susan_flewelling

I would probably tell them I couldn't save their date and then in a week say that someone else did book the date. It is a little bit easier than saying you are a bit of a freak and I am rethinking this whole thing. It makes it more about facts then personality or work or anything else, plus it is pretty non confrontational. Sometimes you have to watch out what a bride jilted will do to your rep.

It seems to me that the two cities you are now looking into are the two most expensive places to live in the US. I hope that you have done your research on cost of living. With that said I think that you have to decide what type of work you would rather do. I believe that New York would be very commercial. You would get a lot of model portfolios, commercial and so forth. Of course you would receive a lot of commercial in San Fransisco but it isn't quite the hub of fashion that New York is. Either way though I can't see how one city would be better over the other. There are clients willing to pay big bucks in both areas, because everything is so high. If I were you I would weigh cost of living before I made my decision. Good luck!!

Well I do not think this is a good practice BUT I did hear of a very reputable photographer that gave his planner a BMW! He leased it and said that it was worth it as long as she continued to send the work. So I think in the long run the planners do get paid to send clients to a business whether it is cash or not they are getting a kickback. I prefer not to work with planners though because of that reason, plus I want things MY WAY! Heehee just kidding, sort of.

I like number 2. I think they are all great!!

Oh, I forgot to mention the most interesting thing was the first wedding and everyone looked half bored and uninterested but he came up with the most amazing stuff by just moving super quick, fantastic!! It is something to pull out the work he did with the subjects looking the way they did. Of course they were gorgeous and the wedding was in Malibu, not quite your typical wedding. But this is Joe Bussink we are talking about.

There is a really nice one by Joe Buissink that I saw. It goes through the wedding day as he shoots and works with his assistant (by the way the assistant holds his cameras and gives him lenses and thats it!) Then it takes it a step further and goes into a meeting with a bride and how he answers questions, setup for the consult ect.

 

I would recommend it.

Oh and yes location is a big one (going right now to check that) and totally agree with only your best work (also one I am slacking on). But designs that are easy to navigate and not to busy or dated!

I disagree with Steven. You want people to know your ballpark so they know they either can or cannot afford it. Although giving them prices doesn't get them to take the step and contact you. Once you have their contact info you can market to them accordingly. It's a Wed in the middle of January, maybe your prices change. Maybe you have shot at their location before and you can send them some images or a digital design. Either way it is even good to see where your clients are coming from. The BIGGEST reason is you want to sell them on great images and then on price. If emotion is guiding their pocket books they will be willing to spend more $$$$.

Yes I also had to say no more Sunday shooting. I will occasionally book a consult for Sunday morning (no later than noon). But I don't go out and shoot unless it is a wedding. I get Saturdays off every once in a while it they need a weekend or they have to take a little time off during the week. Also I never shoot on holidays or holiday weekends (except weddings of course). I need time off with my family, my kids are both in school and my husband is gone 12 hours every day during the week. If you tell people your policy they will work around it. I don't think I have lost any business because I don't shoot on Sunday or just tell them you are not available. Although it seems like you have come up with a good compromise

Hey guys thanks for the help. It really was very helpful. I like the idea of a business plan specific to a photographer. So much in business doesn't really work for our line. I appreciate your feedback. Susan

I think carnations remind people of funerals. I did think about her just upselling but then I found out is was just a consult and I think she may have lost this bride (January wedding as well which are a little harder to come by). So I hope the bride takes her advice but either way we will make them look great!!

I always hire people who have their own businesses. I guess I look at it differently. If they are competent enough to be doing it on their own then they can work with me. I do little training of assistants any more and usually hire assistants who can function as well as if not better than me. If someone needs a bit of a learning curve I will definately do that but I want someone who has been around the block a couple of times.

I love Grant Oaks. I lived in Denver for 12 years before moving to So California. He does have a lot of very valuable information and he should be super willing to help you with any questions. He has always been very receptive and willing to share everything that makes him great (which is what makes him great). If you go say hi to Grant for me!! By the way his quality is fantastic so that shouldn't be a problem.

I don't know it does seem like a lot. I am doing a trash the dress session later this month with two photographers though. We will be spending about three hours on the session as well, so I guess it depends on the couple. Just go with it and see how it turns out. Good luck!!

Love the vignetting. Love the point of view. I think with these kinds of shots that are a bit stronger you can get away with a stronger vignette and a stronger saturation. I do agree with the second shot the turbine is not really helpful in the photo it is more distracting. But very good shots- Love it.

So I got an email this morning from my bride for January and this is what it

said.

 

Hi Susan,

How are you? So I went to meet with a florist and I personally like

carnations. I don't know why people don't like carnations. So then a funny

thing happened, and the florist asked who my photographer was and I told her.

The florist said oh no, I can't use carnations when you have that level of

photographer that does many weddings around here. The florist said she has a

reputation to uphold and she wouldn't want pictures getting out that she used

carnations.

I guess if I didn't have such a high level of photographer (you), then I

could have carnations. LOL Who knew? I didn't know that my photographer

choice would affect my choices in flowers. ha, ha

 

Thanks,

Darvie

 

 

Had anyone else had this happen? I have to admit this was the first time. I

just laughed and laughed. I guess other vendors worry about quality as much

as we do...

 

Thought you guys would appreciate a little humor. Susan

Well I would say when I get into a funk I do what you did and ask other photographers. I really start diving into other peoples work to get some creative ideas (not to copy just to start the juices flowing to the brain). I would go to a group (or start one) with some peers and give each other assignments to work on. Example would be to shoot through something, to do a reflection, to catch a raw emotion, to show shallow depth of field. You will get great ideas and you will feel excitement again to catch a great shot. Lastly (I did do this a while ago). Hire someone to be you and to shoot the wedding as a second. Try to push yourself to really be creative and it will work. Or if you don't feel comfortable with that volunteer with a peers wedding and shoot second for them. Just make sure you have no actual responsibilities and you can be free (Hallmark sounding I realize but go with it). Just a few things to help by the way I have used all the advise above. I have done this seven years and every year I need a little boost every now and again.

Hi there:

 

I was putting together a guide for new wedding photographers and I was hoping

you could help me. I would appreciate all your input on this project...

 

First off if you are new to the business what is your primary concern about at

this time, albums, pricing, image, posing, advertising, or something else?

 

Second is if what kind of training do you have and how many weddings have you

shot at this point?

 

Third is have you purchased any sort of book, guide, or DVD to help you get

started? Would you purchase something if you thought it would help you get

started?

 

Fouth and last question is in your location what is your perception of what a

wedding photographer can expect to make in 1 year after starting. 5 years,

then 10 years. Please let me know your location as well if that is ok.

 

Thanks everyone, this project is in the super beginning phase for me and I

appreciate all your help. I am not sure if I will continue with it or not but

I will be very appreciative of your answers. Thanks again!!

Here is one inside a church, you have to love the 2.8 aperture

I like using architecture in the fisheye things to frame things. I also like to use the fisheye to do pictures of room setups.

i always start with one big layout of the bride and groom alone and then go as the day goes. If we do all the photos first then I put them all first. The only thing I will change is if we do groomsmen before and bridesmaids after then I may just put those together. Then usually the last page is another big spread of the bride and groom walking away or dancing or something.

Well besides the client liking you almost every organization holds contests as well. Like WPPI and PPA and WPJA. Normally you don't win that much it is more for the prestige.

Wow thanks guys!

Also any information on the expo in Texas? We are looking to do something besides Vegas this year. Thanks everyone!!

Really bad funny!!! Sorry not much advice maybe a call to the BBB!