Shifting Focus with John Bunn

⭐️ Musicbed -Switch today and get a 14 day free trial: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC 
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Jeff Chang of The Apartment Photography — one of the most respected wedding photography brands in the world.
Jeff shares his 20-year journey from shooting $200 weddings off Craigslist to building a globally recognized brand, all while staying creatively fulfilled. We dive into the tension between art and business, how to create images that actually mean something, and why most photographers stay stuck in the middle market.
We also talk about:
• How to create "portfolio-level" images on real wedding days
• The balance between creativity and profitability
• Why your network might be the missing piece in your growth
• The mindset shift that changed everything after COVID
• How Jeff built a massive following through simple, consistent content
This is a masterclass in longevity, intentional growth, and building a business that doesn't kill your creativity.
If you're trying to charge more, attract better clients, and actually enjoy the work you're creating, this one is for you.
Follow The Apartment Photo:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theapartmentphoto
Website - https://www.theapartmentphoto.com/ 
 
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff Chang and His Journey
02:14 The Evolution of Wedding Photography
05:28 Navigating the Early Days of Business
08:16 Growth and Challenges in the Wedding Industry
11:20 Post-COVID Transformation and New Opportunities
14:29 Balancing Creativity and Business
17:30 Defining Style and Artistic Vision
23:21 Balancing Creativity and Efficiency
27:40 Navigating Expectations on Wedding Days
32:25 The Exposure Triangle: Work, Network, and Brand
38:47 Continuous Improvement in Photography
43:22 Leveraging Social Media for Growth
47:56 The Power of Hooks in Content Creation
48:55 Understanding Consumer Behavior on Social Media
49:40 The Importance of Consistency in Content Production
50:34 Creating Engaging Reels: Tips and Techniques
51:07 Adding Value Through Educational Content
53:06 Building Relationships Through Authentic Content
54:37 Navigating Growth and Inquiries in a Growing Brand
56:25 The Balance of Fame and Authenticity
59:19 Creating Value Beyond Numbers
01:03:28 Future Plans and Educational Offerings
01:05:12 Fun Personal Insights: Disney and Lego

⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
Two years ago, I had no momentum.
Fewer bookings than I expected, uncertainty in my business, and a lot of questions about what to do next.
Today, I'm booking $20K weddings and operating from a completely different place.
In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what changed.
Most wedding professionals don't stay stuck because they lack talent.
They stay stuck because they never build real momentum.
In this solo episode of Shifting Focus, I'm pulling back the curtain on what's actually changed for me over the last two years and why 2026 feels completely different in my business.
After nearly 20 years in the industry, I found myself rebuilding from the ground up. No momentum, fewer bookings than expected, and a big question… what now?
This episode is about what happened next.
I walk through how I applied my Exposure Triangle system (work, brand, network), the mistakes I made, the hard year that nobody sees, and how that led to better weddings, higher prices, and a completely different level of opportunity.
We also talk about:
Why charging more builds trust, not guilt
The difference between knowledge and action
What ultra-high-end weddings actually unlock for your brand
And how to stop waiting and start building momentum now
If you've been feeling stuck in your business, this is the episode you need to hear.
Because things don't change by accident.
They change when you finally decide to move.
 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
 
chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shifting Focus Podcast
05:39 The Evolution of John Bunn's Career
11:32 Transitioning to Education and Community Building
17:16 The Challenges of Balancing Business and Personal Life
21:51 The Exposure Triangle System Explained
27:40 Building Momentum in 2026
33:33 Experiencing High-End Weddings
39:43 Future Aspirations and Networking Strategies

