PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast 663: Blair deLaubenfels – What 10,000 Wedding Galleries Reveal About Why You’re Not Getting Booked
Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area
Blair deLaubenfels of www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com and www.artlifeandbusiness.com is the former co-owner of Junebug Weddings. The founder and editor-in-chief of World's Best Wedding Photos.
She’s written over 2,000 bios, created content for hundreds of photography websites, and is a regular speaker at some of the biggest industry events.
But what really stands out…
She’s personally curated the portfolios from more than 10,000 weddings.
Which is exactly why I asked her back on the podcast after receiving this email from her:
“What I find fascinating is how almost every photographer I work with misses an important element of their wedding collection.
Photojournalists miss details, which means they can’t get published.
Classic photographers don’t take risks, so they can’t win awards.
Many fail to properly cover key moments like the ceremony and first dance.
And I constantly see black and whites overexposed to the point where detail is lost.
There are also poses — like twirling the bride — that just don’t work.
What I try to do is help photographers maximise every shoot, so they walk away with the visual assets they need to reach their goals… without compromising their style.”
In this interview, Blair shares what she sees across thousands of wedding galleries… and how small changes in what you shoot — and what you show — can completely change the clients you attract.
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
- Blair’s journey from fine art school to building a multi-faceted photography career
- Why curating your portfolio matters more than constantly adding new images
- How removing “good” photos can attract higher-quality clients
- The subtle way your portfolio reveals (or confuses) your ideal client
- Why your natural shooting style should lead your marketing decisions
- The biggest wedding day coverage mistakes photographers still make
- Why getting booked should always come before getting published
- How arriving early transforms your ability to shoot with intention
- Why most “getting ready” photos feel staged—and how to make them authentic
- How to create natural, emotion-led images without forced posing
- Why dynamic group shots instantly elevate your galleries and client experience
- The must-have ceremony moments many photographers still miss
- How to balance trends without diluting your distinctive style
- Why your unique visual voice is your strongest long-term marketing advantage
- How personal projects and creative exploration can unlock new income streams
What’s on Offer for Premium Members
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews.
You don’t say no to your clients — you just don’t show everything you shoot. – Blair deLaubenfels
You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all.
I cannot emphasize enough whether I'm copywriting, creating SEO, it doesn't matter what I'm creating for a photographer, they must know their ideal client. – Blair deLaubenfels
In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours—to build a more successful photography business.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Blair shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.
You can love a photo… but if it doesn’t attract your ideal client, it has to go. – Blair deLaubenfels
If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Blair, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.
Show your client that you know how to do the trends, but that you're not a trend. – Blair deLaubenfels
iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.
You can love a photo… but if it doesn’t attract your ideal client, it has to go. – Blair deLaubenfels
If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name. Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.
You can love a photo… but if it doesn’t attract your ideal client, it has to go. – Blair deLaubenfels
Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.
Join the Live Recording of This Interview
This week, I'll be recording an interview with Tracy Goodwin of Captivate the Room, and I'd love for you to be part of it!
Not only will we have the episode customised to suit you and your business, but you'll also get to take part, get involved, and put your questions directly to Tracy for use in the episode.
Tracy is a voice expert who can reveal the real voice beneath the protection – the one that creates connection, trust and influence the moment you speak. She can help you better connect with your clients and have your natural authority, confidnce and presence shine through.
To join the live call, use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89235833897?pwd=3Q2bQkbPwoJyk7v4XUwVdK8HlNmG12.1
The live recording is on Thursday, 9th April at 8 am Sydney local time. Click here to find your local time.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Blair DeLaubenfels Business Consulting – Art, Life and Business
World's Best Wedding Photos on Instagram
World's Best Wedding Photos on Facebook
Episode 378: Blair DeLaubenfels – How to curate your way to photography success
Episode 053: Fer Juaristi – Success and Happiness as a Wedding Photographer
Episode 293: Ben Chrisman – How to Build a Successful Studio Portrait Photography Business
You can love a photo… but if it doesn’t attract your ideal client, it has to go. – Blair deLaubenfels
Thank you!
Huge thanks to Blair for coming on and sharing so openly — especially after reviewing more than 10,000 wedding galleries.
What stood out for me… this isn’t about shooting more, or even marketing more.
It’s about alignment.
Between what you shoot…
what you show…
and the clients you actually want to book.
Because when those things don’t line up, it doesn’t matter how good your work is — you’ll keep attracting the wrong enquiries.
And when they do line up?
Everything gets easier.
You stop competing on price.
You start getting better-fit clients.
And your work finally starts doing the heavy lifting for you.
I’d love to know what stood out most for you in this one… and whether it’s made you look differently at your own galleries — and what you’re choosing to show (or hide).
You can love a photo… but if it doesn’t attract your ideal client, it has to go. – Blair deLaubenfels
That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks for listening—speak soon,
Andrew
The post 663: Blair deLaubenfels – What 10,000 Wedding Galleries Reveal About Why You’re Not Getting Booked appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.