The Sam and Steve Podcast (Sam and Steve Vaughan)

In this, their first episode of 2021, Sam and Steve reflect on the current lockdown in the UK, and the likely impact on weddings in 2021.  

This leads them on to discussing live streaming of weddings over Zoom or social media, something that would have been hardly heard of only a year ago.  Having now streamed 12 "micro weddings" in the 2nd half of 2020, Sam and Steve have developed several solutions to live broadcasting weddings. 

Sam asks Steve:

• Why would a couple want their wedding to be broadcasted live over Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube
• The Pro's and Con's of the various hosting platforms
• Internet requirements and solutions
• One way and two way streams - do the couple want to be able to talk to their guests on Zoom at the end of the ceremony?
• Single and multicamera stream options
• The importance of audio for inclusive live broadcasts

Steve also discusses his new project for 2021,  walking 1000 miles in the year, and his new podcasts about walking Steve's Walks and Talks.  Sam gets to talk about her gardening allotment. Again. 

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com

Steve's Walking Blog https://www.stevevaughan.net/1000miles

Steve's Walking podcast https://anchor.fm/stevevaughan

In this episode Sam and Steve interview Ray Sawyer, Durham based photographer and fellow Loxley Colour/Photography News Award winning photographer. He taks about:

• How he has gone from starting in 2018 to photographing over 60 weddings per year;
• His approach to his beautiful images
• Why he moved from Canon DSLR's to Sony mirrorless cameras
• Why he believes elopements are the next big thing.

Sam and Steve also talk about recent visits to Scotland and London, and to the Fujifilm House of Photography. And their wedding fair schedule for the year. And curry. Lots of it. 

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com 

Sawyer and Sawyer Photography https://www.sasphoto.co.uk/

Loxley Colour/Photography News Wedding Photographer of the Year competition https://www.loxleycolour.com/blog/who-is-the-wedding-photographer-of-the-year-2019-56993

Fujifilm House of Photography http://www.fujifilm-houseofphotography.com/

Music by Peter Spacey from Artlist. 

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/samandsteve/message

In this episode Steve's meets Steph Jones, Wedding and Event's Manager at Magnolia Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club. Steph tells Steve about weddings at Magnolia Park, and their up coming wedding fair on February 23rd from 11am to 3pm. 

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com

Magnolia Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club https://www.magnoliaparkgolfhotel.co.uk/

Exhibitors at the wedding fair at Magnolia Park on February 23rd:

Rebecca Herd Events https://www.rebeccaherdevents.co.uk/

Brill Photography https://www.brillphotography.co.uk/

Gladys Doris Flowers https://www.gladysdoris.co.uk/

Tracey Mann Cakes https://www.traceyscakes.co.uk/

Cakes by Kit http://cakesbykit.com/

Deans Chair Covers and Events https://www.deanschaircovers.co.uk/

Ellis Elite Events http://elliseliteevents.com/

Brides Boutique Buckingham https://www.bridesboutiquebuckingham.co.uk/

Body Shop Wedding Favours

Jonathon Toastie Toastmasters

Aspire Enhancements https://www.aspireenhancements.co.uk/

Greenfield Entertainment http://greenfieldentertainments.co.uk/

Plus, The Wedding Lens, Karoake Disco Experience,  Hair and Make Up By Zoe, Jonathon Toastie the Toastmaster

In this episode Sam speaks to UK based documentary photographer Emily Renier about her work photographing weddings, families and, especially births. This is of particular interest to Sam who is in the process of becoming a registered birth Doula. 

Emily tells Sam:

• How her background as a teacher helps her bond with families and understand parenting
• Why she sleeps with her phone under her pillow when a client is due to give birth
• How she takes into account the requirements of medical professionals
• Why birth photography is not all about the actual birth process but instead is story telling of priceless moments for mothers and fathers to be
• How she copes with tricky hospital lighting when photographing births

Emily's work is beautiful and displays real empathy with her clients. 

Sam and Steve also talk about Sam's Allotment (AGAIN), why our listeners love it when Sam tells Steve off, and why Steve is trying out Olympus camera equipment and lenses for two weeks. 

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com 

Emily Renier: Emily's Moments https://emilysmomentsphotography.com/

Neale James https://www.nealejames.com/

Music: Glockenspiel by darkfox from Artlist https://artlist.io/

In this episode, Steve interviews Barbara Asboth, a portrait and wedding photographer based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Barbara combines her skills in producing beautiful portraits with a documentary eye in her wedding photography. Like us, she works with Fujifilm cameras and lenses:

She tells Steve:

• How living in Tokyo for 1 year inspired her to take up photography
• Why she considers herself to be a flexible photographer
• How studying renaissance art  gave her the inspiration behind her "painterly" style of portraiture
• Why she works with Fujifilm cameras in lenses
• Her approach to street portraiture and her Instagram hashtags #facesofbanbury #facesofshoreditch

Also in the show: Steve on why he had a Covid-19 test this week, Sam talks gardening AGAIN, and also Steve on his first impressions of the Olympus EM-1 MK3. 

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com

Barbara Asboth Photography http://barbasboth.com/

Instagram : 

https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

https://www.instagram.com/barbara_asboth_photography/

Music: Glockenspiel by dayfox from Artlist. 

