We all have photographers we follow that continuously post photos that stop you in your scroll. For me, Lucy Muñoz is one of them. Today on the podcast, Lucy and I are chatting about how she makes sure she gets THE SHOT at every wedding. The one that sends chills down your spine, gets chosen for a magazine cover, and is a true masterpiece. If you want to take your work from mediocre to a scroll-stopping masterpiece, then tune into this episode.

About Lucy Munoz:

Lucy Munoz is a destination wedding and editorial photographer based in Southern California. She has been featured in Vogue, Brides, Elle, Instyle and many more. When she is not taking pictures, she loves spending time with her family, unapologetically beating them at board games.

How to get THE SHOT and turn your portfolio into a masterpiece:

• The shot is a photo that makes you FEEL something. It conveys a bigger story or meaning.
• Make a saved folder of images you see that are “the shot” and study what makes them “the shot.”
• If your work starts to look the same as everyone else’s work, then that’s your sign that you’re not developing a signature style.
• You want people to know it’s your image without having your name next to it.
• Are you excited when you look at your images? If not, your clients probably won’t be either.
• You’re only as good as your worst image out there. Curate with an unbiased eye.
• Don’t be hyper focused on what it costs to take an image. Consider it an investment in your journey to become an expert and leave it out of your portfolio if it’s mediocre.
• Preparation can help you visualize THE SHOT and help you tell the story of the day. If you can see the venue and spaces ahead of time, get familiar with how the couple interacts, what details need to be photographed, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Bridging the gap from low-budget to luxury:

• Bridge the gap from $300, $600, $1,200 weddings to $12,000 weddings by creating luxury editorials (or shooting really targeted, luxury workshops) to add to your portfolio so that you could show what you want to shoot.
• Say NO to jobs that don’t align with your dreams.
• When trying to get noticed by luxury planners, instead of going through the front door (sending emails, gifts, etc.), go through the back door and work with the vendors that work with them. Create content for their favorite florist and they’ll start sharing your images (assuming they’re great) and this will put you on the radar of the planners you strive to work with.
• Invest in education that helps you level-up, provide a higher level of experience, and positions you as an expert. Learn more about my signature photography course, The Profitable Portfolio!

How to stay relevant and in front of your clientele:

• Stay on top of where these people are spending their time
• Have relationships with past clients & vendors

Stay inspired & fresh with your work:

• Find inspiration from other places other than wedding photography.
• Start with the feeling you want to evoke, and go from there.
• Use your clients words about your work and brand to continue to build off of and create a signature look.

Lucy’s Gear Lineup:

Camera Bodies:

Contax 645

Fuji GFX

Sony

Canon 1V

Lenses:

Zeiss 80mm

Voigtlander 58mm

Film:

Fuji 400H – now Portra 400

Ilford

*PRO TIP: Spend a year shooting ONE kind of film in EVERY lighting scenario to get to really know it. You’ll never have to ask how to rate it again.

For more ways to listen to this episode – CLICK HERE!

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Take Your Portfolio from Mediocre to Masterpiece with The Profitable Portfolio