Shari & Mike are veterans of the photography scene - based in Vancouver and working in the industry since 2005. They share valuable insights into the journey, the lessons they’ve learned, how they dealt with the pandemic and what their ‘aha’ moment was - something I know a lot of listeners are waiting to try and find. Get to know Shari & Mike Shari & Mike started their journey in completely different industries, dabbling in photography on the weekends. However, when things started to pick up Shari went full time - still supported by Mike who continued to work full time. As they moved to Vancouver Mike also made the leap to go full time - and there was plenty of work for the both of them. Since then, they’ve built an awesome reputation in the wedding space around Vancouver as a laid back and creative couple which has also taken them around the world to destination weddings. Their focus more recently has been localised with COVID making it difficult to travel, however this has been a useful shift in their work - allowing them to appreciate their own city and stay closer to home and family. What we talk about in the pod Their family set up with a 4-year-old. Their pace of work and busy seasons. Both Shari & Mike’s journey into photography - from dabbling to full time. Co running the business and photographing weddings together. Using your roots to propel you forward in your new journey. COVID and the wedding industry in Vancouver - how they’ve coped throughout and the post lockdown boom. The benefits of not travelling - yes, there are some! How their business has changed since having a daughter. How their practical shooting has changed with having a daughter too. A shift in shooting and approaching weddings - focusing more on relationships. Bringing parenting to your approach - putting yourself in the attendee's shoes. Getting out of your own head and ‘off plan’ when it comes to weddings. Emotive stories and the privilege of being part of such a special day. Falling in and out of love with photography - and how their perspectives are quite different. How removing the tool can help you to reconnect with your art. Keeping balance when documenting your child growing up - keeping the fun & joy in special moments. What they think hold photographers back from creating images that are full of life and personality. Being a calming presence at weddings and lifting your client’s anxiety. The power of personalising your approach with every client - creating as you go. Not trying to fit into a formula. My biggest takeaway Shari & Mike shared so much knowledge from years of being successful in the industry. However, the biggest takeaway for me was their thoughts on personalising your approach with every client and not trying to fit in with a formula. As a business person and photographer, it can be easy to slip into a process-driven mentality. But their style which has brought and continues to bring them much success focuses on the individual and fitting the mould of what they need at the time. Links we mentioned Shari & Mike’s Website: https://www.shariandmike.ca/ Shari & Mike’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shariandmike/ Shari & Mike’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/shariandmikephotographers/_created/ My website: https://ryanteague.co/ My workshop tickets: https://ryanteague.co/