In this episode, Sam and Steve discuss all things wedding planning. If you are newly engaged, this episode is for you! Based on their experiences of photographing over 200 weddings, Sam and Steve talk about:

• Why you need to effectively budget for your wedding and stick to it!
• Choosing your wedding theme
• How long before the big day you need to order your dress
• Different types of wedding venues; hotels, barns, marquees, and their pro's and cons
• Why having a videographer is a really good idea
• Different types of wedding photography and why some images you may see on websites are not from real weddings
• Are photo booths still a thing?
• Why wedding insurance is a must.

Links to topics discussed:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

Guides for Brides https://www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/

Wedding Fayres at the start of 2020 that Sam and Steve will be attending:

Ashridge House Feb 9th https://www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-fairs/hertfordshire/wedding-fair-at-ashridge-house/22155

Mallory Court Feb 23rd https://www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-fairs/warwickshire/wedding-fair-at-mallory-court-country-house-hotel-spa/22156

Magnolia Park Feb 23rd https://www.magnoliaparkgolfhotel.co.uk/

Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa March 8th https://www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com/celebrate/weddings/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/samandsteve/message

The first episode of the Sam and Steve Podcast. Meet Sam and Steve Vaughan, owners of Sam and Steve Photography, as they discuss all things weddings and photography. In this episode:

• Who are Sam and Steve
• Scope of the show and future episodes
• What is documentary wedding photography
• Why some vicars seem anti photography
• Why they use Fujifilm mirrorless cameras

To find out more about Sam and Steve, visit their website at www.samandstevephotography.com

To ask Sam and Steve a question, you can email them on samandstevephotography@gmail.com.

Thanks to Neale James of Neale James Photography and Loading Zone Productions for the inspiration and the podcast coaching.

Intro and Outtro music Spiky Chin by Peter Spacey from Artlist.

In this episode Sam and Steve have Danny Reeve of Affordable Wedding Videos of Bicester. Danny tells us:

• How he got started as a videographer, having studied film making at University
• His approach and why he works hard to be unobtrusive
• Why he uses Panasonic Lumix cameras
• Why he always wears a suit at a wedding
• How he works with photographers like us on the day!

Sam and Steve also discuss the new Fujfilm House of Photography in London, and their plans for a Christmas Special episode!

Links to topics discussed this week: 

Sam and Steve Photography: https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

Affordable Wedding Videos: https://www.affordableweddingvideos.net/

Fujifilm House of Photography: http://www.fujifilm-houseofphotography.com/

Waiters that Sing: https://www.waitersthatsing.co.uk/

Waddesdon Dairy Wedding Venue :https://weddingsatwaddesdon.co.uk/dairy/

Manor Farm Barn, Marsh Gibbon: http://www.manorfarmtythebarn.co.uk/

The Sam and Steve Podcast is back! With a new sound and music, follow a short hiatus due to the Covid-19 outbreak. 

In this episode Sam and Steve talk about how they have been working with all of their 2020 summer wedding couples to reschedule their big day due to the virus. Also they talk about what they have been doing over lockdown; decorating, walking, gardening and lots of Zoom video calls!

Steve's guest is Terry Chylton from Smooth Moves Events, one of Oxfordshire leading wedding and event DJ and entertainment service. Terry tells Steve:

• Why you should book an experienced professional DJ for your wedding if you want a great party!
• Why your DIY disco streaming Spotify might be a disappointment and even illegal!
• What his rustic DJ set is ideal for a country barn wedding. 

Links to topics in the show:

The Fujicast Podcast: https://www.fujicast.co.uk/

Smooth Moves Events: https://www.smoothmovesevents.co.uk/

New intro/outro music: Glokenspiel by DayFox from Artlist https://artlist.io/

Take care and stay safe everyone!

In this episode, Sam talks to Emma Clarke who owns and runs Signature Flowers Bucks and Oxon.  Signature Flowers is a high quality wedding, sympathy, corporate and high street florists, and we often work with Emma and her team at weddings. 

Emma tells Sam about:

• A typical week of a busy top class florists with both a Bicester shop and a wedding and funeral business
• How she used the locked down period to plan a major remodelling of her shop 
• How growing up with parents owning a local garden centre inspired to study at an agricultural college and then start her own business
• Her use of high quality suppliers from the Netherlands who supply her up to two or three times per week
• Some unusual customer requests including a bridal handbag covered in minature roses, and whole staircase covered in flowers in London

Sam and Steve also discuss their two week trial of Olympus cameras and lenses, the current situation with weddings going ahead in the UK and Sam talks allotments......again. 

Links to the show:

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com

Signature Flowers https://www.signature-flowers.co.uk/

Music Glockenspiel by dayfox from Artlist https://artlist.io/

Emma Clarke image by MT studio photography.

In this episode, we talk to Robert Peckham, the owner of a brand new photography and print store in Bicester, Oxfordshire, called Imagex.

He tells us:

• Why he is opening a new store despite the decline in the high street, and why camera manufacturers want you to buy from traditional camera shops
• His experience of working in London camera stores and famous photographers that were his customers
• Why printing photos in the digital age is more important than ever
• Plans for the future including event photography and videography

Sam and Steve feel sorry for themselves on the back of both having heavy colds..... we also talk about perhaps our last wedding at Eynsham Hall and why Christmas has come early to their street. 

Sam and Steve Photography

Website: https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BicesterPhotos

Imagex, Bicester https://www.imagex.co.uk/

In this episode, Sam and Steve get in the Christmas Spirit, with the Sam and Steve 12 days of Christmas.  

