Shifting Focus (How To Film Weddings)

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 [email protected]    Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn  ⭐️ 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 [email protected]  Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn  ⭐️ 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 [email protected]    Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn  ⭐️ 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 [email protected]  Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn  ⭐️ 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 [email protected]    Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn  ⭐️ 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