NineDots: The DotCast

NineDots
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The NineDots podcast. Topical ramblings from NineDots co-founders Rahul Khona and Andy Gaines, with regular guests from the world of wedding photography, creative business and entrepreneurship!

  1. Frances Foster: Creativity, Change & Building a Sustainable Wedding Photography Business

    3D AGO

    Frances Foster: Creativity, Change & Building a Sustainable Wedding Photography Business

    In this episode, Rahul Khona sits down with Frances Foster for an open, unfiltered conversation about creativity, change, and what it really takes to build a sustainable wedding photography business in a fast-moving industry. They dive into social media and business strategy, the value of professionalism, and how clarity, confidence, and genuine care help build lasting client trust. From personal branding and content creation to destination weddings and shifting client expectations, the discussion explores how adaptability and authenticity can create new opportunities. Honest, practical, and forward-thinking, this episode is a reminder that success in wedding photography goes beyond technical skill - it’s about communication, mindset, and staying true to yourself as the industry continues to evolve. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/ Save 96% of your time on editing with Imagen. Try free with 2,000 photos.  - Choose one of the existing photo editing profile styles from our Talent AI profiles such as Natural Feels by John Branch IV , Clean & Crisp by Susan Stripling, Tierra by Fer Juaristi,Cinematic Luxury by Charmi Patel Peña, and let Imagen do the rest. Go here to try it for free on 2000 photos! >> https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=ninedots26 Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Support the show Support the show

    1h 27m

  2. JAN 20

    Rebecca Carpenter: The Strategy That Took Her From Local to Luxury

    In this episode, Rebecca Carpenter joins Rahul to talk about how wedding photography has transformed over the last 9 years - from rigid, traditional coverage to a more honest, documentary-driven approach shaped heavily by social media culture. Rebecca shares her journey from launching her business nine years ago to becoming a sought-after destination wedding photographer, revealing the strategic decisions that helped her stand out, including how styled shoots played a crucial role in building her portfolio and attracting international clients. They dive into the realities of modern creative life, unpacking Rebecca’s workflow as she balances client work, content creation, and managing multiple social platforms. From her TikTok-first mindset to how her Instagram strategy differs, she offers practical insight into what actually works today. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that growth comes from staying curious, trusting your creative instincts, and having the courage to evolve - even when the path feels uncertain. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/ Save 96% of your time on editing with Imagen. Try free with 2,000 photos.  - Choose one of the existing photo editing profile styles from our Talent AI profiles such as Natural Feels by John Branch IV , Clean & Crisp by Susan Stripling, Tierra by Fer Juaristi,Cinematic Luxury by Charmi Patel Peña, and let Imagen do the rest. Go here to try it for free on 2000 photos! >> https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=ninedots26 Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Support the show Support the show

    1h 28m
  3. Rahul Khona & Andy Gaines - Surviving 2025: Why Complacency Kills Bookings (and How Instagram Ads Save Them)

    JAN 5

    Rahul Khona & Andy Gaines - Surviving 2025: Why Complacency Kills Bookings (and How Instagram Ads Save Them)

    Welcome back to the Dot-Cast - Season Four, Episode One baby! In this episode join Rahul Khona and Andy Gaines as we dive deep into our reflections on 2025 sharing our experiences from a year that was full of up’s and down’s. We take a look back at what made last year's NineDots Gathering special, discussing what worked well and what we might tweak for this year's 11th instalment along with our favourite highlights. We also explore our how are bookings are going for 2026 and Andy shares his knowledge on leveraging Instagram for increased enquiries and bookings, shedding light on his approach and investment in social media marketing. The DotCast will be bi-weekly and we're excited to welcome a host of guests in future episodes, so stay tuned! And if you love the dotcast please drop us a like or a comment wherever you get your podcast fix from!  JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/ Save 96% of your time on editing with Imagen. Try free with 2,000 photos.  - Choose one of the existing photo editing profile styles from our Talent AI profiles such as Natural Feels by John Branch IV , Clean & Crisp by Susan Stripling, Tierra by Fer Juaristi,Cinematic Luxury by Charmi Patel Peña, and let Imagen do the rest. Go here to try it for free on 2000 photos! >> https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=ninedots26 Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Support the show Support the show

    44 min
  4. Episode 91: Chelsea Cannar on being pregnant and running a creative business through big life shifts.

    2025-07-25

    Episode 91: Chelsea Cannar on being pregnant and running a creative business through big life shifts.

