lot of real estate projects though I’m not really in that market but only a handful of weddings and all those were as a second shooter. If you look back, I think the 2021/2022 years was when everyone was flushed with extra cash, housing was booming, jobs were booming, and folks were spending a lot more loosely. As you stated, things are slowing down and people are being a bit more cautious with money. It’s a natural cycle for all businesses and the ones that adapt will be the ones that survive. We also homeschool as well so I know that struggle 😅. Thanks for opening the doors to honest conversations

[@manilamartin1001]

Same here in Philippines. Last year was good, though. I hope we all have a great 2024.

[@jbivphotography]

Hopefully things will pick up and people are just slowing down a little bit.

[@manilamartin1001]

@jbivphotography I mostly do corporate work so I'm not as stressed as full time wedding shooters. But I just moved from panasonic to sony so I spent a lot this last couple of months.

[@ddawg3230]

I just started watching, and feel a great deal of love and regard for you for sharing what many don't share.

[@jbivphotography]

I appreciate that! try my best to be open and honest especially as a creator. It's easy for things to look great on my end with so many eyes on my work. But I like everyone to know I'm in the thick of it as well.

[@ddawg3230]

@@jbivphotography Yes, 2023 has been quite stressful, and it definitely feels less alone to know that others are also facing this (which hopefully also means that more people are thinking of new ideas and ways to resolve it, and that there is a chance of making it out of it together).

[@macksimumphotos]

Thanks for being real about this. Much appreciated. Industry is definitely slow this year.

[@RamosAPhotography]

Thanks for sharing John. Sending you Good Vibes and Great Energy 🙏🏻 hoping you get some weddings in soon. I would considering Marketing a little more. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much. Putting more dollars into marketing is a big part of my plan for this year.

[@63MacGuy]

Great video! I've been shooting and filming weddings for 30 years this April. 2021 & 2022 were pretty good. I booked 30-40 weddings each year and then in 2023 I only booked 11😫

[@jbivphotography]

Oh my goodness. That's a big change. Yeah the industry is in a totally different place right now. But I'm sure things will come back.

[@HeartandRootPhoto]

love your channel, your personality, and your transparency!

[@jbivphotography]

Thank you so much!! I try my best to always be transparent.

[@michael.asmussen]

Same here John B. Love the video so far only 1 booking 🤦‍♂️

[@jbivphotography]

I hope things start picking up for you. Keep your head up. We're going to get through this!

[@bonglee5400]

Inflation hitting hard these last couple years. I'm debating if this should be the year to start a photography business?

[@aidandemolli]

I think signing up for just the Knot (not wedding wire because it’s a little cheaper and all the views come from the knot) is definitely a resource. It’s still where 75% or more brides are going for a majority of their vendors as well as creating their wedding website. I’m in the 2700-3500 range for 8 hours of coverage. Did 32 weddings last year and have 23 booked so far for this year. I put my knot on hold as I’m getting too many repeat date requests. Might go back later in December but am looking to explore and test some advertising in exchange for the knot cost. Definitely more volume of weddings at a lower price point. I think couples are more and more looking for places to lower cost. I’m seeing a lot more couple funded weddings and these couples are strapped. Having payment plans over the year, lower deposits to lock in dates, emphasis on building your google my business reviews and sharing images and exchanging reviews with other wedding vendors has been huge for me. Good luck John. This industry stays a mostly rewarding rollercoaster but damn is not fun sometimes 😂

[@CramerGallimore]

I'm not in the wedding industry, but I've been following you since the beginning. Stunned to hear this. One of the suggestions above make sense...maybe figure some added value for your packages that doesn't cost a lot in your money and time.

[@JosephValenti]

John quick question; If I am looking to potentially decrease my prices, but already booked several clients at my current rate; how do I handle that? Do I tell my other couples? Do I give them money back? Do I just do it and see wha thappens? Just curious

[@steveparker9142]

Hey John, thank you for speaking the Truth about this industry!

[@valdemarcaballero5298]

What a GREAT VIDEO!!! thank you very much for sharing!!!! Yes yes, i for one want to see receipts because it is very interesting for me at least, to know that you are not booking but still paying X amount of money on advertising!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!! GOD bless you and your family!!!! 🙏🙏

[@simonhariman352]

I love your transparency and your optimism! Thank you for sharing. My wife is a wedding photographer in Germany, she just raised her prices for 2024 and I am not sure if the price raise was a good move. On the other hand, everything, like groceries, is getting more expensive. Difficult to say what is right or wrong, so many individual factor’s. We will invest in ads and SEO.

[@jaycaballero7988]

Also with smaller weddings in the lockdown, many couples started using more economical photographers because of the smaller weddings. So seems like a new pricing has set in, even thou everything else has gone up in price, photography is very low balled. Many forums offer very low hourly rates to their shooter, and is now not seen as an art, just leg work. Been here for many many years, but also slow at the bookings and inquiries. Thanks for your input.

[@drewzavala9506]

California photographer here. I've had an influx of inquiries but not matching the same amount of bookings. I definitely feel that people are looking for great deals or added value on a higher price tag.

[@jbivphotography]

I totally agree!

[@herbertabeck]

Thank you for this. Thank you for what you do! I know it will turn around for you also. You're good at all of this!

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks a bunch. I'm sure things are going to get better. Just gotta keep running the business and providing value.

[@fototripper]

Yep. The consequences of the incompetence and corruption that we've all suffered in recent years (above and beyond the usual level of sketchiness) is what we're all suffering right now. The recession is undeniable at this stage, certainly in Canada. We need to bring back personal responsibility, common sense and be connected to reality. I hope things pick up for you and every other self-employed business owner just trying to hang in there.

[@angelocayananphotography]

pulling the curtains and revealing the true nature of any discipline of photography. another great video!

[@jbivphotography]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I really want to make sure people understand they're not the only ones dealing with this.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

Something like this for us in Italy, don't worry, business arrives late but always arrives

[@AlecKinnear]

Why? Fewer large/big budget weddings, more competition from would-be professional photographers, more competent offers from family/friends. The new cameras make it possible for friends/family to do a passable job (nothing like a pro job, but certainly enough for memories). Great video highlighting genuine industry malaise.