twatkinson

<p>Do you show them examples from past sessions (or photo shoots of friends modelling for you) that reflect your style and what you'd LIKE to shoot? Do you give them any kind of info before hand? (what to expect? location ideas? what to wear?) For a lot of our clients, they don't do this every weekend, and they don't spend their week nights blog-stalking other photographers. They're just not up on what's in (and what's out - hello selective colouring), so they need to be walked through everything. We include an engagement session with our wedding coverage and almost all of our clients really get into it. But I also talk about how fun it is, how it's a chance to show off the real you, and how us getting a chance to play around together before hand leads to better pictures on the actual day of the wedding. Just my 2 cents!</p>

<p>Here's one of mine :)</p>

<p><img src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6496_139266559413_625284413_3348648_3451920_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="401" /></p>

<p>1st I would suggest you google "Huddersfield + wedding photography" and get your name on EVERY listing you can. 2nd Leave business cards around wherever you can, network with other photographers (host a get together) and wedding vendors (stop by, introduce yourself, compliment, leave cards). <br>

I think if you're comfortable with your pricing, leave it how it is, I don't think having low prices is driving customers away. <br>

Also, don't loose heart, it's the middle of wedding season not booking season. You may get <em>some</em> inquiries but I'm sure come Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb you'll be getting much more. </p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

<p>I'd crop it a little tighter so it's just the bride and groom and I don't like how groom is looking at someone else. For a display shot I would say no. Not because of the finger or the expressions (I'd be willing to bet this is ends up being one of their favs as it's probably really "them"). The reason I say no (besides the reasons above), is because this doesn't look like something you set up but more something that happened and you just managed to grab a decent shot of it. Decent, not display worthy. The chopped off shoulders and bouquet are also kind of bugging me and would keep me from using this as a display shot. </p>

<p>To answer your question, yes you should get a web page. As Jen said, our generation (presumably your target clients, the twenty to thirty somethings) look online first. I don't even remember the last time I cracked open the yellow pages. If a photographer didn't have a site with a portfolio and enough basic info (contact info, area you service and price range) I would keep looking. </p>

<p>Here's my experience. After doing a couple weddings for friends I was playing around on my mac and the iWeb program that came with it, and put together a basic site in about 2-3 hours. I posted a link on ONE (free) directory/listing of wedding photographers in my area. Soon after I started receiving inquires and booked 18 weddings my first year. My second year I am completely booked through to October 2009 and have some bookings for 2010. I have also turned down multiple inquiries for dates that have already been booked. I don't do any other advertising besides this and word of mouth. MOST of my clients found me through the online directory and my website prompted them to contact me.</p>

<p>Since my first mac site I've updated to a more professional looking site by CMD. I purchased the template (on sale) for $150. Hosting for the first year was free ($200/yr after that) and domain registration through godaddy was like 10 bucks. Right now CMD (creative motion design) has a sale on - 50% off everything. You can check out my site if you'd like: <a href="http://watkinsonwedding.com">http://www.watkinsonwedding.com</a> I also like having my portfolio, contact info and client proofing/ordering all in one location. Like Paul said though, there are LOTS of other companies out there that offer site templates and hosting. </p>

<p>Not sure where you're at, but it's hard to get referrals when you haven't done a lot of business. The majority of my business comes from my web page (like 90%). I'm also in a totally different market so I think that makes a difference. </p>

<p>I use MPIX for coffee table albums and Bon Match for flush mount albums. Wild Magnolia is another one that lets you design your own. Pretty sure Fiano does too. </p>

<p>I was just rereading what I wrote, and I don't think I make myself clear on the whole "quantity/quality" issue. Obviously I don't think you should give the couple anything less than your best work. But if you normally produce 300 QUALITY images for 3 hours of coverage, I think you'll only have headaches if you tell the bride "I'm only going to give you 150 images because you didn't pay full price." </p>

<p>Also, I don't think this is a goodwill issue. You're running a business, right? Goodwill or charity is when you give products and/or services to someone who otherwise can't afford them because you feel they deserve it (for whatever reason). A discount is what you give a potential client, who can afford your services, to seal the deal. If you're giving a discount you should still be making enough to cover your costs and make a profit (even if it is a <i>little</i> less than you would normally make) without sacrificing the level of quality you normally deliver. This couple is asking for a DISCOUNT, not goodwill or charity. How low can you go so that you a) don't sacrifice quality and b) still make enough to cover your costs and pay yourself?</p>

