PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

PBX621: Lewis Fackrell – The Hybrid Advantage and Why Couples Want Photo and Video Together
Lewis Fackrell of www.lewisfackrell.co.uk is this week's interview guest, and I was looking forward to this, a little more than usual.
I first approached Lewis when I learned that he offered hybrid coverage for his wedding couples. At the time, I hadn't seen any of his videos and was more interested in the business side of how it all worked and how useful an interview would be for you, the listener.
Once I learned that he'd been shooting and offering hybrid coverage – both stills and video – for over six years and that his couples were receiving the combo well, we scheduled this interview.
It was only then I had a deeper look at his work and it's the first time since I stopped shooting weddings that I've thought how incredibly lucky we are to be invited in to capture these days for our clients.
I think that's a testament to the work I saw on today's guest website.
Then, after a little clicking and scrolling, I found his videos and wow, no wonder his couples love his approach.
He's combining world class photography with incredible video and beautiful editing to deliver a 3-5 minute highlights film that truly sucks you in.
There's one video in particular that surely must be a booking machine for him, which I'll ask about shortly.
In this interview, Lewis shares the BIG advantage of shooting and offering hybrid packages and why couples want photo and video together.
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
- Why offering both photography and video has become his edge — and why couples genuinely love it
- How shifting focus to the business side of hybrid shooting unlocked more bookings and higher sales
- The real reason couples don’t need convincing to say “yes” to video — and how he makes the decision feel easy
- His perfectionist workflow: 4 days, 5 hours a day, to craft each highlights film
- The behind-the-scenes strategy that lets him shoot both video and stills — solo
- Why the word “hybrid shooter” means nothing to clients — and what to say instead that resonates
- The upsell strategy that works: book photo first, then add video once trust is built
- How he's using gear (and clever setup hacks) to shoot seamlessly, capture real emotion, and keep things simple
- Why filming clients watching their own film has become his new secret weapon
- How the client experience starts with backups… and ends with a wow
- Why authenticity trumps perfection — and what’s working right now to boost credibility and trust
- His “Hybrid Playbook” — 70 lessons built for photographers who want to do this well
- The surprising way hybrid shooting leads to less burnout, more freedom, and more time with family
- Why Lewis is considering outsourcing editing — and how that’s about buying his weekends back
- The real reason hybrid isn’t just a trend — it’s the future of wedding photography (if you choose to adapt)
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Lewis shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the member's FB Group. What are your takeaways? What do you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode?
Well, initially, it's photography that's always my priority, especially throughout the day. And I always make it absolutely clear that I'm a photographer first, and then I add highlights, video clips afterwards. – Lewis Fackrell
If you have any questions I missed or a specific question you’d like to ask Lewis or if you want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to comment inside the Members FB Group, too.
PhotoBizX Premium Membership Holiday Special!It's rare to see a special price for the Premium Membership but there's one available for you until Monday, June 30th 2025.
Why the special?
Because it's holiday time (I'm in Spain and off to France) and there's no better reason to celebrate!
The 12-Month Premium Membership is normally $200… NOW $120… https://photobizx.com/holidayspecial
This is the lowest price you'll ever find for a 12-month membership.
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iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
I check for new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive them… for several reasons.
Firstly, it confirms that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!
One of the most important things you need to do is know your camera inside out, upside down, back to front sort of thing. – Lewis Fackrell
Secondly, iTunes and Google are the biggest search engines for podcasts, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.
If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help both me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.
Not only is it easier for me to book new couples, but by adding on, I charge 900 pounds for the highlights film, for the hybrid highlights film, and so that's added on. Essentially, it's 100% profit. – Lewis Fackrell
Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.
Here is the latest review…
★★★★★ I've learnt Soooo much!
Via Google by Geneva pet photographer Heather in Switzerland, on June 12th, 2025.
The best summation as a reason why you should join this group. It's not just Andrew's brilliant podcasts, but all the special training sessions from various experts in the field, that make it absolutely invaluable.
I've learnt Soooo much from this group, from their experts, their training, the podcasts and from other photographers who I now count as friends….and I know that as long as I'm in business, then I'll be part of this group, as there is always so much more that we don't know and NEED to learn.
So thanks, Andrew, for having me on the group and for all the training courses, which are absolutely top-notch.
Heather (Mont Blanc Photography).
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
The Hybrid Playbook – Online Course for Wedding Photographers
TX660 Digital Voice Recorder TX Series
The main reason is because I stand out in a crowded market. In a sea full of photographers, I'm there just saying, “Hey. Well, I can do both for you, and it's cheaper,” which is normally the main priority for couples. – Lewis Fackrell
Thank you!Big thanks to Lewis for jumping on the mic and sharing so openly. Loved hearing how he’s built a streamlined, profitable business by doubling down on what couples actually want — and making it all look effortless. Hope this one sparked a few ideas (or a full-on inspiration) for your own photography business.
The key to hybrid is speed and communication. – Lewis Fackrell
That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks, and speak soon
Andrew
The post PBX621: Lewis Fackrell – The Hybrid Advantage and Why Couples Want Photo and Video Together appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.