• 041 Wedding Recap: Associate shooting at Meredith Manor
    2026/05/06

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    Rain, tight timelines, and a sparkler exit under a wooden awning… what could go wrong?

    In this episode of A Second Helping... with Allison Barto, I’m breaking down a real spring wedding day from start to finish. From navigating a full Catholic timeline with no first look to problem-solving portraits in the rain, I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how we adjusted on the fly.

    Plus, we’re talking workflow, lighting in tricky reception spaces, and the reality of culling 7,500+ images after a long day.

    Oh, and wait until you hear about the flowers… grown by the couple’s former students.

    If you’ve ever had to pivot mid-wedding (so… all of us), this one’s for you.

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    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    45 分
  • 040 Wedding Recap: "The Rolls Royce caught on fire." at Spring Lake Golf Club
    2026/02/04

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    This episode is a full wedding-day recap from a wedding I associate shot in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and it’s one of those days that escalated quickly.

    Ten days before the wedding, the planner let me know the bride was thinking about cutting back coverage. The day of the wedding, the Rolls Royce they planned to use caught on fire. Yes, actually on fire.

    And at the ceremony, the bride was almost sent down the aisle before the groom!

    Despite all of that, the bride was lovely, had an amazing time, and the day came together beautifully at Spring Lake Golf Club. The sailcloth tent was stunning, the weather was perfect, and we wrapped all formal photos in 32 minutes flat.

    This is a real, behind-the-scenes wedding story about staying flexible, keeping your cool, and how even the most chaotic days can end up being genuinely great.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    37 分
  • 039 Chatting with Noah of Noah Stoner Films
    2025/08/13

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    In this episode of A Second Helping with Allison Barto, I’m joined by Noah of Noah Stoner Films to discuss his journey into videography, the challenges of shooting weddings, and his thoughts on the intersection of video and photography. Noah shares his early days in the industry, from awkward one-camera wedding shoots to learning the ropes by second shooting with other professionals. We dive into the evolving role of content creation, navigating the use of AI in editing, and the dynamics of working with photographers and other vendors. Plus, Noah opens up about what makes a great team dynamic and why it's crucial for videographers and photographers to communicate effectively on the wedding day. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just interested in the behind-the-scenes world of wedding filmmaking, this episode offers valuable insights into the art of capturing love on a wedding day.

    Tune in for tips, stories, and plenty of laughs!

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    1 時間 30 分
  • 038 Chatting with The Wedding Nanny NYC's Sandra Weir
    2025/07/30

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    On this episode of A Second Helping, I'm chatting with Sandra Weir, the founder of The Wedding Nanny NYC, a game-changing service that helps keep kids safe, happy, and entertained during weddings.

    Sandra launched her business less than two years ago and quickly gained national attention after one of her social media posts went viral. Since then, she’s been interviewed by The New York Times and has become a go-to resource for families and wedding pros alike.

    In our conversation, we talk about how The Wedding Nanny came to be, what her role looks like on a typical wedding day, and why more couples are embracing the idea of on-site childcare. We also dig into how Sandra works alongside planners, photographers, and other vendors to make the day run smoothly for everyone, including the tiniest guests.

    You can learn more about The Wedding Nanny at:
    👉 https://www.theweddingnannynyc.com/
    👉 https://www.instagram.com/theweddingnannynyc/

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    20 分
  • 037 Chatting with Taylor Brooke of Taylor Brooke Media
    2025/07/16

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    On this episode of A Second Helping, I’m joined by the multi-talented Taylor Brooke—founder of Taylor Brooke Media and host of the podcast Taylor Taylor Taylor Show. Taylor is a social media strategist and influencer consultant who helps brands and creators show up with confidence and clarity online.

    In this episode, Taylor and I talk about everything from her recent wedding to her “how hard can it be?” approach to career opportunities (spoiler: it once got her an internship she wasn’t even applying for). We discuss how she selected her wedding vendors, how she balances creativity and strategy in her work, one of her dream clients, and her podcast Taylor Taylor Taylor Show.

    You’ll also hear about her experience working in radio at WMMR, launching her podcast, and how she approaches social media from a place of authenticity and connection.

    Here’s where you can connect with Taylor:

    Instagram >> https://www.instagram.com/taylorbrookemedia/
    Podcast >> https://open.spotify.com/show/0q6UvQNEBKy4ixYo6LzYZI
    Website >> https://www.taylorbrookemedia.com/

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    53 分
  • 036 A Conversation with UK Wedding Photographer Adam Lowndes
    2024/04/10

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    On this episode of "A Second Helping," I'm speaking with the exceptionally talented wedding photographer, Adam Lowndes. Hailing from the UK, he is the creative force behind Adam Lowndes Photography. Beyond his remarkable photography skills, Adam is also an adept educator, sharing his expertise through engaging videos on Instagram under the handle adamlowndesphotography.

    Join me for a fun discussion with Adam Lowndes. Discover how Adam's journey began with his first photography gig in Pennsylvania, where he spent ten weeks as a sports photographer at a summer camp, as well as how he got started with wedding photography. We talk about how he uses his behind-the-scenes videos to educate and set expectations with clients. We'll also explore some of the nuances between wedding photography practices in the US and the UK.

    Adam shoots with a Nikon Z 8 and has two Z 6iis, as well as Godox flashes. You can check out his complete gear list below.

    Here you can check out his courses, his gear and his social media:

    Education >> https://www.adamlowndes.co.uk/education/

    Gear List >> https://www.adamlowndes.co.uk/education/equipment/

    TikTok >> https://www.tiktok.com/@adamlowndesphotography

    Instagram >> https://www.instagram.com/adamlowndesphotography/


    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    1 時間 4 分
  • 035 A Conversation with Haley McDevitt and When Photographers Should Leave Weddings
    2024/03/13

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    Welcome to another episode of "A Second Helping"! Today, I'm so excited to talk to the talented wedding photographer Haley McDevitt. She's the founder, owner, and lead photographer at the incredible Perennial Photography & Creative Studio. You may have seen her on Instagram under the handle Perennial Feels.

    Join me for a candid and insightful conversation with Haley McDevitt as we talk about the world of wedding photography, creative storytelling, and yes, a touch of controversy. This episode is for anybody who loves wedding photography.

    Whether you're an experienced second shooter or someone curious about this unique aspect of wedding photography, stay tuned for an engaging discussion that goes beyond the basics. Get ready for another serving of "A Second Helping" – the podcast that captures the essence of wedding photography through the lens of second shooters.

    Where to find Haley:
    @PERENNIALFEELS
    https://perennialfeels.com/

    Podcast mentioned: Shine + Thrive Podcast with Sara Monika
    https://www.saramonika.com/podcast

    Chloe, Client Experience Strategist for Dubsado and Honeybook:
    @itschloe.g


    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    1 時間 5 分
  • 034 A Conversation with Photographer Skyler Fiel and How He Shot 52 Paid Gigs Last Year
    2024/01/24

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    In today's episode, I converse with Skyler Fiel, a photographer based in the West Chester, PA area. Despite having considerable photography experience, Skyler set a goal last January—to secure 52 paid photography engagements by the year's end.

    Our discussion delves into his journey, starting with his role as an assistant and second shooter for weddings. Skyler has earned a reputation as a diligent worker, earning the admiration of his peers in the photography community.

    Skyler's path to securing assistant and second-shooting opportunities involves platforms like ShootWithMe, repeat bookings, and positive word of mouth. While he predominantly uses Sony cameras for his shoots, he remains undecided about the MagMod system.

    As of January 2024, Skyler boasts an impressive 5-star rating and has garnered 29 reviews on ShootWithMe. His profile proudly displays badges for being a "Favorited User," "Most Booked," "Repeat Hire," and "Top Reviewed Assistant."

    In addition to his professional achievements, Skyler shares a personal update—he's set to tie the knot this fall, and they're opting for a more intimate venue.

    For those interested in Skyler's work, you can explore his portfolio on Instagram: @theskylerfiel. The cover photos feature Allison, captured by Jackie Bayne of Love Shack Photo @loveshackphoto, and Skyler and his fiance, photographed by @juliaaingle.

    Support the show

    Thanks for listening!

    Email: Allison@AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Website: AllisonBartoPhotography.com

    Instagram: @Allison_Barto_Photos

    Photo credit for main podcast cover: David McShea of McShea Photography

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    1 時間 7 分