When I first started wedding photography I had a far different approach. I thought I had to always be this perfect and professional person when deep down I was treading water and trying to figure things out as I went. After shooting over 50 weddings, I smile at how this approach has changed and evolved through out the past two years (including the fact that my clients love me for me…. and my epic dance moves.) My communication with brides has impacted the way their wedding days unfold and in turn has helped me be able to produce the kind of shots I need to complete a full wedding day story.
As a photographer, you must gain your clients trust. They need to know that you are reliable as the professional who will be fulfilling their photographic needs (while simultaneously tearing up the dance floor with their little cousins.) Building a clients trust is a critical process but it is one that will pay off a million times over! My clients whole heartedly listen to my ideas and thoughts, rely on my help for timelines, and trust my vision in terms of photography and know that I will undoubtably become their best friend throughout the process of planning. For this, I am forever grateful. But what do I wish I would have known years ago when I was just starting out?
1.) Be honest with what works and what doesn’t. So your client has a crazy vision for something on their wedding day that you just don’t think will work, what do you do? Our job is all about setting expectations from the very beginning. They hired us because they wanted a professional, not someone who will let them fail. If they think you will have time for five locations, ask them what they love about certain spots and offer your insight on lighting, time of day, and setting. Opt for fewer locations (like one or two) that offer different backdrops within a close area. I will often show clients images from different locations to help them see the versatility and also talk about the importance of light during the time of day they are hoping to shoot. It’s our job to help narrow their ideas to give them the most stress free wedding day, no one wants to be running around like crazy or let down.
2.) Get every drop of information you need before the wedding day (or week!) When I first started I didn’t have a questionnaire for my clients, this was a huge miss on my part. Now I send out an email to every couple at least one month prior to their wedding date with a four page worksheet along with a request for anything else I will need for their wedding day including a schedule, a family shot list, addresses and contact information for all vendors and any individuals I may need to reach on the day of the wedding. You don’t want to be calling your bride wondering where they are on their wedding day, you also don’t want to say anything that may be sensitive among the family, sending out a worksheet that addresses everything you may need to know prior to the wedding day helps ensure that you remain entirely professional while also giving you a snapshot of how the day will look and unfold.
3.) Work with the bride to create the perfect wedding schedule. At my initial consults I talk to brides and grooms about the importance of working as a team to create the perfect wedding day schedule. I set the expectation from the very beginning that I want to be involved in creating this so that I can ensure that we have covered our bases and set aside enough time for me to get the shots I need and for the couple to fully enjoy every ounce of their wedding day. I get their schedule (or send the mock ups) at least one month in advance, prior to them sending it out to any of the wedding party or family. I then set up a time to talk through the schedule and offer suggestions that may help ease up on the schedule or offer a little cushion should we need one (hint: you always need a cushion.) I used to think that this was to intrusive but my experience has shown that this is critical in creating the best images for the couple while also ensuring that they are on time and present for any and all wedding festivities. Clients appreciate our experience and rely on us to help fill in the blanks that they aren’t sure of! It also helps ease my stress, knowing that I have covered my bases!
4.) Organize. There is so much that goes into shooting a wedding! Always, always pack your bags the night before. Make sure everything is charged, your memory cards are reformatted, your lenses are cleaned, and your information is organized. Have a full tank of gas, the addresses inserted into your GPS, and any phone numbers programmed into your phone. I started these pre-wedding day rituals and it made wedding days so relaxed for me. I would eat breakfast, pack up my car, and be on my way – stress free. It is super important to have everything charged and ready to go! Some photographers create a checklist, I know mine like the back of my hand. You never want to show up ill prepared or not ready to shoot! Staying organized allows you to just shoot and enjoy the day without worrying about extra batteries, forgotten gear, or anything else that would hold you back from shooting your heart out.
5.) Set expectations and make them clear. Our job during the entire process of working with clients is in setting expectations. When I show up at a wedding, I want to get right to work. My clients are paying me for my time, therefore I don’t want to waste it tracking down items or people. I really stress the importance of communication with my clients and try to help them pass along any pertinent information to their wedding party and families. I ask my brides to have all of their items that they want photographed organized and in one location upon my arrival, this includes: dress, shoes, invitation, rings, veil, flowers, jewelry, and any other family heirlooms that they would like photographed. This helps my brides ensure they have everything they need while also allowing me to get shooting right when I arrive! I also help my clients communication with their families and help them to be in the right place at the right time for family photos so that they can be completed quickly and in their entirety! Setting expectations from up front helps save you from the challenges that may come up if you aren’t clear with what you need as a photographer.
I hope this info gives you a little look into how I do what I do and why it works! Everyone’s business style and approach are different but these five things can help set the stage to successful wedding photography! When I get down to business, I become this passionate professional (who happens to be able to sing the new Beyonce album from start to finish.) It’s all about balance, your clients want to trust you while simultaneously falling in love with you, your approach, and your work. Feel free to post any comments/questions below, would love to hear from you… beyond that, have a fabulous Monday, friends!
See more of Elyce and Andy’s gorgeous wedding day: here.
Whoa, don’t even think about leaving now, the fun is just getting started:
