1. Communications (before and after) – This is a big one. So you’ve booked the event or session, that doesn’t mean that you can now just fall off the face of the earth. Stay in communication with your client. Listen and HEAR your client. Whether that be via email, or other means, let them know you are there. For me, once I book a wedding or engagement, I send emails about once a month until the wedding. I send one email that gives tips on prepping for their upcoming engagement session or helpful tips for the wedding itself…just a little something to let them know that they are a priority and I haven’t forgotten them. Once the wedding or session is over – again communicate. I send a follow up email saying what a pleasure it was to work with them, maybe include a reminder about when their images/product will be ready, etc. These are especially important when it comes to weddings. My couples are often bombarded with info throughout the whole process and friendly reminders that are extremely helpful.
2. Be more than just a photographer – More often than not, I have clients or even the friends/guests of clients book with me over and over again because of something I did at a wedding or session that stood out. I know that not everyone can fix a poorly arranged bouquet or sew lace on a veil, but everyone can be a problem solver or a calming influence when a stressful situation arises. Be ready to adapt and assist.
3. Don’t stress out! – Weddings and engagements can already be a high stress event for couples. You need to be a calming influence. Is the event running late and you are going to miss the light? Or let’s say it’s raining cats and dogs – find an alternative, better yet, already know the alternative because you have already planned ahead for this scenario. Family formals are wrapping up and Uncle Steve is stuck in traffic or enjoying cocktail hour and the bride is almost in tears. Reassure her and tell her not to worry because you have already planned to get them together at the reception for this picture.
4. Remember what is important and why you are there – Weddings and engagements are about the couple and their love for each other, NOT and I repeat NOT about building your portfolio or getting published. Yes, these can be great side effects of the job but not the most important. You are there to capture the day for your clients so they have those memories for years and generations to come.
5. Be yourself – The couple booked you because of a multitude of reasons: price, style of photography, availability, etc. But they come back to you, and stick with you, because of YOU. They like your sense of humor and how they can relate to you, you click on a personal level. Photography is a very personal thing, especially with weddings and engagements. You are going to be spending more time with the bride and groom than almost anyone else on their wedding day, therefore, if they picked you to be that person, it’s because they want YOU.
About Mary: I am originally from Wisconsin, the land of cheese, I moved out to Colorado at a very young age. I am currently living in Brighton, Colorado with my husband, two sons and Amie, the miniature dachshund. I come from a large family; I am the second youngest of six children and I have twelve nieces and nephews. I am strictly a wedding and engagement photographer. In 2000 I discovered a passion for photography and actually photographed my first wedding on film. From there I did a 3.5 year apprenticeship with a top Colorado wedding photographer and learned everything I could. After trying all the different types of photography (wedding, newborn, family etc.) Weddings and engagements really hit home for me. I love the emotion of the day, the relationships with my clients, and even the crazy shenanigans and the speedy timeline.
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