14 day free trial of Musicbed: https://fm.pxf.io/shiftingfocus-freetrial
👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ 
Most filmmakers think they need better gear, better clients, or more experience to charge more.
But the real reason your films don't feel premium has nothing to do with any of that.
In this episode, I sit down with TK from Red Lotus Films to talk about what actually creates feeling in a wedding film and why that's the thing clients are really paying for. We get into how he transitioned from corporate videography into weddings, how leaning into culture and music changed the way his films connect, and why intentional choices matter more than just "getting the shots."
We also talk about the role of custom music, building a brand that stands out without chasing trends, and how relationships have played a huge part in his growth.
On top of that, TK shares how he's using his business to give back through charity work in Sri Lanka, and why success for him goes beyond just bookings and revenue.
If your work feels solid but not distinct, this episode will help you understand what might be missing.
In this episode:
• Why most wedding films don't feel premium
• The role of music in shaping emotion and story
• Transitioning from corporate work into weddings
• Building a brand around culture and intentionality
• Growing your business through relationships and trust
• Giving back through filmmaking and mentorship
Connect with TK / Red Lotus Films:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redlotusfilms/ 
Ayven Foundation (Charity): https://www.redlotusfilms.ca/ayvenfoundation/ 
 
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 
 
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 
 
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] 
 
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/  - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn 
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF  - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn 
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC  - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf  - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E 
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl  Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe  - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john 
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ  - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf  - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn 
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE  - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
Most filmmakers do not plateau because of talent. They plateau because they never make the jump.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Kevin Cochran of 718 Creative to break down how he went from filming $500 weddings to building a premium wedding videography brand in the Texas market.
Kevin shares what actually moved the needle: intentional networking, refining his brand, charging with confidence, and taking calculated risks when it would have been easier to play it safe. We talk about breaking out of the middle market, building a portfolio you are proud of, and why trust is the currency that drives everything in this industry.
If you want to charge more without feeling fake, and grow a premium brand without losing your creativity, this conversation will show you what that path can look like.
Connect with Kevin Cochran and 718 Creative:
Website: https://718creative.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/718creative
The Texas Wedding Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-texas-wedding-podcast/id1551234567
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
 
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Cochran and 718 Creative
03:28 The Journey of a Wedding Videographer
12:09 Navigating the Wedding Industry During the Pandemic
19:19 Breaking Through the Middle Market
29:47 Finding Purpose and Connection in Business
32:29 Building a Proud Portfolio
35:15 Taking Calculated Risks
39:19 The Importance of Trust in Relationships
43:33 Networking and Maintaining Relationships
47:22 Advice for Taking Risks
52:18 Practical Tips for Videographers

👋 Join My Circle Community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
If you think luxury is about venues and budgets, you are missing it. Luxury is about experience. And if you do not understand how to create one, you will stay stuck in the middle.
In this episode of Shifting Focus, I sit down with Emily Burton to unpack what actually separates high-end planners from everyone else.
Emily started as a floral designer and built her way into becoming a sought-after luxury wedding planner on St. Simons Island. Her growth was not accidental. It was intentional. It required refining her brand, elevating presentation, deepening client relationships, and understanding how experience drives value at the highest levels.
We talk about what it takes to transition into the luxury market, how to design an elevated client journey, why networking is more about trust than transactions, and how personal connection becomes your greatest competitive advantage.
If you want to move upmarket without becoming someone you are not, this episode will give you a clearer target.
Connect with Emily Burton:
Website: https://emilyburtondesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyburtondesigns/
🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM
📱 Instagram:
John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2
John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866
Get in Touch:
✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]
Sponsors and Affiliates:
⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bridengroom.video/johnbunn/ - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100
⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn
⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing:  http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial
⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN
⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E
⭐️ Lemlii -  CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)
⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN
⭐️ PlotLine Pro - AI Powered, Story First Filmmaking Tool - 3 Free days - https://www.plotline.pro/?via=john
⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial
⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off
⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://gamut.io/product/luxe/?gamut=johnbunn
⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off
The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.
#weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Emily Burton
03:10 Emily's Journey from Floral Design to Planning
06:39 Current Business Landscape and Clientele
11:40 Transitioning into Luxury Weddings
16:42 Designing a High-End Client Experience
22:02 Understanding the Language of Luxury
29:05 Presentation, Positioning, and Networking
37:11 Green Flags in Vendor Collaboration
45:47 Building Genuine Relationships in the Luxury Market
52:33 Personal Touch and Long-Term Reputation
53:08 Why Experience Is the Real Product