Amongst the topics they discuss:

• Why they ran a pub for a year!
• Steve's camera and lens choices on a wedding day
• Their 5 grown up children
• 7 new (to them) venues they photographed at in 2019
• The 11 lenses they can use at a wedding
• 3 awards they have won in 2019

Steve also discovers sound effects, much to Sam's amusement. 

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

The Abingdon Arms, Beckley https://www.theabingdonarms.co.uk/

Primrose Hill Farm Wedding Venue https://www.primrose-hill-farm.com/

Old Luxters Barn https://www.oldluxtersbarn.co.uk/

Bodelian Library Weddings https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire

Dodford Manor https://www.dodfordmanor-venue.co.uk/

Swan at Streatley https://www.theswanatstreatley.com/

Blackwell Grange https://www.blackwellgrange.co.uk/ 

Plas Dinam Wedding Venue https://www.plasdinamcountryhouse.co.uk/country-house-weddings/

Neale James https://www.nealejames.com/

Kevin Mullins https://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk/

Neale and Kevin's Fujicast https://www.fujicast.co.uk/

Christmas Music from Artlist: Christmas around the World by Be Still The Earth 

In Episode 3 Sam and Steve's guest is Jay Farrell.  

 Jay is a Nashville, Tennessee based documentary wedding photographer and fine art photographer. He loves street photography and documenting the natural energy and mood of people. More recently, Jay has taken up photographing abandoned buildings in various regions of the United States. This creative release unexpectedly turned into him into a  published book author in that genre. Like Sam and Steve, Jay is a committed user of Fujifilm X Series cameras and lenses

Sam and Steve also talk about:

Wedding venues they have photographed at, including the lovely Primrose Hill Farm, Near Banbury;

X Weddings Conference 2019, attended by 60 plus wedding photographers using Fujifilm Cameras;

Steve's visit to Loxley Colour, Scotland for the Photography News/Loxley Colour/Fujifilm Wedding Photographer of the Year competition dinner

Links to items mentioned in the show:

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com

Loxley Colour https://www.loxleycolour.com/

Photography News https://www.photographynews.co.uk/

Primrose Hill Wedding Venue https://www.primrose-hill-farm.com/

Come From Away Musical https://comefromawaylondon.co.uk/

Jay Farrell:

Weddings: http://www.jayfarrellphotography.com/

Abandoned Building Photography https://www.facebook.com/jayfarrellauthor/

Jay's Books on Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jay-Farrell/e/B07TDFNJKT/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

In this episode, Karen Thomas of Cakes by Kit is the guest interviewee. 

Karen talks about:

• How she has built a business that provides over 80 wedding cakes a year across the Thames Valley and Northamptonshire
• Why her business is called Cakes by Kit
• How she makes and designs her cakes
• Foods Safety requirements for a professional cake maker
• Her most unusual wedding cake
• Mentoring and training

Sam and Steve also (kind of ) celebrate their wedding anniversary, talk about attending this year X wedding conference in Bath, and Sam tells Steve off for being too negative!

Sam and Steve website www.samandstevephotography.com

Cakes by Kit http://cakesbykit.com/

X weddings conference 2019 https://www.x-weddings.co.uk/

Loxley Colour https://www.loxleycolour.com/

Music Spiky Chin by Peter Spacey from Artlist. 

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/samandsteve/message

In this New Year's Day Episode, Sam and Steve's guest in Vikki Heath. Vikki runs the lovely Oxfordshire barn wedding Venue Manor Farm Barn. She also grew up there, and got married there herself. She tells Steve:

• How her venue has become one of the top Oxfordshire Wedding Venues over a few short years
• What makes weddings at Manor Farm Barn special and why she has so many great reviews
• How a wedding at Manor Farm Barn runs from start to finish
• How dealing with a poorly puppy was all in a days work for her and her great team!

Sam and Steve talk about their upcoming trip to Loxley Colour, near Glasgow,  canals, a recent Buckinghamshire village wedding and how Steve broke a golf club!

Links mentioned in the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

Manor Farm Barn, Marsh Gibbon http://www.manorfarmtythebarn.co.uk/

Loxley Colour https://www.loxleycolour.com/

Black Boy, Oving http://theblackboyoving.co.uk/

This weeks episode has a different format. Sam and Steve chat to Gemma and Joe Rouse, whose wedding we photographed back in November 2019. The were married at St Edburg's Church, Bicester, and The Dairy at Waddesdon. In a live recording Gemma and Joe talk about how they planned their wedding, what decisions they made and why, and why they chose their suppliers. 

Blog post on our website of their wedding : 

https://www.samandstevephotography.com/candid-wedding-photography/waddesdon-dairy-wedding-photography-gemma-and-joe

St Edburg's Church, Bicester: https://www.stedburgschurch.org/

The Dairy at Waddesdon: https://weddingsatwaddesdon.co.uk/dairy/

Butterfly Bridal, Bicester: https://butterflybridalboutique.co.uk/

Allerston Taylor Cars: https://www.regencycarriages.co.uk/home/

Brackley Flower Pot: https://brackleyflowerpot.co.uk/

Quality Chair Covers: http://www.qualitychaircovers.co.uk/index.php

92-Hair by Jae Rouse: https://www.92-hair.co.uk/

Make Up by Molly: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymollyinfo/

Blue Rinse Band  https://www.facebook.com/Thebluerinse/

Music used in this episode: Spikey Chin by Peter Spacey from Artlist https://artlist.io/

Today's guest interview is with Noa Davies, a talented, experienced and highly professional Wedding, Event and Session Harpist, who has recently moved into the Oxfordshire area. 
She tells Steve:

• How many years of study are required to get to her level
• What a harp costs to buy (a lot!)
• What kind of events she plays at
• Why a couple should consider a harpist for their wedding. 