<p>

<p>Everyone's on a tight budget. If they want your services, than the price is $XXX. If they want reduced coverage for a reduced price, that's up to you, but don't reduce quality. As mentioned above, people will see them and it will be YOUR name on them. Also keep in mind, this bride is expecting your usual amount of images for 3 hours coverage. Give her less and again, it's YOUR name being spread around as the photographer that ripped of the bride. When she tells everyone she only got 100 photos she's not going to mention that they were really great photos or that she only paid a fraction of the regular price. </p>

<p>I can't speak for others, but wedding photography is my only source of income. It seems to me that somewhere along the line the OP's question ("what type of reference material do you bring with you to a wedding?") got confused with "is it ok to check my manual at dinner to figure out what this button does?" If having a cheat sheet or ipod with some inspiration help you do your job better then go ahead and don't worry for one second what a few other photographers on photo.net may think of you. </p>

<p>PS - Jerry's pic pockets (which will be available for ipods and iphones soon) and the photographer's toolkit look book are both very popular and used by a number of people who shoot professionally. </p>

<blockquote>

<p>no one, in any profession (doctors, engineers, pilots included), can say they are 100% prepared for 100% of the things they may encounter</p>

</blockquote>

<p>All of my lists, cheat sheets, manuals and other various paperwork give me the confidence i need to FEEL 100% prepared. When I feel prepared I can breeze through the day, allow my creativity to flow freely and generally perform to the best of my ability. All because I KNOW I have a backup plan. I've encountered plenty of things I didn't expect, but because I was prepared I was confident, and because I was confident I had no problem handling the situation. I still say if it works for you, go with it. </p>

<p>Has anyone ever had an error message show up they weren't familiar with? It was nice having my manual in my car so I could do a quick check and quickly fix the problem. Did the client ever know? Nope. Did I look any less professional? Nope. I don't think Danzel is talking about learning to use a camera during a wedding (at least I hope not!) But more like a surgeon's library of medical text books in his office or the data base of reference material available to the pilot from air control.</p>

<p>Besides my manual, other reference material I usually bring along: Lookbook, my own photo ideas (printed out 12/sheet - like my own lookbook, but an ipod would be even better), copy of the contract, info list (includes names, addresses, phone #s, special requests from the couple, times, etc.) and any notes I've made about the site, the couple, photo ideas. Most of this info is reviewed in the days before the wedding, at the rehearsal and on the way to the site on the day of. Rarely do I pull ANY of it out during the actual wedding, but it is comforting to know it's there and my assistant really appreciates having all the info she might need handy. </p>

<p>All that being said, I'm a compulsive list maker. Making lists, writing it down and reading it helps me commit it to memory. Not everyone is like that. I'm guessing Kat is more of a tactile learner which may be why she has a hard time seeing how having lists & "cheat sheets" around could be beneficial. In the end, if clients are happy with both the photographer and the photos, neither way is WRONG, just different. </p>

<p>Anything with the two of them snuggled in close would work too:</p>

<p><img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v358/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1479383_4326.jpg" alt="" width="402" height="604" /></p>

<p>Here's one of mine:<br>

<img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v346/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1505663_1766.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="404" /></p>

<p> </p>

<p>nice job pete</p>

<p>This has been posted lots (and even just a few days ago). Try doing a search.</p>

<p>"A DJ may find themselves with requests for rap music and that is what they will need to provide their clients. Many clients want edgier images based on what they see in the magazines they read or the video games they play. "Straight" photography is great for fine art photographers but anyone shooting weddings for people in their twenties and thirties needs to make an adjustment." </p>

<p>Sorry Bruce, but I totally have to disagree. When shown an image that has been processed to look edgy just for the sake of looking edgy and an image that elicits an emotional response, the image that draws out an emotional response will win out every time. It's also the image that will stand the test of time and in 20, 30 or 50 years later will still look amazing instead of dated. </p>

<p>Also, the services a DJ provides can't compare to what photographers provide. If you hired a live rock band for your reception because you liked their sound and what they played, would you also expect them to play rap music just as well? Or even at all?? Think about florists. If a couple can get flowers from their local grocery store, why do they hire the more expensive florist? Because the florist provides something the grocery store can't. If your technical skill sets you apart or makes it easier for the viewer to receive your message, then use it to your advantage. </p>

