If you've clicked on this blog, then firstly I want to say a massive thank you. This isn't going to be like any of the normal blogs that I would normally post, but more of an insight to a photographer. Even though wedding photography is a business, I think some people Forget that the person running the business is human.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of talking to hundreds of brides all looking for the perfect photographer to capture the biggest day of their lives. And while planning a wedding can be so much fun, it can also be super stressful time for any couple. A good photographer will do what they can to relieve as much stress as possible when planning your day.
I've been a wedding photographer now for over seven years and I can appreciate how hard it must be trying to find the perfect photographer. With so many choices, and so many photographers, offering so many different packages, it can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing to decide who to go with.
While I write this blog, i just wanted to say that this is all based on my personal experience and I can't speak on behalf of every other photographer out there. Although, I can imagine that most photographers may very well agree with this blog.
So let's get started.
The Initial enquiry.
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I normally do is check my emails as I can imagine most people would do in the morning. The excitement I feel when I see I have a new enquiry in my inbox, I can't even put into words. Now personally, when I see this email, I'm already thinking about how I'm going to respond, as I don't want to come across like a salesperson.
Normally when I see this email, it normally goes a little something like this. "Hi there, I'm really interested in your photography and want to know how much it's going to cost me?". This is a pretty standard question, that I would say 95% of photographers get, and even though there is nothing wrong with this email, there also is. Let me explain. When you're planning a wedding, you will have a budget in mind for how much you're wanting to spend on various different suppliers. But I think one thing that gets forgotten about is, at the end of the day when the cakes been cut, the flowers have perished, the DJ has packed up and gone home, and the dress has been hung up, the only thing that's going to remind you of this amazing day is the images you receive from your photographer.
So ask yourself this question. Why would you put a budget on your Photographer?
Can we be honest for just a moment? Has this question ever passed your mind? If it hasn't, I'm sure it's something you're thinking about now, right? You will spend years planning this big day and I'm sure you would want it capturing in the most perfect way possible. So going back to this first email, me personally, I don't want to start talking about prices straight away. And this isn't me avoiding the question, and I know from talking to previous couples that is how it can appear. But in actual fact, I'm wanting to get to know the couple and hear all their plans and build a connection with them. Would you not want that from your photographer?
Being ignored.
I think I can openly and honestly say nobody likes to be ignored. When you're doing your research and reaching out to suppliers, normally you would want a response within the hour. With myself, this is something that I always aim to do as I know that suppliers can get booked up superfast and of course you're wanting to get things sorted for your big day. But one thing I have noticed when talking to many suppliers is that when it comes to the exchanging of costs we All get ghosted.
Now I'm not naive enough to think that every single couple that gets in touch with me will want to book, and I know that to some, I might be out of there Price range. And believe me when I say that I am okay with this. We honestly don't take it personally if you decide to go with somebody else. With me, I'm happy that you found a photographer that fits with the plans of your day, but my worst fear is if you have gone with a photographer just because they were a few hundred pounds cheaper. I'm sure you've heard the horror stories on Facebook of couples that paid cheep for a photographer, only for them not to turn up and do a runner with your money. I'm going back to what I said earlier in this blog, you want this day to be captured perfectly, and no price should be put on how important that is, right?
Please don't ignore your suppliers. A good supplier Will want what is best for you, and this can only be done with good communication. I can remember a few months back when I was chatting with a bride who was super excited about planning her big day, and with how everything was going it looked like she was 100% going to book me. But when it came to talking about the price of my packages, the conversation went dead. As most suppliers would, I reached out to this bride a few times to see if she was maybe still interested in going with myself, or if I could do anything that would help. But as the days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, I still heard nothing. Obviously, I was gutted as we all really got on and we was all super excited. With not hearing anything I assumed that this bride just changed her mind and so another couple reached out enquiring about the same date and a Long story short, they booked me on the spot. Fast forward a few more months, the first bride reached out to me wanting to book. When I told this bride that as much as I would have loved to have captured her magical day, I was no longer able to do her day she was really upset.
The reason that I tell you this story it's because I want to highlight how important it is not to ignore your suppliers. Even though you may ignore them, there will be someone else wanting that same date as you. So even if you send an email saying that you want to think about it over a few weeks, and then reach out again after, Believe me when I say that as a photographer, we really are okay with that. Me personally, I would rather have an email saying that they are going to have a few days to think about it, and then reach out to me to let me know one way or the other, and them actually do this. And if the couple decides to go with another photographer, then that is absolutely fine. I can imagine most photographers would be the same. There are literally thousands of photographers to pick from out there, each one has a different personality, and a different outlook on your day, so it's super important that you find the one that is right for you. Again, Communication is so important, don't be afraid to say no, and ask for a little more time to think about it.
From a personal point of view
All the above information is in no way to badmouth any other photographer or supplier on how they do things. But this is to put a little light on what goes on behind the scenes with suppliers ( mainly photographers ). When couples get in touch with me, straight away I want them to know who I am as a person, and for them to feel that they can be themselves as much as possible. Of course, this will then reflect on the final photos, as my couples Will feel that they can be more themselves and more importantly, can have a laugh in front of the camera.
If you can take anything away from this blog, let it be this. Don't ignore them emails and texts. We all want to be able to help as much as we can, and of course we would love to be there to capture your amazing day. Do you research, ask loads of questions and be sure to follow us on social media to make sure that your photographer is still actively doing what they are saying. If you are able to jump on a call with your photographer, then do so. This can be so much better than an email as you can actually see your photographer and get a better idea of how they will be on the day.
If you have made it this far, then thank you so much for reading. If you have any questions at all, please do reach out to me and let me know. I would be more than happy to help in any way that I can. If you are not doing so already, be sure to drop me a follow on Facebook @lifeinaflash I look forward to meeting you all, and hopefully talking more about your Magical Day.
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