Sam and Steve discuss their busy year ahead for weddings, and their pride at making the finals of the Guides for Brides Customer service awards for the 5th year running (having won it the last two years!) And, as usual, we have an update from Sam on all things horticultural on "Allotment Avenue".

Sam and Steve Photography  https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Noaharpist http://noaharpist.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noaharpist/

Fresh from a week away in the Florida sun,  Sam and Steve are back with another episode of their weddings and photography podcast. Their interview special guest is Mark Rodgers of Cheese on Towcest - a specialist cheese provider in Northamptonshire that provides a wide range of cheeses, especially for events like weddings!

Mark tells Steve :

• About the over 800 cheeses made in the UK alone
• Why a cake made of cheese might be your best option for your wedding day
• The different options to have with your cheese
• His favourite cheeses and recommendations

Sam and Steve look back on their most recent wedding, with a mishap from Steve! They also discuss a busy wedding season ahead, and plans for future guests on the podcast. And, of course, Sam is back with all things green fingered with Allotment Avenue.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Cheese on Towcest https://www.cheeseontowcest.co.uk/
Cheese on Towcest on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cheese_on_towcest/

Steve's radio show https://incapablestaircase.com/steve-vaughan/

Music and sound effects from Artlist.io 

Sam and Steve's guest on this episode is Lauren Cohen, a Brackley based make up artist and hair stylist.  She tells Steve:

• What a bride needs to consider when choosing her make up artist
• The study and education a professional MUA has to go through
• How she manages allergy issues
• The importance of having a trial 

Sam and Steve discuss their recent wedding photography work, including weddings at Caswell House, Christ Church Oxford and the fantastic Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.  They also chat about their recent equipment purchases - A Sony 35mm GM lens and a Sigma 85mm DG DN, and why they have pre-ordered the new Sony 24-70 Mk 2 lens. And, as always, Sam gives an update on her horticultural exploits in Allotment Avenue. 

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Lauren Cohen Make Up Artist https://www.instagram.com/laurencohenmua/

Lauren's photo for the  episode cover art by https://www.ktsphotography.co.uk/

Music for the show by Artlist.io

Sam and Steve are on much needed short vacation near Sorrento, Italy, and take the opportunity to look back on what has been a very busy 2022 so far for weddings.  Recorded whilst on their holiday balcony Sam and Steve discuss:

• Wedding suppliers they have worked with so far this year, including some creative musical acts
• The pro's and con's of having your wedding ceremony outside 
• Why can't registrars can't seem to make their mind up on whether you still need to have the legal part of your wedding ceremony under a structure
• Weddings coming up over the next few months.

No Allotment Avenue this episode as Sam hasn't been there much since the last episode! She does give some Italian cooking tips though.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Sam and Steve take time out of their busy wedding schedule to meet Paul Ormond, the owner of a new festival style wedding venue on the border of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. A family business of Paul and his two children,  The Wed Shed at Glamping Thorpe is a unique wedding venue, ideal for couples who love the outdoor festival life, and want to have their wedding in this style. The Wed Shed at Glamping Thorpe can host your hen party as well!

In the 2nd part of this episode, Sam and Steve take time out during the dinner at a recent wedding to reflect on their busy and hectic 2022 wedding season.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Glamping Thorpe/Wed Shed https://www.glampingoxfordshire.co.uk/properties/wedshed
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glampingthorpe/

Music by Artlist.io 

For this episode Sam and Steve take the podcasting kit  half a mile down the road to the cake kitchen of wedding and event cake specialist Cakes by Em.  In a fun and laughter filled episode, Em tells Sam and Steve :

• How she started making wedding and event cakes
• What makes her different to most other cake makers in the area
• How she convinced her parents to covert the garage at home into a dedicated cake kitchen and collection area
• Her most unusual cake request
• Her favourite cake design

Sam and Steve also announce big plans for a new business brand, providing event and corporate photography, videography and podcast production. And, as usual, Sam says "yes dear" a LOT.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Cakes by Em  https://cakesbyem.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CakesAndBakesByEm/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cakesbyem_insta/

Music for the show by Artlist.io 

Sam and Steve are back after a super busy wedding season with a new episode. Their guest interview is with Rachel Vine, of Veiled Productions. Rachel guarantees wedding videography with built in goosebumps! She tells Steve:

• Why couples should prioritise having a wedding videographer
• What couples need to consider when choosing a videographer
• How she got started and plans for the future

Sam and Steve also reflect on some of the weddings they have photographed this year, future plans for this podcast and also their new corporate photography/videography brand they are launching this winter, Bicester Studios.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Veiled Productions https://www.veiledproductions.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/veiledproductions/

Music for the show from Artist.io 

Sam and Steve's guests for this episode are Merry and Lorrie, a daughter and mother team who run Woolly Woods. They specialise in unique, hand made wedding decorations for hire.  They make beautiful trees adorned with felt leaves, lit with battery operated LED's. And, for every tree they rent out, they plant a real tree via Just One Tree, a not for profit climate change initiative.  Merry and Lorrie tell Steve:

• How Merry's own wedding inspired them to start their own wedding decoration business
• Why sustainability is core to their business
• All about the love and care that goes into every hand made tree
• Their plans for the future.

