In today’s Spotlight Session, I’m talking to Chris Humphrey, the creator behind Inside Wedding Photography, and the winner of last month’s challenge.
He’s building something rare.
A resource that strips the fear out of wedding photography and turns it into a viable business path.
Chris has shot over 500 weddings in 20+ years.
He knows what breaks. What fails. What terrifies new photographers.
He’s seen cameras die mid-first dance. He’s learned why you need two of everything (he has three). He’s figured out that photography isn’t just about pointing a camera, it’s about seeing the right moment.
And now he’s teaching photographers the inner game. Particularly, wedding photographers.
Not how to shoot, but how to build a business around it. Because photography is an expensive hobby. But it can be a career, or a profitable side hustle.
Chris chose full-time and he loves it.
He loves preserving someone’s best day. Creating images that great-grandkids will see. Making history one wedding at a time.
That’s what keeps him going after two decades.
And that’s what he’s bringing to Substack.
Watch the video to hear his story and learn:
Why wedding photographers won’t be replaced by AI
How to turn photography from an expensive hobby into a business
Why you need two of everything as a wedding photographer (and why he has three)
How firefighters and law enforcement officers build $20-30K side hustles shooting just 10 weddings a year
You’ll also hear how Chris:
Went from “maybe I’ll publish this someday” to consistent weekly publishing on Substack
Uses my challenges and gamification to stay accountable (why checking that box matters scientifically)
Plans content 6-8 weeks ahead while keeping it relevant and timely
Builds his newsletter around helping photographers, not teaching photography
Approaches marketing as a fundamental skill every creator needs to master
If you’re building a Substack and struggling with consistency or accountability, you’ll love this conversation.
If you understand that passion has to come before profit, you’ll love it even more.
And remember to post your questions to Chris in the comments :)
Books Chris recommends:
This Is Marketing by Seth Godin - A collection of marketing fundamentals Chris reads every year to spark new ideas
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand - About staying true to your craft and maintaining integrity when the world pushes back
Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale - A 1968 audio series on building your foundation, creativity, and value from within
👉 Subscribe to Chris Humphrey on Substack and learn how to build a wedding photography business without the fear
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Every month I choose two winners - one for the Notes and one for the Writing Challenge. Watch all spotlight sessions here.
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I see you inside!
Yana
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