    In this episode, Rahul Khona and Chelsea Cannar dive into the whirlwind journey of navigating pregnancy while running your own creative business. From the emotional and physical shifts to the challenge of staying visible online and showing up authentically, we talk about the real-life balance of personal change and professional drive.  We unpack the role of ego as a creative, the excitement (and pressure) of entering and winning The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA), and the joy of expanding into family sessions. You'll also hear tips on photographing kids at weddings and why making the move to film—can reignite your artistic spark.  A raw, honest conversation for anyone juggling business and life’s biggest transitions. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/   Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Get 15% off AfterShoot - The AI editing software Andy + Rahul use ALL THE TIME! Click here to get 30 days free trial and then 15% off: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=ninedots Support the show Support the show

    1h 38m
  5. Episode 90: Lewis Fackrell on Balancing Creativity, Parenting, Clients & Content in 2025

    2025-07-09

    Episode 90: Lewis Fackrell on Balancing Creativity, Parenting, Clients & Content in 2025

    In this episode, Rahul Khona and Lewis Fackrell dive deep into the tools, trends, and time management hacks that are reshaping the creative industry right now. From the power of AI automations and ChatGPT to the game-changing potential of Generative Fill, we explore how photographers and filmmakers can streamline their workflows and boost creativity. We also chat about the realities of being fully booked while raising kids, managing time effectively, and making hybrid photo-video coverage work. Plus, we tackle the challenges of editing video, getting great audio, and navigating the never-ending world of social media — including how to post efficiently on both Instagram and TikTok. Are you struggling with how much to post and what’s “enough”? We’ve got thoughts on that too. Whether you're shooting, parenting, or posting — this one’s for you. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/   Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Get 15% off AfterShoot - The AI editing software Andy + Rahul use ALL THE TIME! Click here to get 30 days free trial and then 15% off: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=ninedots Support the show Support the show

    1h 14m
  6. Episode 89: Mark Horton on Social Media for Photographers: What’s Working in 2025?

    2025-06-19

    Episode 89: Mark Horton on Social Media for Photographers: What’s Working in 2025?

    In this episode, Rahul Khona is joined by Mark Horton where we dive into the evolving world of social media and how photographers can stay ahead of the curve. We talk about the power of making reels that actually reach people, the importance of recording an intro video to build trust, and how trial reels can help you test what resonates. We also discuss why many are choosing Instagram over TikTok, and the strategy behind rebranding yourself every year to stay fresh and relevant. We explore where to find inspiration from big brands, how styled shoots can elevate your content, and the pros and cons of giving away free value to grow your audience. Plus, we dig into the rise of negative hooks and the clever use of music on carousels and image posts to boost engagement. Whether you're looking to improve your social media game or just curious about what's working now, this episode is packed with practical ideas and honest reflections. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/   Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Get 15% off AfterShoot - The AI editing software Andy + Rahul use ALL THE TIME! Click here to get 30 days free trial and then 15% off: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=ninedots Support the show Support the show

    1h 13m
  7. Episode 88: Paris Wedding Photographer Elodie discusses confidence, changing trends and evolving as a photographer

    2025-06-05

    Episode 88: Paris Wedding Photographer Elodie discusses confidence, changing trends and evolving as a photographer

    In this episode, Paris Wedding Photographer Elodie joins Rahul Khona as she shares her journey as a wedding photographer in France, reflecting on her evolving business, a fresh new website design, and a strategic shift in her target audience. She opens up about navigating changing trends in the wedding industry, the importance of confidence when connecting with clients, and finding the right balance between documentary-style and posed photography. We also dive into the challenges of booking weddings, the power of strong client relationships, and how adaptability is key to thriving as a modern photographer. JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/   Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Get 15% off AfterShoot - The AI editing software Andy + Rahul use ALL THE TIME! Click here to get 30 days free trial and then 15% off: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=ninedots Support the show Support the show

    1h 9m
  8. Episode 87: Joab Smith on how to stay inspired without burning out or selling out!

    2025-05-19

    Episode 87: Joab Smith on how to stay inspired without burning out or selling out!

    In this episode, Rahul Khona sits down Cotswolds Wedding Photographer Joab Smith where we dive into the balancing act of life as a creative professional. From managing work-life balance and the constant demands of editing, to keeping your creativity alive while navigating the pressure to follow trends—we’re covering it all. We also explore the importance of embracing new ideas and how thoughtful curation can help you stay true to your vision while evolving with the times.  JOIN THE NINEDOTS MEMBERSHIP We know that being a wedding photographer isn't just a job – it's your passion, your art, and your calling. That's why NineDots membership was created by photographers who understand exactly what you're going through, whether you're capturing a couple's first dance or building your dream business from the ground up. Here's how we support your journey: Learn From Those Who've Been There: Immerse yourself in hundreds of hours of heartfelt tutorials from photographers who remember exactly what it felt like to be where you are now. They share not just their techniques, but their struggles, breakthroughs, and the emotional wisdom they've gained along the way.Make Your Business Flourish: Get caring guidance on the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you – from pricing your work with confidence to attracting your ideal clients through authentic marketing.Find Your Photography Family: Connect with fellow photographers who understand your dreams and challenges. Share experiences, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships at our intimate events and gatherings.Ready to transform your wedding photography journey? We'd love to welcome you into the NineDots family. JOIN HERE: https://nine-dots.co/join/   Join PicTime using the code 'NINEDOTS'  and new users will receive one bonus month when upgrading to any Pic-Time paid plan Get 15% off AfterShoot - The AI editing software Andy + Rahul use ALL THE TIME! Click here to get 30 days free trial and then 15% off: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=ninedots Support the show Support the show

    1h 24m
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About

The NineDots podcast. Topical ramblings from NineDots co-founders Rahul Khona and Andy Gaines, with regular guests from the world of wedding photography, creative business and entrepreneurship!

Information

  • Creator
    NineDots
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NineDots: The DotCast
  • Show Website
    NineDots: The DotCast

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