Sam and Steve also reflect back on a busy 2022, having just recently shot their last wedding of the year. Steve talks about his new passion for off camera flash work, and both of them name their favourite piece of photography gear for 2022. They also talk more about their new corporate photography and media business they are launching, Bicester Studios, web site coming soon!

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Woolly Woods https://www.woollywoods.co.uk/
Just one Tree https://www.woollywoods.co.uk/just-one-tree

For their last show before Christmas 2022, Sam and Steve look back on 2022, their  busiest ever year for wedding photography. Just for fun they choose their favourites of 2022 including:

• Favourite wedding venue 
• Favourite new (to them) wedding venue in 2022
• Favourite wedding meal
• Favourite (other) wedding supplier we worked with
• Favourite item of equipment
• Favourite unusual wedding entertainment
• Favourite band/DJ
• Favourite suppler to them as wedding photographers
• A wish for 2023 from Steve
• A wish for 2023 from Sam

All of course from our perspective as wedding photographers! 

Happy Christmas and have a wonderful 2023 - especially if you are getting married! 

In this episode Sam and Steve look at the world of wedding fairs.  Many of their wedding photography bookings come about as a result of having met couples at wedding shows. Sam and Steve discuss wedding fairs from both the perspective of couples looking for wedding suppliers, and also why wedding suppliers should aim to exhibit at fairs if possible.  Sam talks though 10 reasons why couples should attend a number of wedding fairs when planning their wedding. Steve has 10 "do's and don't" for suppliers looking to make the best of the investment of exhibiting at a wedding fair. 

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Music from Artlist.io 

The wedding season is in full swing for Sam and Steve, and their special guest interview this episode is with Richard Parsons, the Gloucestershire Magician. Richard is a full time professional magician whom Sam and Steve met at the recent Guides for Brides customer service awards, where we were all working on the night. 
Richard tells Steve:

• How he became a full time magician
• How he was accepted into the magic circle
• Why couples should consider booking a magician for their wedding
• His favourite magic trick

Sam and Steve discuss their recent weddings, what to do if it rains on your wedding day and why you need to make a list for your photographer of any formal group shots you want on your wedding day.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Richard Parsons Gloucestershire Magician https://www.gloucestershiremagician.co.uk/
Gloucestershire Magician on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glosmagician/
Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2023 https://guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-ideas/customer-service-awards-winners-2023

Music by Artlist.io 

In this episode, Steve interviews Karen Thomas from Cakes by Kit.  Karen was our first guest on the show back in November 2019.  She tells Steve:

• How she got through 2020, despite going from over 80 wedding cake booking to just 6 in the year
• Changes she has made to her business and cake collections as a result of Covid-19
• How she has worked proactively to help and support her clients who needed to reschedule their wedding and their cake requirements
• Her hopes and plans for the future,  post pandemic

Sam and Steve also announce a competition! We want YOU our listeners to choose our new intro/outro music.  We play 8 short pieces of music, and we would love you to tell us your favourite.  We will add up the votes and play the new theme song next week, as well as picking a name to read out on the show from one of the winning votes.

They also talk about new website plans, new hosting here on Buzzsprout, and Sam doesn't mention gardening.  At all.  For once.

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com
Cakes by Kit http://cakesbykit.com/

Music and Sound effects for the show :
Artist https://artlist.io/
Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/

In this episode, Sam and Steve discuss the 6 main reasons why they decided to move to Sony cameras, after 5 years of shooting with Fujifilm X- Series.

Sam discussed her preferred option, one camera with a choice of zoom lens, whereas Steve still prefers two cameras with two fixed lenses.

Sam and Steve also announce the music chosen by our listeners to be our new intro/outro music.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Music by Artlist and Epidemic sound 

In this weeks episode, Steve interviews Greg Thurtle.  Greg is an experienced wedding photographer and videographer, with over 15 years of shooting weddings.  Greg tells Steve :

• About his style and approach to photographing weddings
• How he has combined videography into his wedding work
• Why he likes to regularly 2nd shoot with other photographers
• Why he switched to using Sony cameras back in the days of the first A7 series of mirrorless cameras

Sam and Steve also chat about photographing birds, and another week in the UK lockdown.  Sam mentions her allotment, but only once.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Greg Thurtle  http://thurtlepower.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tpphotography/

Music by Artlist.io and Epidemic Sound. 

In this episode, Sam and Steve interview Ami Robertson.

Ami is a London based brand photographer who helps small business owners (especially women) raise their visibility through photography.  Ami is also passionate about lifting other women up especially into leadership roles and raising awareness around abuse.

Ami was an ambassador for The Photography Show’s "Women Who Photo & Film"  campaign in 2020 and has also mentored and coached over 70 other photographers.
In summer 2020, she walked 630miles in 36 days  raising £5500 for Woman’s Trust.

Ami speaks openly and passionately in this interview, discussing challenges in her own life, including suffering a breakdown in 2019, on the back of an abusive relationship.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Ami Robertson https://www.thewomanandthewolf.com/
Ami's instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_woman_and_the_wolf/

Music on the show from Artlist.io and Epidemicsound.com 

In this episode, Steve interviews Adam Lowndes. 

