PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast 662: Martin Cheung – He Shoots 50 Weddings a Year… But Not How You Think
Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area
Martin Cheung of www.martincphotography.co.uk describes himself as a better business person than a photographer.
And if that’s true — we’re in for one hell of a business-focused interview… because his photography is seriously good.
Based in Nottingham in the UK, Martin is one of the most respected documentary-style wedding photographers in his market. Since starting in 2013, he’s photographed more than 400 weddings, earned over 130 five-star reviews, and built a reputation for natural storytelling and creative portraiture.
Beyond the camera, he’s also the host of the Wedding Photography Unveiled podcast, where he lifts the lid on what’s really happening inside the wedding photography industry.
He works closely with his wife, Daiga — a super-talented wedding videographer — to give couples a seamless photo-and-film experience.
In this interview, Martin shares how he’s built a 45–50 wedding-per-year business, why relationships beat almost every other marketing strategy, and the simple decisions that keep his business consistent, profitable, and enjoyable to run.
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
- Martin’s transition from corporate IT to full-time wedding photography
- Why he deliberately limits revenue instead of chasing more
- How he maintains 45–50 weddings per year without burnout
- The real reason networking beats seo and social media
- How supplier relationships generate consistent bookings
- Why being easy to work with matters more than your portfolio
- His exact workflow from shooting to delivery
- How he delivers previews within 24 hours
- Why he outsources most of his editing (and how it works)
- The truth about AI editing tools vs human editors
- His pricing model and why he avoids upselling heavily
- How referrals actually happen (without asking or bribing)
- What photographers get wrong about marketing today
- Why talking to real clients beats listening to other photographers
- His thoughts on ageing in the wedding photography industry
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.
Running a successful photography business has very little to do with your photos… and everything to do with how you show up as a person. – Martin Cheung
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.
The most important metric, and arguably the only metric that matters, is how much money you've earned at the end of the year, after you've subtracted your taxes. – Martin Cheung
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 Martin 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.
I'm a big believer in editing is an absolute waste of time. It is unproductive. – Martin Cheung
If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Martin, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.
If you want more bookings, start helping people without expecting anything back. – Martin Cheung
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.
Clients don’t care how hard you worked… they care how they felt working with you. – Martin Cheung
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 build a great business without being the most expensive photographer. – Martin Cheung
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.
Want to try Oodio for your Editing?
Following the recording with Martin, who uses and recommends Oodio, I was in touch with Gautham, one of the Oodio founders, asking for a promo code for you to try the editing solution. Nothing in this for me.
Here are the details to receive 50% off your first 3 jobs.
Code: AHOD226
Offer: 50% off on the first 3 jobs
Validity: 31st Dec 2026
Note: This coupon code can't be combined with any other offer or package discounts.
The coupon code can be used by listeners at any point during 2026.
The members can first register with us here and then place their first editing order here. There is a field in the order form for coupons. Alternatively, the members can also write to us at support@oodio.net with the code, and we can apply the discount.
Warm Regards,
Gautham.
Join the Live Recording of This Interview
Next 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:
Martin Cheung Photography Website
Wedding Photography Unveiled by Martin Cheung on Spotify
Martin Cheung Photography on Facebook
Martin Cheung Photography on Instagram
Pizza, Prosecco & brides Podcast Episode on Spotify
Pizza, Prosecco & brides Podcast Episode on Apple Podcast
Oodio – post-production for photographers
There's always going to be a bit of a selfish reason for anyone recommending you, insofar as they want to know that you're easy to work with. – Martin Cheung
Thank you!
Huge thanks to Martin for coming on and sharing so openly about what’s actually working in his business.
What I really like here… there’s nothing complicated.
No funnels.
No gimmicks.
No chasing every new marketing trend.
Just a focus on relationships, a solid client experience, and knowing the numbers that matter.
It’s a good reminder that the photographers who stay consistently booked aren’t always doing more… they’re just doing the right things, consistently, over time.
I’d love to know what stood out most for you in this one… and whether it’s made you rethink where your next booking is really coming from — and what you might focus on next.
Referrals happen naturally when the experience is right — not because you asked for them. – Martin Cheung
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 662: Martin Cheung – He Shoots 50 Weddings a Year… But Not How You Think appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.