This time of year inevitably the photographic session’s decrease which leaves me more free time but also leaves me without fresh images and awesome clients to blog about. Over the next couple of months I wanted to try writing more about various aspects of the business and hopefully provide some useful information.
To start off with I wanted to discuss the photographer to client relationship. The last several weeks I’ve been having numerous meetings with my 2011 brides as well as potential clients and this topic is one that I always try and get into. Anyone who has not been through the process, getting married, wedding planning or photographing a wedding probably doesn’t appreciate just how much of a role the photographer plays in the big day. Of all the vendors that you are likely to work with it’s safe to say that your photographer will be one of the first you book and depending on albums etc. most likely still working with you long after the wedding. Assuming you’re planning your wedding a year out then we’re talking up to around eighteen months. Over the course of this time there can be many hours working together, from the planning, shooting the engagement session and of course the wedding along with any time after for album meetings. This reason alone makes it so important that you choose a photographer that you trust, and feel comfortable working with.
I have on several occasions developed great friendships with clients after working with them, in some cases it’s hard not to. A wedding photographer almost becomes an additional member of the wedding party. I spend the majority of the wedding day surrounded by the bridal party and immediate family, the one’s you are closet to, bearing witness to one of the most precious moments of your life. Seeing and feeling the emotion, love and joy that your friends and family will all feel for you. It truly is an amazing thing to be a part of and witness. To be honoured with that level of trust and welcomed into the inner circle, if only for that one day is truly magnificent indeed.
These are all things that I try and emphasize during client meetings. A good relationship between the photographer and client is a must. I honestly feel that this is one of the most important points to portray and keep it as a very high priority when booking new clients. I have and will continue to pass on potential work if there isn’t that connection. Not everyone can work together as well as others hence why the marketplace has all sorts of vendors with a wide range of services, styles and selection. Knowing that my clients have met with other vendors and have since chosen to book with me means that they believe in me and we share in that connection.
Quite often I find that there is this assumption out there that the photographer is going to be in your face, spouting orders, pretty much a negative take on the role in general. While I am in no position to speak for others I can say that is totally not the case with the way I conduct myself on the day. One of the greatest compliments I can get is that “I didn’t even notice you were there!” or something along those lines. This is your special day, this is about you, I am only there to observe and document. Obviously when appropriate I intervene but knowing when and when not to is half the battle.
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