Adam is a Stoke on Trent based wedding photographer who describes himself as a "Personality - Full Staffordshire Wedding Photographer".   As well as talking about his wedding photography approach, Adam also tells Steve how he has worked on his approach using Instagram; so much so that the majority of his enquiries now come through his page. He now coaches and mentors other photographers on their Instagram approach, and he tells Steve about his workshop and critique sessions with The Guild of Photographers.

Sam and Steve also discuss the recently announced road map out of Lockdown, and the four stage approach, with regards to weddings.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Adam Lowndes https://www.adamlowndes.co.uk/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/adamlowndesphotography/

Music for the show from artlist.io

In this latest episode, Steve interviews Jay Farrell. Jay is a Nashville based photographer and author who specialises in discovering and photographing abandoned building across the USA.

Jay was one of our first guests on the podcast back on Episode 3. Since then he has gone on to have 12 books published of his trips,  and  his photographs of derelict houses, factories, shops and gas stations, amongst other types of buildings.  He tells Steve how he has had to adapt how he explores due to the pandemic, why the Fujifilm X100V is his favourite camera, and his advice for anyone looking to become a published other.

Sam had her first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine just before recording this episode, and is on good form, teasing Steve as usual. Steve in turn wants to know why there are over 200 packets of seeds in the house.....another allotment update coming!

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Jay Farrell Author https://www.jayfarrellauthor.com/
Farrell Gallery https://www.facebook.com/FarrellGallery/

Music by Artlist.io and Epidemic Sound

This week's guest interview feature Sam Meggs, who is an Ontario based candid style wedding and event photographer. Although originally born in the UK, Sam lives and works between Toronto, and Ottawa, Canada.  Sam tells Steve:

• His style and approach to shooting weddings
• How the pandemic has impacted wedding photography in Ontario, with more elopement shoots
• Why he believes working with another photographer/videographer who is also female will differentiate his business moving forward
• About his hobby of being a goal tender in ice hockey!

Sam gives an update on the after effects of her vaccine last week, whilst Steve had a new toy for the study. Plus, of course, an allotment update....

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Samuel Meggs Photography https://www.samuelmeggs.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samuelmeggsphoto/

Music by Artlist.io and Epidemic Sound

In this episode, Steve interviews Jonathan Bickle.  Originally from the North East of England, Jonathan is, like us, now based in Bicester.  He is a wedding and family photographer, using Sony Cameras. He tells Steve :

• How he has built his business from a career in retail
• His approach and style of photography
• How he has worked with his couples to reschedule their weddings during the pandemic
• His plans to move into "Day in the Life" style family photography

Sam and Steve talk about the upcoming, and previously postponed Guides for Brides customer service awards, which this year will take place virtually. Sam and Steve are the current Guides for Brides award winners, and have been shortlisted again this time.  They also discuss future plans for their business,  to include other types of photography as well as weddings. As usual, we get a gardening update from Sam!

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Jonathan Bickle Photography https://jonathanbicklephotography.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbicklephotography/

Guides for Brides Awards https://www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-ideas/customer-service-awards-2019-winners/

Music from artlist.io and Epidemic Sound

For this Easter episode, Sam and Steve's interview guest is Steven Hanna.  Steven is a wedding and fine art landscape photographer based in Northern Ireland, with a fast growing YouTube channel.   In the interview, Steven tells us:

• How he got started and his approach to wedding photography
• Why he has a separate brand and website for his fine art landscape photography
• Why planning is so important for successful landscape photography
• Why he uses a Fujifilm GFX for his landscape work and why he is switching back to Fujifilm X series (from Sony) for his wedding work
• His approach to editing
• Why he started a YouTube channel and avoids "feeding the beast"
• His favourite locations for landscape photography

Sam and Steve talk about their hopes for easing of lockdown in England from April 12th, and if they will still be able to have a short vacation in Wales at the end of the month. Steve gives a review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens he is trialling for the Sony A7R4 camera.  And as usual, Sam gives an allotment gardening update!

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Steven Hanna Wedding Photography http://www.stevenhanna.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevenhannaweddings/
Steven Hanna Fine Art Landscape Website https://nebofineart.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nebofineart/
Steven Hanna YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/StevenHannaPhotography
Steve Vaughan personal photography and walking https://www.stevevaughan.net/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stevevaughanphotography/

Music for the show from artlist.io and Epidemic Sound 

In this episode, Sam and Steve's guest is Janina Brocklesby.  Janina is a reportage, documentary style wedding photographer based in Lancashire, but covering the whole UK.  She tells Steve about her approach,  how she works with her business partner as they work together at weddings, and why combining photography and videography is becoming increasingly popular for her clients.
Sam and Steve have their usual discussions, including why Steve is buying Sam a new diary,  more thoughts on the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN for Sony cameras. Steve describes using Sony A73 and A7R4  camera for  a recent engagement shoot, and his thoughts on using an Apple MacMini with the M1 Apple Silicon for photography editing. Sam had no allotment news. For once.

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Janina Brocklesby Photography https://janinabrocklesby.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/janinabrocklesbyphotography/

This episode has Sam and Steve on vacation in North Wales, and recording the show whilst on Llandudno Pier and avoiding the seagulls!

