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Shady
Joined: 22 Mar 2007
Posts: 21
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 Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject: HOW TO: Sell Yourself As Well As Photography! |
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One major error I notice for first time wedding photographers is that they emphasize the photography to much and ignore the personal side of the business.
A wedding is a social gathering where people from all walks of life and all demographics meet to celebrate a special bond between two common people!
In order to be successful you need to control a presence at the event and know how to socially fit in. After all, very few people know ALOT about photography but EVERYONE knows a lot about personal traits.
TIPS:
-When you sit down with the bride and groom learn about their hobbies and past times. Every member of the wedding will be similar to the bride and groom in some sort of way (after all the guest have to have met them somehow!). Before the wedding learn a little bit about the past times and involvements the bride and groom have (just a couple quick facts about their employment, sports, cities etc.) so while you are at the wedding you always have a conversation starter. After all a major indicator of success is how well you fit in!
-*Dress 2 Impress* When you go to a job your personal hygiene is essential. Make sure you have a full understanding of the venue and dress accordingly! If the wedding is outdoors don’t forget to check the weather! If you have not heard of the wedding location before make sure to do research in order to find out the typical dress associated! And most importantly when you go to a wedding ALWAYS bring a second change of clothes (DRESS "2" IMPRESS)! You never know when someone might spill something or in case you get rather sweaty from running around and snapping photos (it may even be a good idea to bring along deodorant and cologne)!
-In 2000, first-time brides were 31.7 years old, while grooms proclaimed their first marriage vows at an average age of 34.3. (http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/marriage/) . Keep this in mind. Brides and Grooms are not as young as they used to be!!!!
-Work on your handshake! There is nothing worse than a limp, overly firm or sweaty handshake.. A wedding is a social event...You will possibly be shaking many hands.
-Read a joke book! Nothing makes people warm up to you faster than a couple quick (BUT VERY APPROPRITE AND POLITICALLY CORRECT) jokes. Humor can help ease the tension of this stressful day and make the atmosphere more relaxed (both during the wedding and while arranging the plans with the bride and groom).
-Be sure to listen to both the Bride and Groom equally when making arrangements. They may have extremely differing views on what they want and expect. Treat them as INDIVIDUALS rather than as a unit.
-Send the bride and groom a card of congratulations upon completion of the wedding. This will be a gesture that can nicely tie up your experience with the couple. Include a business card inside the envelope as this will ensure they have your contact information to forward to their friends.
Everything you do must be done with confidence in order for people to take you seriously.
At the end of the day everyone can take pictures (obviously some better than others) but what really sets wedding photographers apart is their ability to put both the bride and groom at ease so they can have no worries and be in an ultimate state of comfort during this very special day in their life.
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March 25, 2007. Shady. WeddingPhotographersForum.com |
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QuickSnap
Joined: 27 Mar 2007
Posts: 23
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| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:42 am Post subject: |
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| Shady is very right with this post....A very large part of the job is not only taking great photos but adding to the wedding as a whole...Great Post!! |
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Russ Lowe
Joined: 09 May 2007
Posts: 40
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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| Great advice. I agree. Too many photographers worry so much about the photography side of the business that they forget that there is a business" side as well. They need to work on salesmanship as well as other presentation skills. A client hires you not only for your photography skills but also for how well you present yourself. Nobody wants a grumpy, shoddy looking photographer at their wedding. Work on those things as well and you'll get a lot more clients! |
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