In this relaxed Thanksgiving special, I’m settling in with a warm and reflective look back at the year. Grab your slice of pumpkin pie and cozy in for an honest episode where I talk about gratitude, growth and the moments that have shaped my 2025.
I share what I’m truly thankful for in my photography life, from the trust my couples place in me to the milestones I’ve reached in my career. I talk about the privilege of documenting real human moments and the responsibility that comes with preserving memories that will outlive all of us.
Throughout the episode, I revisit some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year. I encourage photographers to appreciate their own progress, to focus on mastering their tools instead of chasing the next upgrade, and to create content that attracts the right people instead of obsessing over social media numbers. I also dig into the importance of treating your photography like a real business, building proper backup systems and setting boundaries that protect your time and energy.
As always, I try to keep things candid, honest and helpful, offering encouragement to photographers at any stage of their journey. I wrap up by sharing how grateful I am for everyone who listens to this podcast and support what I do, and I drop a little teaser about what is coming next, including a guest episode with photography educator Nathan Chanski.
I dive into the whole Black Friday conversation and what it really means for wedding photographers.
I chat about why cutting your prices can quietly chip away at your brand and attract the wrong clients, and why holding your value is one of the strongest things you can do. Instead of slashing your packages, I talk through better ways to join the seasonal buzz, like offering small discounts on prints and albums to your current couples. Real value for people who already love your work.
If you are a wedding photographer feeling the pressure to join the discount race, this one will help you breathe, refocus, and remember that you are worth what you charge. Your brand, your art, your clients, your rules.
I’m talking about all the stuff photographers really don’t need. From pointless UV filters to endless gadgets, presets, and trendy upgrades, I’m breaking down the biggest money-wasters and myths in photography.
I chat about why UV filters do more harm than good, why chasing gear won’t make you a better photographer, why you don't need the Canon R6iii and how to focus on actually improving your craft instead of filling your shelf with dust collectors. I also share some personal stories, lessons I’ve learned the hard way, and a few spicy takes about the gear industry and social media hype.
If you’ve ever felt pressured to buy every new bit of kit, this one’s for you. Let’s get back to what actually matters - your skill, your eye, and your passion for creating great work.
This week, I’m diving into all things film photography, from how to start shooting film to how you can use the off season to experiment and level up your craft. I chat about what makes film so special, the look and emotion you just can’t replicate digitally, and how slowing down to shoot film can make you a better photographer overall.
I’ll share practical tips for beginners, what gear to start with, which film stocks to try, how to use your digital camera like a film camera, and the things to watch out for when getting your rolls developed. I also talk about the real costs, the challenges, and how to work film into your client experience if you’re thinking of offering it next year.
It’s an honest, laid back chat about falling back in love with photography, taking creative risks, and using the slower months to grow in new ways.
I’m talking all about the slow season and why it doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m sharing how I use these quieter months to recharge, get creative, and actually improve my business without panicking about bookings. From updating your portfolio, website, and client guides, to experimenting with new techniques or styled shoots, there’s so much you can do while things are a bit quieter.
I’ll also chat about keeping your mindset right, taking care of yourself, planning ahead, and even some simple tips for marketing and staying visible without burning out. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to help you make the most of the off-season and step into the next busy season feeling ready and inspired.
In this episode I’m talking about something we don’t really chat about enough as photographers: actually looking after yourself. Being a full time photographer is amazing, but it’s also demanding, and if you don’t take care of your body and mind, it can really catch up with you. I share my own experiences and what’s worked for me when it comes to staying healthy, both physically and mentally. We’re talking nutrition, hydration, moving your body, getting out of the house, and even looking after your dental health. I’ll also share how I use reset days, set boundaries, and say no to prevent burnout. Plus, tips on managing social media, protecting your off season, and keeping a positive mindset so you can enjoy this job for the long run.
I’m diving into the topic of ghosting, and since it’s Halloween season, it feels like the perfect time to talk about it. I’ve seen so many photographers stressing over clients who disappear after inquiring, and honestly, it’s just not worth your energy. In this episode, I share my honest thoughts on why you shouldn’t care if people ghost you, and why chasing replies only makes you look desperate, needy and can actually put off your real clients. I’ll talk about focusing on the clients who actually connect with your work, the dating app vibes of enquiries, and why professionalism means knowing when to move on. Expect some real talk, stories, and a few analogies along the way.
I’m sharing my honest thoughts on why real world experience beats a university degree every single time. I talk about my own journey of dropping out of uni, starting my business from scratch, and learning everything through doing. I’ll chat about why traditional education doesn’t always prepare you for the creative world, and why believing in yourself and just taking the leap is the best thing you can do.
It’s a real, no-nonsense chat that might just give you the push you’ve been needing.
