We have an incredible guest on today’s episode - Joe Alson. A repeat guest that we spoke to last year, Joel is the founder of Barefoot & Bearded a highly successful non-traditional wedding photography business. Today we talk about what’s changed, his vulnerabilities, his childhood and the way his business has transitioned into what it is today. This pod is full of tonnes of practical tips for aspiring photographers who haven’t yet found their voice and aesthetic.

Get to know

Joel started much like many other photographers, doing photography as a hobby. Initially focusing on landscapes he was asked to shoot a mates wedding - and the rest is history. Not coming from an artistic background and having a talent for business, Joel focused on his branding and marketing before honing his craft. His unique takes on location gave him a unique selling point to run with, taking him all over the world. But after still feeling unfulfilled after reaching his ‘peak’ in the eyes of the industry, he pivoted his business in line with his core values. Creating a direction and movement that pulled him out of some of his hardest moments.

What we cover

My link and history with Joel
Joel’s grassroots in photography
Focusing on the business and brand - how it can carry you when you haven’t got an arty background
How definitions of success are based on society and social media - and why that doesn’t make sense for everyone
Focusing on your core life values and how they should play into how you define success
Reaching rock bottom despite ‘ticking all of the boxes’ and how transformational it was for him
How to work out your own values and integrating your non-negotiables into your lifestyle
The value of working with a therapist and how it forged his own introspection
The rebrand of his business and how COVID gave him the opportunity to do it
Finding your own personal style in photography and leaning into your point of difference
Being honest with yourself and your clients
Applying his ‘f*** traditions do it your way’ attitude to his art
How to plan with clients for their non-traditional weddings
Working outside of the wedding day cruise control - encouraging couples to do whatever they want on their day
How to have creative conversations with your clients when you want to lean into new concepts
Creating real and authentic images of a couple not just staged
Building trust and honesty with your couples
His different gear and transitioning through them
Embracing part of your couples’ day and having fun with it
Giving guests at the marriage a camera and getting different perspectives
What his wedding would look like today
Being grateful despite having trauma in his past
Using your battles to forge a happy and fulfilled life

The Content Barefoot and Bearded used to create

My biggest takeaway

Joel is one of the strongest guys out there and has so much wisdom to offer. But, the biggest takeaway for me is the power of leaning into who you are and digging into your values. So often we get lost in societies definitions of success when it doesn’t truly serve us. Joel is living proof that finding your core values and forging your business to suit them is the path to a truly happy and fulfilling life. Ensuring you are on track with your non-negotiables and creating art that is reflective of your true self.

Links mentioned in the podcast

Barefoot & Bearded website: www.barefootandbearded.com

Joel’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/barefootandbearded

Joel’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/barefootandbearded

My Gold Coast Wedding Photography Workshop: www.ryanteague.co/workshop