A Bride and Groom who demand a 100% photojournalistic approach

<p>Thanks, Steve! You're right - it's my first season shooting weddings, and I haven't yet implemented a system of online galleries for proofing. That's why when it comes to 'upselling,' the frustration comes from having to process those shots. I just don't know what the best way to go is, and whether I should sell digital files or prints... </p>

<p>I've just switched to Zenfolio after a long stint with Pictage (which I would not recommend). With Zenfolio, you can sell a whole host of photo prints and products as well as selling digital downloads of individual images and can set any price you wish, and any level of usage rights you wish. The profits are way better on Zenfolio and you don't have to fulfill a thing. All you need is to collect e-mail addresses of guests and invite them. Makes it easy to get those after-event sales to friends and family. Not that there are many, but...</p>

<p>Katya,<br>

The objective here (assuming that this is business and not a hobby) is to derive as much income as you possible can. One approach is to offer the digital files for sale, but then discount that price based on print and album sales. If you structure this properly and make it look attractive to your customer, everyone can benefit....-Aimee</p>

<p>Steve, having a preference for on style over the other does not really say anything about a photog's ability and communication skills. Just because one prefers the PJ approach does not mean that one fears posing or dreads dealing with people. A candid shot can say a lot more than a pretty posed picture. You are still in search of the right angle, composition, lighting and mood but you are in the backroound. The anticipation, reading the subject, and finding the right moment is what brings an image to life. Posed shots can be creative but more time is spent being a director or a creator of an emotion than being able to capture the moment as it occurs naturally. It's like comparing Yervant with Joe Buissink. They each have very different styles but they are both extremely talented. Yervant likes to pose and prompt while Joe prefers to be in the shadows looking for the right image. Joe is not any less creative than Yervant. Don't confuse our statements by inferring that we don't like posing, but at times one just wants to watch things as they unfold naturally. It's all just a matter of preference and style.</p>

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<p>"Just because one prefers the PJ approach does not mean that one fears posing or dreads dealing with people."</p>

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<p> I never said they did. I only said one could conclude from that statement a dislike for doing formals or dealing with people. I didn't blanket the statement over everyone, but merely suggested that it could show an underlying preference. And if it does, in the case of any given photographer, then the rest of what I said would apply as my opinion.</p>

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<p>"Joe is not any less creative than Yervant." </p>

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<p> I never said he was. I like and respect them both. I personally like to shoot in both styles.</p>

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<p>"Don't confuse our statements by inferring that we don't like posing, but at times one just wants to watch things as they unfold naturally. It's all just a matter of preference and style."</p>

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<p>Don't confuse my statements as applying to everyone who'd rather shoot an all PJ wedding. Again, see my statement above. Don't confuse my personal opinions as factual declarations. They are my OPINIONS, based on my experience and thoughts. And others have their opinions to share as well.</p>

<p>Well, I just wanted to say thank you for your support on this huge question. You gave me so much to chew on and think about.<br>

The best advice was :<br>

1. Be clear in the contract on the couple's wishes for no formal photographs.<br>

2. Talk to another WPJA member, about how they do things and what they would do in this situation.<br>

3. The Bride and Groom are my boss.<br>

4. Loosen up, and have fun.<br>

5. Check in a week before...just in case they change their minds on the four standards of formals.<br>

The Bride and Groom are heavily involved in theatre/production. They prefaced everything with the fact that they are in the business of making things appear real, when really they're acting or posing...so I get the background of why they are asking what they are asking for. They don't want creative posed shots even. They just want their photos to be real and without intervention of any kind.<br>

I will have a second shooter on hand who is completely aware of what the B&G want. I'm even insisting that he meet with them way ahead if time.<br>

When I talked to the WPJA member, he said, have a little talk with the bridal party ahead of time, "I've been hired to be as photojournalistic as possible. Just forget I'm here and have fun. Don't worry about smiling at the camera and posing. Just relax and enjoy your day."<br>

The MOB and FOB are from Europe so I won't be able to be in touch with them as they speak another language too.<br>

They are totally fine with flash which I am thankful for. Phew :)<br>

I'll let you know how it goes.<br>

Once again, I just wanted to say thanks for all your great advice in this forum!</p>

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<p>Glad it is you,, I am too old school to do it !!</p>