Podcast Summary: The Heart & Hustle Podcast

Episode 467: Are we in the DARK AGES!? James Broadbent, CEO of Narrative CHALLENGES Our Editing Workflow
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Guest: James Broadbent, CEO of Narrative
Release Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this energetic and candid episode, Evie and Lindsey enter the proverbial "boxing ring" with James Broadbent, CEO of Narrative and acclaimed elopement photographer. The debate centers on the future of photographers' editing workflows, with James challenging the hosts—self-confessed users of aging culling software—to seriously consider the jump to AI-powered tools. The result is a lively discussion, ripe with practical insights, pointed questions about technology, and thought-provoking challenges to long-standing habits in the creative entrepreneur space.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing James Broadbent and Narrative

• Background: James shares his experience as a destination and elopement photographer, detailing his journey from shooting weddings worldwide, particularly in New Zealand, to founding Narrative in 2018.
  • "I was a wedding photographer myself, was part of the duo behind the brand Chase Wild... used to split my time between New Zealand and Europe." (05:04)
• Narrative Overview: Narrative is described as the fastest-growing AI culling and editing tool for photographers, enabling users to sort and edit their images rapidly and in line with personalized editing styles.

2. How Narrative Works: AI-Powered Culling & Editing

• Workflow Explanation: James walks through the Narrative software's process—from import, automatic analysis (blinks, focus, expression, grouping images into scenes), to integration with Lightroom and ongoing learning of each user’s editing style.
  • "AI is... analyzing every single photo... helps you find your best images faster." (07:52)
  • "It groups similar sets of images... reordering those scenes putting what the AI thinks is the best at the top and least desirable images at the bottom." (09:33)
• Creative Control: The software is designed for flexibility—photographers can lean on the AI's recommendations but maintain full authority to review as little or as much as they wish.
  • "The photographer has to be involved in the process of selecting the images..." (24:01)
• Editing Integration: The AI learns from the user’s previous Lightroom edits, predicts adjustments, and applies them before the photographer opens Lightroom.
  • "When you open Lightroom, it's already edited... AI learns all of those really specific nuances..." (15:09)

3. Debating Old vs. New: The Hosts' Resistance to Change

• Confessions from Lindsey & Evie: Both hosts humorously admit to still using Photo Mechanic, a much older, non-AI culling tool, despite having access to Narrative’s blogging tools.
  • "We both use Photo Mechanic... I feel like about it being like started in the 80s..." (18:35)
• Stubbornness & Comfort Zones: The core of their hesitation is comfort, workflow familiarity, and the fact that Photo Mechanic was a one-time purchase.
  • "I've just never been incentivized to switch over..." (19:39)
• James’ Challenge: James pushes the argument that, especially as educators, they have a responsibility to stay current with cutting-edge tools to best serve their audience.
  • "You have an obligation to use the latest camera and to know if it's better and to tell your listeners." (40:04)

4. Addressing Common Objections & Misconceptions

• Cost vs. Value: The hosts press James on Narrative’s subscription model. He argues the time saved vastly outweighs the cost—even for part-time shooters.
  • "How much do you value your, your one hour of time?" (41:42)
  • "What's $10 a month when you're making an extra three thousand dollar booking every month..." (43:02)
• AI and Artistry: Lindsey raises industry grumblings that using AI—especially for editing—diminishes one's status as a 'true artist.'
  • James counters: "Look at history... Every time we create a new technology, there is an audience of people who are like...‘that’s not true photography’... This is just how technology evolves." (46:48)
• Creative Possibilities: Rather than diminish creativity, AI can enhance it, freeing more time and energy for the photographer to focus on craft, advanced retouching, or business growth.
  • "I'm delivering work that is significantly better than if I wasn't using AI." (48:50)

5. Practical Details & User Experience

• Speed & Accessibility: Narrative operates locally (no cloud upload needed), is faster than Photo Mechanic, and gives instant access to images.
  • "We built this product... needed to be at least as fast, if not faster than Photo Mechanic..." (21:03)
• Learning Curve: James reassures that the initial transition is simple, and the workflow closely mirrors photographers’ existing culling habits.
  • "It should be very, very simple... we've intentionally tried to create a workflow that isn't significantly different..." (55:00)
• Backup from Real Users: James shares an encouraging story of a user overwhelmed with backlog, for whom Narrative was truly transformative.
  • "Literally in tears, just trying to tell us, I'm so thankful you created this product..." (45:34)
• Pricing: Starts at $10/month, with frequent updates and support.
  • "It’s a subscription product. It starts from $10 a month and we are pushing updates to the product currently every two weeks." (35:23)

6. Industry Implications & The Future

• The AI Imperative: James predicts that those refusing to adopt AI tools will be left behind—not by the AI, but by people who use it to become more efficient and deliver better work.
  • "AI is not going to take your job, but somebody using it will..." (49:14)
• Hosts’ Takeaways: Evie and Lindsey find themselves slowly convinced, reflecting that the biggest hurdle is simply the friction of change, not the product’s effectiveness.
  • "I am sitting here with about four weeks left of work...and I am stressed about the amount of galleries... maybe now is the time..." (57:00)
  • "James Broadbent has won. Unfortunately or fortunately. Actually, probably for us." (58:17)
• Narrative’s Growth & Roadmap: James reviews the tool’s rapid growth and his passion for continuously improving the photographer’s workflow.
  • "I'm very, very passionate about, about the space, about solving these problems for photographers... there's some really, really big improvements and updates coming later this year..." (59:29 & 60:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stubbornness:
  • “We are possibly stuck in the dark ages with some of the softwares that we're currently using.” – Abby (01:07)
• On Creative Control:
  • “An AI assisted workflow that allows you to maintain creative control.” – James (29:03)
• When Challenged to Uplevel:
  • “You have an obligation to use the latest camera and to know if it's better and to tell your listeners.” – James (40:04)
• On AI and Creativity:
  • “I'm delivering work that is significantly better than if I wasn't using AI.” – James (48:50)
• On the Future:
  • “AI is not going to take your job, but somebody using it will.” – James (49:14)
• Hosts' Moment of Defeat (and Growth!):
  • “James Broadbent has won. Unfortunately or fortunately. Actually, probably for us.” – Abby (58:17)
  • “Let’s be real, guys, there’s no winners or losers. You’re the winner if you start winning back your time.” – James (58:45)

Important Timestamps

• 05:04 – James introduces himself and his background in photography.
• 07:52 – Explaining Narrative’s AI culling and editing features in depth.
• 18:34 – Hosts admit to being “dinosaurs” with their workflow.
• 24:01 – Discussion on the necessity of human involvement in AI culling.
• 29:03 – How Narrative preserves creative control for photographers.
• 40:04 – James challenges hosts’ (and educators’) responsibility to stay current.
• 43:02 – Cost vs. value in choosing AI tools.
• 45:34 – Real-life story: Narrative helps a photographer overcome overwhelming backlog.
• 46:48 – Addressing the “AI isn’t art” argument.
• 49:14 – The industry shifts and future of AI in photography.
• 57:00 – Hosts consider finally switching in light of their own impending deadlines.

Resources & Links

• Narrative Website: narrative.so
• Instagram: @narrativeapp

Conclusion

The episode was an entertaining and educational "showdown" between tradition and innovation in photography post-production. While Evie and Lindsey came in skeptical and comfortable in their old workflows, James’ explanations, challenges, and real-world success stories made a compelling case. The conversation wasn’t just about software—it was about the necessity of embracing new tools, the evolving definition of artistry, and the future-proofing of creative businesses. If you’re a photographer curious or hesitant about AI, this episode offers both the hard truths and encouraging insight you need before making the leap.

For listeners ready to upgrade, check the episode’s show notes for a special Narrative discount!

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