This week I’m chatting about photography, but more importantly the stuff that makes a huge difference in how you treat your clients. From shooting a big London conference to working with the Minnesota Vikings, I’ve seen how the little touches and good customer service really stand out. I’ll share some stories, a few tips, and hopefully give you some ideas to level up the way you run your business.
In this episode, I dive into the dangers of comparing ourselves to other photographers. It's something we all do, often without realizing it, and it can stifle our creativity. I'll share personal stories and insights on why embracing our unique journey is crucial. Plus, I'll touch on the importance of focusing on our own growth rather than getting caught up in the highlight reels of others. Join me as we chat about how to stop comparing and start thriving!
In this episode of Photo Chat with Matt, I’m catching you up on my trip to the US. From Cannon Beach to Seattle, I’ve got some stories to share and a few thoughts on how travel always gives me a fresh spark for photography and life in general. I’ll chat about stepping out of your comfort zone, why I kinda fell in love with American life, and the idea of moving there. Plus, since booking season is kicking off, I’m also sharing some tips on how to get yourself ready for those inquiries and bookings.
In this episode, I dive into the controversial topic of discounts and giveaways in the photography industry. I passionately argue against these practices, emphasizing how they can devalue a brand and attract the wrong clientele. Through personal stories and analogies, I share my insights on maintaining confidence in pricing and the importance of valuing one's work. Tune in to hear why I believe standing firm on pricing is crucial for building a respected and prestigious brand.
Follow me on Instagram: @mattdoddphoto and @photochatwithmatt
In this episode of Photo Chat with Matt, I share five transformative tips that have elevated my photography game. From mastering composition and understanding light to the importance of backgrounds and learning flash, I dive deep into practical advice that can make a real difference. Plus, I'll talk about my recent travels and the unexpected Facebook group drama that sparked some insightful reflections. Tune in for a blend of photography wisdom and personal anecdotes!
In this episode I’m talking about how to stay calm and keep your head straight during busy season. I’ll share how I manage my time, set boundaries and still make space for actual life when work is at its peak. No overcomplicating things, just a chat about what’s worked for me and how you can get through the chaos without burning yourself out. Grab a brew and let’s talk about keeping it together when the calendar is full.
Follow me on Instagram @mattdoddphoto and @photochatwithmatt
In this episode, we’re diving into Lightroom and chatting about why you really don’t need to rely on presets. I’m breaking down what presets actually are, how you can build your own, and why learning how the tools work will take you so much further than copying someone else’s edit. We’ll talk tone curves, calibration, and all the good stuff that helps you find your own look. If you’ve ever felt lost in Lightroom or thought the secret was in someone else’s preset pack, this one’s for you.
You're an adult running a business. It’s time to act like it. In this episode of Photo Chat with Matt, I dive into the pitfalls that many photographers face, from venting about being ghosted to hosting ineffective giveaways. Discover the habits that might be holding you back and learn how to present your business with the professionalism it deserves. If you're ready to attract more clients, be taken seriously, and streamline your efforts, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow me on Instagram @mattdoddphoto
This week I’m joined by the amazing Kailee from Kailee Marie Photography. We’re both experienced wedding photographers and we’ve teamed up for a full deep dive into second shooting. We’re talking everything from how to be a good second, finding second shooters, avoiding bad scenarios and awkward situations, plus loads more. It’s two hours long and packed with stories, advice, opinions and general photography yapping.
Whether you’re looking to break into the wedding photography world or you’ve been doing this for years, you'll love listening along with us!
Follow Kailee & Matt on socials:
www.instagram.com/kaileemariephotography
www.instagram.com/mattdoddphoto
Let’s talk about what actually makes a photo good. Do you really need every single shot to be sharp as anything? Or is there something even more powerful in those blurry hugs, the slightly missed focus, the real messy moments? In this episode I’m just chatting through some thoughts on how wedding photography’s changed, what people used to think was ‘professional’, and why for me, it’s always going to be about the feeling first.
Whether you're shooting your first wedding or you're deep into double digits, these are the 5 things I think every wedding photographer needs to hear going into 2025. From client experience to how you actually show up on the day, this one’s packed with practical stuff and a few hard truths. Grab a brew and let’s get into it.
Follow me on Instagram: @mattdoddphoto
Thinking of switching from Canon to Sony just because a YouTuber told you to? Let’s talk about it. In this episode I’m sharing my honest take on why gear is just a tool, why I don’t care what camera brand you use, and how switching for the wrong reasons can actually hold you back. I’ve used Canon and Sony — R5ii, R6, A1, A7iv — and I’ll tell you this: they all do great things. So let’s stop obsessing over kit and start focusing on what really matters.
Follow me on Instagram @mattdoddphoto for more photo chats, behind the scenes and the odd gear opinion.