596: John Dolan – Balancing Art, Business, and Authentic Storytelling in Photography

PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area

John Dolan of www.johndolan.com is a superstar in the world of photography.

He has built a career in advertising, editorial and fine art photography over the past 30 years. He is the author of the book — The Perfect Imperfect, which has the foreword written by none other than Martha Stewart.

One of the testimonials I read online was by Jerry Seinfeld who said:

“John has photographed our family for 20 years. It is, to us, a priceless view of who we are and wouldn’t exist without his gifted shutter, lens and eye.”

He has photographed celebrities' weddings, including Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, and so many more.

He says… Some photographers are directors. I’m a collector.

And that his target is 15 amazing photographs from a wedding.

He still shoots 70% film and believes weddings are too important to play it safe.

In this interview, John shares the secrets for success by balancing art, business, and authentic storytelling with your photography.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• 30 Years of Storytelling: John Dolan reflects on three decades of creating powerful images across advertising, editorial, and fine art photography.
• Real Celebrity Moments: John’s approach to photographing celebrities is all about authenticity—capturing natural, intimate moments without paparazzi tactics.
• Film for Timeless Beauty: John still shoots 70% of his work on film, focusing on creating 15 standout wedding images with lasting emotional impact.
• The Power of Trust: Earning clients’ trust allows John to blend in, capturing genuine moments without disrupting the flow of events.
• Beyond Weddings: From private commissions to life events like birthdays and celebrations, John’s work goes far beyond weddings.
• Client Connection First: Meeting clients for drinks and engagement sessions builds trust, helping John tell their stories with authenticity.
• Selective Celebrity Work: John works only with clients who value his artistic style, steering clear of celebrity weddings that feel overly staged.
• Meaningful Client Bonds: Pre-wedding drinks six months in advance allow John to understand couples’ stories, making his work personal and heartfelt.
• Art Meets Business: Raising prices while limiting weddings keeps John creatively fresh and professionally sustainable.
• Engagement Sessions as Warm-Ups: Engagement shoots help clients relax, experience John’s style, and feel comfortable for the big day.
• Feelings Over Perfection: John’s goal is to capture emotion, not perfection. He believes true beauty lies in authentic, imperfect moments.
• Finding Your Niche: John encourages photographers to showcase work that resonates personally, attracting clients who value genuine storytelling.
• Working for Passion: To build a unique portfolio, John advises starting with passion projects—even if that means shooting for free initially.
• Authentic Teaching: Through workshops, John helps photographers break free from industry expectations and discover their true artistic voice.
• Emotion-Driven Photography: John’s philosophy centres on capturing the essence of relationships, with imperfections adding depth and meaning.
• Stay True to Your Style: John urges photographers to follow their creative instincts, not market trends or popular demands.
• Future-Focused: Looking ahead, John plans to keep photographing meaningful weddings while exploring mentoring through intimate workshops.
• Handcrafted Memories: Clients receive custom boxes with 15 matted prints and a proof book, offering a personal and tangible keepsake experience.
• Advice for Photographers: Be authentic, take creative risks, and focus on a niche that aligns with your values to build a fulfilling career.

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.

The celebrities are different, but I think one of the skills I've learned over the years is how to get comfortable with people very quickly. It's part of our toolkit, and it's an amazing skill that where you skip the small talk and you get trusted. – John Dolan

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 never look at my phone during a wedding. I don't look at shot lists. I don't look at timelines. I am so in tuned with what the couple is going through. I'm completely focused on them. And the wedding industry is always only shown this really narrow band of, you know, it's your best day ever. And I've always thought this is the widest number of emotions you'll feel in one day. And so that's, that's my guiding principle. – John Dolan

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 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 John 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 really I run a very simple, not a mom-and-pop business, but a very streamlined business. My contracts are very simple. Because everything's based on trust, even with some of my celebrities, I never did NDAs because I said to them, “You can destroy me in a tweet. So you can trust me. I will not break our trust, because the downside risk is so big. A piece of paper is not going to, you know, scare me as much as your two thumbs.” – John Dolan

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask John or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

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.

If you show pictures that you love, that are made from your heart and that move yourself, move your spouse or your partner, then you're going to find those clients, especially when it's 10 or 15. That's all part of the same system that you're not trying to please the world. You're trying to please yourself, and then please those, find those 15 cool people. – John Dolan

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 both 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.

Uncertainty is the most reliable thing in being freelance. That's the only thing I've learned for 30 years. I certainly could have run my business in a more professional way, but I never wanted to be professional. I wanted to be personal. – John Dolan

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.​

Here is the latest review, not for PhotoBizX, but for Alex Vita of Foreground Web, who delivered the recent SEO and UX training.

★★★★★ Alex Vita is AMAZING!

Via an email from Wisconsin dog and equine photographer Jan Bezzo, in the USA on December 13th, 2024.

Andrew! I just got off a Zoom call with Alex, and can I just say, he is AMAZING (not that you didn't already know that).

I finally had the privilege to meet with him, and he reviewed my website using words I understood. Not only is Alex super helpful, but he goes way above and beyond. Such an incredible human!

Thanks again for hosting Alex's recent SEO and UX training.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jan

Ai MASTERCLASS — This Week!

Join the upcoming masterclass, “AI-Powered Marketing for Photographers: Part 4 — Prepping for Less Work and More Money in 2025 with AI,” led by Brianna Shrader of Shy Heart Studios.

It's happening later this week, on December 19th, 2024, at 8:00 am AEDT via Zoom.

Here's what Brianna will be covering:

• AI Workflow Automation: Implement advanced AI tools to streamline your photography business operations, allowing you to concentrate more on your craft.
• Financial Forecasting with Gemini: Utilize Gemini to develop precise financial projections for 2025, establish SMART goals, and make informed business decisions.
• Business and Marketing Planning: Formulate a comprehensive business and marketing strategy for 2025, encompassing target market analysis, competitive research, content creation, and social media tactics.
• Advanced AI Insights: Explore AI tools designed to interpret customer emotions and monitor email engagement, enhancing client communication.
• Reclaim Your Time: Learn effective delegation, the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and discover AI tools that simplify these processes, enabling you to scale your business confidently.

Early registrations will receive a USD$100 credit toward any current PhotoBizX course.

Secure your spot now for USD$197; note that the price increases to $397 after the live event.

If you cannot attend live, registering ensures access to the recording, course materials, prompts, and the standalone course at a 50% discount.

For more details and to register, visit: https://photobizx.com/ai4

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

John Dolan Website

John Dolan on Instagram

John Dolan: The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs

You have to micro-target who you want to appeal to. If you really want to be unleashed with your photography, you have to show those unleashed pictures, and then the people will find you. – John Dolan

Thank you!

Thanks for listening, and a big thank you to John for sharing his amazing journey and ideas for building a photography career with passion and purpose. His honest approach to balancing creativity with a successful business and strong client relationships will hopefully inspire you to stay true to your style, build trust, and keep chasing your photography dreams.

I changed my business model, now, every wedding I take I have to love. I did a few weddings just for the money, and they destroyed me. They really crushed my soul. The pictures actually were beautiful and fake. So after that, I just try to make every couple who I meet really align with me, if I can, or try to find the that meeting point. – John Dolan

That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks, and speak soon
Andrew

The post 596: John Dolan – Balancing Art, Business, and Authentic Storytelling in Photography appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.