<p>And the clients that (in your opinion) have a "lack of taste, lack of refined sense, a focus more on low cost rather than high standards," are only one segment of the wedding market. If you don't want THESE clients, stop trying to sell yourself to them. <br>

 

 

</p>

<p>Photoshop is meant to ENHANCE and simplify the message for the viewer. Not something you do just because everyone else is doing it. The same with great technical skill and top of the line equipment. Proper exposure, use of depth of field, etc. are used to enhance the message and make it easier for you, as the artist, to convey that message. Expensive equipment, rockin' technical skill and mad photoshop tricks will always fall behind being able to find that emotion or message and the ability to communicate it to the viewer. </p>

<p>If you don't want to compete with photographers who try to rescue sub-par images with photoshop, then don't!! If your technical ability sets you apart from your competition, rock it! Market YOUR skills, target your advertising to potential clients that are looking for what only YOU can provide. If you've got inquiries coming in for selective colouring, jagged edges around the frames, and actionified images, that's on you! Not the market, not the brides, not the competition. It's on you for not directing your marketing to the type of clients that want <b>your</b> work. They're out there, trust me. You just need to spend the time figuring out the type of client you want to work for and how to reach her (or him, or them, or whatever). </p>

<p>And sorry, one more thing, I feel the need to comment on some previous posts. Yes, you are providing a service, BUT you can't be all things to everyone. Not well anyway. Why not just do what the customer wants you to? Because if you're not "into it" or if your not doing it with the same passion as you give your other work you are doing a HUGE disservice to your client. In the end you won't be happy and neither will they. </p>

<p>

<p >"Thus decisions are restricted to the Bride, Groom and Photographers. Simply put; We (photographer's names) are the sole photographers for the time allocated and any other terms agreed to in this document. The bride and groom are the sole decision makers at the wedding, regardless of who is writing the check, advisory boards, in-laws, passers-by, inebriated authority figures and former politicians."</p>

</p>

<p>If you're not comfortable being the main photographer, <b>don't do it</b>. Most likely, if it's important to them, they will find a way to work it into their budget. IF they don't, as a guest you could take as many pictures as you'd like and send them a nice print album with the disc as a wedding gift. No expectations = no disappointments on your part or theirs. </p>

<p>If you decide to go ahead as the main photographer, you'll need a good contract, a back up body, at least an additional zoom lens (and depending on the lighting at the location, faster low light lenses could be rented/purchased), a flash, sufficient memory, LOTS of practise in different lighting situations, a good understanding and what's expected of you and the knowledge and confidence to be able to do it. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I had one (moody/spoiled/"I'd rather be drinking with my friends than here") brother of the bride, who was also in the wedding party, and he was sooo not into having his picture taken. I managed to get on his good side by making him the center of attention for a few minutes, playing up his ego a bit and even got him smiling with the rest of the wedding party instead of sulking. I hated the fact that he couldn't stop thinking of himself for even a few minutes but by playing along with his stupid "it's all about me or I'll make it miserable for everyone else game," I was able to get the pictures that were important to his sister and keep that part of her day at least pleasant. </p>

<p>Here's some of mine :)<br>

<img src="http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v316/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1259966_3606.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="403" /><br>

<img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v265/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1206123_6271.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="404" /><br>

<img src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v358/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1580725_6726.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="402" /><br>

<img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v265/64/59/625284413/n625284413_1196300_9065.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="404" /></p>

<p>Recently increased prices and offering less in packages than I was previously. I'm booked for most of the summer and now into 2010. For this year I'm focusing a lot on building vendor relations and relationships with other photographers in my local area as well as surrounding areas, increasing my exposure in the community and of course improving my skills. I've also launched a new site this month. One more thing I am doing is including thank you cards as a thanks to my clients. They're happy because they aren't expecting it, and I'm happy because my work (and name) gets sent out all the guests that attended the wedding. </p>

<p>Just an edit: My post was in response to a personal attack on another member made by the OP, not the relevancy of copyright laws and photography. Please feel free to ignore/delete my earlier post. </p>

<p>Wow... WOW... seriously? Is this what this forum has come to??? I've noticed way too many posts lately completely irrelevant to what this forum is SUPPOSED to be about, but geez! Is there anyway we can get back to "Wedding and Social event PHOTOGRAPHY?"</p>