Our guest interview feature Amber Leach, owner and founder of Liberty Pearl Photo and Video Collective.  Amber is an award-winning, critically acclaimed wedding photographer, marketing and PR consultant, entrepreneur, and business coach who has been featured widely in the media including being published in over 40 magazines and blogs globally. She was also nominated for The Guardian’s Best New Start-Up Award, spoken on BBC Radio and at many events and festivals across the country. She is one of the leading female photographers within the UK and won the award ‘Top 50 UK Wedding Photographers’ in both 2019 and 2020 and has captured over 200 weddings across five continents of the world.

She tells Steve during the interview:

• The importance of having clear, achievable and realistic goals for your photography business
• How her previous career in marketing taught her to measure and monitor the progress of her business from starting on her own, to now running a collective of 6 photographers and videographers, whilst also managing her work/life balance
• How she was able to launch her business with a clear financial goal whilst bring up her young family as a single mum
• The importance of setting yourself "big rocks" for your personal life, such as holidays and family time, and never letting work take priority over these

Amber lives with her husband Jesse and children Ruah, Libby, and Thomas in their townhouse on the Hoe, Plymouth.

Sam and Steve also announce that they have won the Guides for Brides Photography Award for 2020, for the 2nd time in two years. Sam tries unsuccessfully to cure Steve of his sugar addiction, whilst Steve explains why he decided to get up at 5pm to photograph a tree.

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography

Amber Leach, Liberty Pearl Photo and Film Collective https://libertypearlphotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/libertypearlphotofilm/

Music from Artlist.io

In this week's episode, Steve interviews Marie Lloyd. Marie is an Cheshire/North Wales based wedding photographer with over 300 wedding photographed so far. She tells Steve:

• About her approach and way of working on a wedding day
• Things she has learned since starting her business in 2009
• Why video isn't something she will be offering anytime soon!
• How Instagram is becoming more important for her for wedding enquiries 
• Why she is considering switching from Canon DSLR's to their mirrorless R5 or R6 models

Steve tells Sam about a recent live stream of a wedding with guests watching his YouTube feed in the churchyard, and how he coped with no phone or internet signal!  We also discuss the Sony A7C and why we are renting one for a week, the latest news as the UK moves a step further out of lockdown and of course we get an update from Sam's allotment.

As of this episode, the show will be moving to a twice a month cadence for the summer, as we have hectic schedule of weddings and editing!

#weddingphotography #samandstevepodcast #sonyweddingphotography #photographypodcast

Sam and Steve Photography  www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Marie Lloyd Photography marielloydphotography.co.uk/
Instagram  www.instagram.com/marielloydphoto/

Music from Artlist.io

In this weeks episode Steve's interview guest is Amy Bremner, of Amersham based Bubbles and Bakes cakes.

Steve and Sam discuss the latest steps towards lifting Covid restrictions here in the UK, and the impact on weddings for the summer. Steve also describes a recent wedding he photographed and videoed where only 6 people were allowed in the ceremony room - and he wasn't one of them!

Sam and Steve also discuss the Sony A7C, a compact full frame interchangeable lens camera they recently rented, and whether it would be a good choice for them.  Steve also describes being a podcast guest himself, on the Fujicast, and Photography Daily.

No allotment news from Sam this week, but she did exercise her agricultural interests in another way......

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/

Amy Bremner Bubbles and Bakes http://bubblesandbakes.co.uk/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bubblesandbakes/

Steve's recent podcast interviews :

Photography Daily https://www.photographydaily.show/episodes/a-morse-walk-oxford
Fujicast https://www.fujicast.co.uk/episode/182-swapping-from-nikon-and-what-is-fine-art-photography/

Music from Artlist.io 

A brief update from Steve as to the lack of recent episodes, and advanced notice of our plans for a series 2 of the Sam and Steve Podcast coming in the Autumn. 

After a busy summer of wedding photography, Sam and Steve are back with series 2 of their wedding and photography podcast.  Their guest interview is with Agnese Petraglia of Medusa London who designs and makes beautiful wedding dresses out of sustainable materials.
For the photographers, Sam and Steve discuss their experiences of using Sony Alpha Mirrorless cameras, 1 year and 40 plus weddings since switching from Fujifilm kit.
Sam also talks about her new love - a kitchen gadget! A new feature for the show, Allotment Avenue, gives Sam the opportunity to update the listener on her latest horticultural adventures in her allotment garden. 

Links to topics and brands mentioned in the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Medusa London https://www.medusalondon.com/
Medusa London Instagram https://www.instagram.com/medusa.london/
Gaetano di Giacomo Videography and Photography https://www.gaetanodigiacomo.co.uk/
Gaetano di Giacomo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gdgmp_weddings/

Music for the show by http://www.artlist.io

Sam and Steve celebrate their 20th wedding wedding anniversary with a life recording of the show on a beach in Devon.  Discussed in the show are the new Sony A74, playing football with 7 players called Steve, Michelin starred dining and why photographers and brides to be should go to wedding fairs. Allotment Avenue is back with more handy gardening tips from Sam. 

Steve's guest interviewee is Ray Sawyer, a multi award winning documentary and creative flash photographer based near Newcastle in the north England. In his 2nd appearance on the show, Ray tells Steve: 

• How his focus on customer care got him through 2020 to shoot over 70 weddings in 2021
• How he visualises and creates his epic creative flash work
• How he continually pushes himself out of his comfort zone to try new things
• Why to him the Sony A9 is THE perfect wedding camera. 

