NineDots: The DotCast
Business & Finance
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!
Episodes
- James Richard: On Emotion, Meaningful Moments, and the Shift to Film Photography
In this episode, Rahul Khona sits down with wedding photographer James Richard to explore what it really means to capture more than just images - but feeling, memory, and human connection . James shares the quiet philosophy behind his work…
- Rocio Vega: Automation Meets Emotion: Finding Balance in the Age of Ai
In this episode, Rahul sits down with Rocio for a forward-thinking conversation about the evolving landscape of wedding photography - and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work. Drawing on her extensive experience in the…
- Martin Ellard: Attracting the Right Clients (Not Just More Clients)
In this episode, Rahul Khona and Martin Ellard cut through the noise to talk about what actually helps photographers build smarter, more sustainable businesses today. From using SEO with intent rather than guesswork, to creating behind-the…
- 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 int…
- 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 cult…
- 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 loo…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 importan…
- 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 audien…
- 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…
- Episode 86: Lawson Films on the rise of Hybrid Photography, Content Creators and how they made the switch from Photo to Video!
In this episode, Rahul Khona sits down with Laura and Pete from Lawson Films to explore their journeys in both photography and videography. They share the challenges and rewards of transitioning between the two, along with the art of captu…
- Episode 85: Nadine Van Biljon on The Marketing Struggles No One Talks About – and the Rise of Editorial Photography!
Rahul Khona and Nadine Van Biljon dive deep into how their wedding photography styles are evolving for 2025, especially with the growing demand for an editorial aesthetic. But with this shift, how do you market to couples drawn to this loo…
- Episode 84: Hannah MacGregor on the blurred lines between photo and video!
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by Hannah MacGregor where we dive into the realities of balancing photography, business, and life. We talk about the power of community and support in the industry, especially when navigating challenge…
- Episode 83: Tiree Dawson on going viral on TikTok, the rise in elopements and shooting hybrid!
In this episode, Rahul Khona is joined by award-winning Lake District wedding photographer Tiree Dawson . They discuss the rise of elopements, the benefits of shooting hybrid, and how incorporating video has helped Tiree’s business flouris…
- Episode 82: Dj Santero discusses addiction, creativity, and how he turned his passion into a successful full-time career!
Welcome to a brand new season of the podcast! We're kicking off the new season with our resident NineDots Gathering DJ Santero! From representing the UK in the World Final of Red Bull 3style to being an official resident at the legendary M…
- Starting Smarter: Amanda Forman
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Nate Dainty
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Alex Bradbury
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Mark Seymour
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Lee Maxwell
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Hannah Brooke
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Alex Bradbury
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Alex Benyon
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Jenna Kathleen
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Staring Smarter: Erica Hawkins
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Gina Fernandes
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Andy Mac
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Starting Smarter: Tom Hodgson
"Starting Smarter" is a fresh mini-series that dives into the journeys of wedding photographers. Each episode explores why these photographers chose to document love stories and the wisdom they've gained along the way. From navigating chal…
- Episode 81: Tom Beynon on his documentary approach to weddings, being naturally introverted, social media and more!
This week, our guest Cambridgeshire Wedding Photographer Tom Beynon opens up about navigating social media as a naturally introverted photographer. He also shares the story of how he began his journey in wedding photography, his documentar…
- Episode 80: Katie Kavanagh on social media strategy, standing out from the crowd and work life balance.
Join Rahul Khona as he dives into an enlightening conversation with Katie Kavanagh , exploring practical strategies for mastering money management and creating financial stability for a more fulfilling life. Katie shares her approach to so…
- Episode 79: Skipping Cocktail Hour to Catch the Magic: Wedding Filmmaking with Sharrone - Fiore Films
Join Rahul for an insightful conversation with Sharrone Calafiore, founder of Fiore Films . Known for her distinctive cinematic style, Sharrone crafts wedding films that masterfully blend composition, timing, and sound to create unforgetta…
- Episode 77: Assumpta Vitcu on protecting your brand, kickbacks and content creators!
Join Rahul in conversation with Assumpta Vitcu, the founder of a multicultural wedding planning company , based in London - Ave Creations, as they explore the art of multicultural wedding planning. Together they discuss experience and grow…
- Episode 77: Erica Hawkins on how cancer taught me to over come my imposter syndrome and elevate my business!
Rahul is joined by Hertfordshire Wedding Photographer Erica Hawkins on battling her imposter syndrome, entering awards and pushing yourself further, knowing your worth along with setting goals, telling stories through her photos and growin…
- Episode 76: Andrew Keher on putting your personality out there, saying yes to things and being self-conscious!
