NineDots: The DotCast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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 Ministry of Sound, warming up the main stage of GlobalGathering for The Prodigy, or DJing for brands like MTV, Adidas, Red Bull, Nike, Facebook, Coca Cola and Mercedes! He's the master of the dancefloor and making people happy! 

In this conversation with Rahul, Santero discusses addiction, creativity, freelancing, and how Santero turned his passion into a successful full-time career!

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

Support the show

Support the show

In this episode we welcome the amazing Nadia Meli to the DotCast! Nadia is a presenter at this year's NineDots Gathering, and we quiz her on her approach to goal setting and future planning. Andy updates you on his quest to be the king of honey, and that time he (maybe) wrote a song about Adam. No Rahul again this week but he'll be back soon!

The DotCast is the podcast of NineDots, the greatest wedding photography community on earth, led and curated by Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona.

Support the show

In this episode we discuss the craze of delivering ultra-quick edited previews to your wedding couples, whether it's a good thing for mental health or your art, whether it's demanded by the current generation, whether it affects business and why people do it!

The DotCast is the podcast of NineDots, the greatest wedding photography community on earth, led and curated by Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona.

London Wedding Photographer - Rahul Khona Instagram | Website
York Wedding Photographer - Andy Gaines Instagram | Website

Support the show

In this episode we are without Rahul Khona but Adam Johnson and Andy Gaines are joined by the first ever guest on the DotCast, our friend Isabelle Hattink from Rotterdam in The Netherlands. In a quick-fire 30 minutes(ish) we talk about Dutch new year traditions, using the new year impetus to start your off-season planning, and somehow we end up talking about soft drink addiction and bee-keeping too.

Thanks so much to Isabelle for joining us on the inaugural DotCast of 2020 - you can and should check out Isabelle's work here: https://www.fotobelle.com/

The DotCast is the podcast of NineDots, the greatest wedding photography community on earth, led and curated by Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona.

Support the show

We talk about the professional photographer's curse of never taking enough photos of your personal lives! How many photos we've taken this Christmas and during 2019, and how we think you can make sure you take more. Plus we discuss the concept of practice as a photographer and some other stuff like when Adam Johnson lost all the photos of a trip him and Andy Gaines went on to Seville... on and Rahul Khona's Christmas present...

The DotCast is the podcast of NineDots, the greatest wedding photography community on earth, led and curated by Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona.

Support the show

A new podcast from the founders of NineDots - the greatest wedding photography community on earth. In this episode we introduce NineDots and ourselves - Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona as your hosts of this: The NineDots Podcast, aka the DotCast. We also discuss the novelty factor in wedding photography and some of our opinions on the key to longevity in the industry!

The DotCast is the podcast of NineDots, the greatest wedding photography community on earth, led and curated by Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines and Rahul Khona.

Support the show

"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 challenges to uncovering unexpected joys, our guests share the lessons they'd impart to their younger selves if starting again in today’s world.
 
 Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your photography adventure, "Starting Smarter" offers insights, inspiration, and advice to help you thrive in the ever-changing wedding photography industry.
 
 Today's guest is: Rutland Wedding Photographer: Amanda Forman

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

Join AfterShoot and let the magical unicorns do the work for you! Aftershoot has changed our lives! Sign up to day here!     

Support the show

Support the show

"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 challenges to uncovering unexpected joys, our guests share the lessons they'd impart to their younger selves if starting again in today’s world.
 
 Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your photography adventure, "Starting Smarter" offers insights, inspiration, and advice to help you thrive in the ever-changing wedding photography industry.
 
 Today's guest is: Sheffield Wedding Photographer - Nate Dainty

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

Join AfterShoot and let the magical unicorns do the work for you! Aftershoot has changed our lives! Sign up to day here!     

Support the show

Support the show