Links to topics mentioned in the show: 

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Sam and Steve's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Ray Sawyer https://www.raysawyer.co.uk/
Ray's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sawyerandsawyerphotography/
Restaurant in Kingsbridge https://27devon.co.uk/
Sam and Steve's interview on Photobiz X https://photobizx.com/How+to+Comfortably+Sell+in+Your+Photography+Business

Music by Artlist.io 

In this episode, our guest interviewee is Sophie McCavery, who is a Kinesiology Practitioner.  Systematic Kinesiology  is a unique holistic approach to natural health care that uses simple muscle testing procedures to read the energetic bio feedback system from our bodies. Sophie is also Sam's sister!

Sophie tells Steve how Kinesiology can help with non disease common health problems such as skin issues, stress and anxiety.

Steve also tells Sam about his new internet radio show on Incapable Staircase, the Steve Vaughan Rock and Prog Show.  We give a brief review of our new Sony A74 camera, and as always Sam is back with the latest green fingers update on Allotment Avenue.

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Sophie McCavery LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-mccavery/
Steve's Radio Show https://incapablestaircase.com/steve-vaughan/

Music from Artlist.io 

Sam and Steve get in the festive mood for this show, their Christmas Special.   Steve tests Sam with a Christmas quiz, which you the listener can also have a go at.
Allotment Avenue is back with news as to which vegetables Sam will be cooking on Christmas Day from her allotment.... if any. 
Steve has more news about his rock music show on Incapable Staircase. 
On a more serious note, Sam and Steve discuss another church wedding where the vicar was absolutely against any photography of the wedding service, and why couples need to discuss with their presiding member of the clergy in plenty of time before their wedding day, what they will allow the photographers to do.

Sam and Steve Photography  https://www.samandstevephotography.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samandstevephotography/
Steve's rock music radio show https://incapablestaircase.com/steve-vaughan/

This a short special edition of the Sam and Steve Podcast. With the constantly changing health situation in the UK, we wanted to try and help our customers and any brides to be worrying about their wedding plans over the next couple of months.

DISCLAIMERS:

1. This was recorded on 18th March 2020. In this fast moving situation, circumstances may have changed at the time of listening;
2. Neither Sam or Steve are lawyers, or medically trained. 
3. Views expressed are our own, and not offered on the basis of legal or financial basis. 

After a period away from the podcast, here are Sam and Steve with a look back on 2020, and with their thoughts and hopes for 2021. 

• How they have managed to stay in business as wedding photographers, having gone from 46 to 7 weddings due to Covid-19;
• Working with their customers to reschedule their wedding plans
• Plans for pet and family photography in 2021
• Steve's Walk1000 miles in 2021 project.

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com

Music from Artlist www.artlist.io

Cover photo by Anna McCarthy Photography www.annamccarthy.com

In this episode Sam and Steve's guest is Mark Neal, a West London based photographer and deputy manager of a London Pub. He tells Steve about how he manages to combine the two things, and also find time to travel.  Steve and Mark also discuss their joint plans for a Route 66 Photography road trip in March 2021. Mark is a Fujifilm user, currently shooting with an X-T2 and X-H1. 

Also discussed in this episode:

• Theatre and band photography;
• Product photography;
• Travel photography.

Sam and Steve also recall the year they spend running a pub, the Abingdon Arms, in Beckley, Oxfordshire. And Sam talks gardening. Again. 

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography https://www.samandstevephotography.com/

Mark Neal Photography https://www.marknealphotography.co.uk/

Old Park Horse Pub, Chiswick https://www.oldpackhorsechiswick.co.uk/

The Abingdon Arms, Beckley https://www.theabingdonarms.co.uk/

Music: Glockenspiel by dayfox from Artlist. 

This episode is for the photographers! All about the equipment Sam and Steve use at weddings. 

Why they switched from Canon "Full Frame" equipment to Fujifilm Mirrorless cameras

Why Sam prefer one camera, one lens, and Steve has lots!

And why they nearly switched to Sony cameras at the start of 2020. 

www.samandstevephotography.com

Mentioned in the show: 

https://www.fujicast.co.uk/

https://www.nealejames.com/

https://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk/

Music from Artlist Glockenspiel by dayfox.

In this episode, our guests are Kevin Mullins and Neale James. Fellow Fujifilm wedding photographers with over 1000 weddings between them, Kevin and Neale also host the Fujicast, a photography podcast that started in January 2019 and now regularly has over 4000 listeners per episode. Originally a weekly show, the changed that to a DAILY podcast at the start of lock down in the UK, due to Covid-19. They have since recorded over 65 daily episodes, without missing a day. They talk about:

• Why they started a podcast;
• Why is it called the Fuicast, when it is in fact for camera users of all makes;
• Why they started making a daily show at the start of Lockdown;
• Plans for the future, both together on the Fujicast, but also individual projects. 

Sam and Steve also catch up on the weeks news, goings on in their on line Pub, "The Locked Inn", and plans for a dedicated Sam and Steve Podcast website.

Links from the show:

Sam and Steve Photography www.samandstevephotography.com 

Neale James Photography https://www.nealejames.com

Kevin Mullins Photography https://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk

The Fujicast https://www.fujicast.co.uk/

Music: Glockenspiel by DayFox, from Artlist https://artlist.io/