Rahul is joined by Liverpool wedding photographer Andrew Keher where we talk about being self-conscious, how he started making reels, wanting more followers and interaction on social media along with being relentless. We also talk about ev…
- Episode 75: Jay Doherty on his hunger for life, putting in the work and keeping your priorities in check!
Rahul is joined by Northern Ireland's finest wedding photographer Jay Doherty . Where we talk about backing up, paranoia, using ai and how its given him more freedom. Why social media is an important part of his business, selling albums to…
- Episode 74: The Mateers on finding their style, their self imposed rules on composition and why they don't need timelines!
In this episode Rahul is joined by Hollie & Patrick Mateer where they discuss how they started in wedding photography, finding their unique style, why they stopped posing couples and their rules for composition. We also discuss their upcom…
- Episode 73: Gary Williams on singing at Buckingham Palace, Carnegie Hall, Abbey Road to becoming a wedding photographer
In this episode Gary Williams talks to Rahul Khona on why he chose to become a wedding photographer, on meeting Martin Parr, his love for singing and the similarities between being a photographer and a singer. We also talk about his projec…
- Episode 72: SEO Gate and how to get your google listing back!
In this mini podcast Rahul and Andy discuss SEO Gate, tips on how to get your profile back and why community over competition always wins! Here are the steps to try and talk to someone at Google. ***FIRSTLY DON'T PANIC YOU WILL GET YOUR PR…
- Episode 71: Siva Haran on changing trends, being solid with your intentions and why you have to be mentally strong!
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by Siva Haran - Divine Method Photography. Rahul & Siva discuss diets, fasting before weddings, journaling, self development and bettering ourselves to stay healthy for the future. They also talk about…
- Episode 70: Gina Fernandes on booking weddings from social media, TikTok, being ghosted in 2024 and Baby Reindeer.
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by East Midlands Wedding Photographer Gina Fernandes where we discuss how Instagram does 90% of the work for Gina's enquiries and bookings, boosting posts, looking at insights on social media, TikTok a…
- Episode 69: Emliy Renier on targets, goals and year in a life family photography!
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by Fuji Film ambassador Emily Renier where we discuss keeping raw files, losing a wedding to trends, not drinking coffee and anxiety. We also chat about her 'Year in a life' family photography, the imp…
- Episode 68: Kate Hampson on shooting film & her love for music and being alcohol free!
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by film wedding photographer Kate Bunny Hampson where we talk about the importance of wedding photos along with everyones favourite hot topic at the moment - trends! Plus we talk about shooting film, b…
- Episode 67: Phil Salisbury on creating your own look, not following trends and air fryers!
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by Manchester wedding photographer Phil Salisbury where we talk about why Phil became a wedding photographer, staying true to yourself and not following trends. We also discuss pricing and marketing, w…
- Episode 66: Yves Schepers on putting yourself first and taking a break from entering awards
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by Yves Schepers where we discuss why he took a break from entering awards but also what the benefits of awards are as well. We also talk about not only showing documentary work on social media but als…
- Episode 65: Els Kortsen from photographing cows around the world to being one of the best documentary wedding photographers in the world.
In this episode Rahul Khona is joined by award winning photographer Els Korsten from Netherlands. We discuss how Els started her journey into photography shooting cows, which allowed her to travel around the world photographing cows to her…
- Episode 64: The Richters on staying true to their unique style and ignoring current wedding trends!
In this latest podcast episode, Rahul Khona hangs out with the super cool duo, The Richters – Monica & Pol, who are all about alternative wedding photo and videos . They talk about what it's like dealing with the low bookings in 2024 and s…
- Episode 63: Anna Hardy on why you shouldn't be putting ALL your energy in to Social media!
In this week’s episode, Rahul Khona is chatting with the awesome family photographer from Manchester Anna Hardy who has been through it all – from documenting weddings for over 15 years and then transitioning to family photography as well…
- Episode 62: Amy Sampson with her love for the 24mm and shooting what you love, not chasing trends
In this podcast Rahul Khona is joined by Devon wedding photographer and Rangefinder winner Amy Sampson where we discuss the power of a photo and how taking photos for loved ones can be the best gifts we can give them. Amy also talks about…
- Episode 61: Anna Pumer on on showing up as yourself, details, social media and the power of the party ring biscuit!
We're back for 2024 with brand new podcasts for you all! This week Rahul Khona is joined by Sussex Wedding Photographer Anna Pumer. Anna also run her own community KickAss Photographers and also creates & designs websites for fellow creati…