Obviously, wedding photographers are hired to document the ceremony in pictures in a manner that appeals to the couple. The photos and videos taken should tell a love story in a way that suits the couple getting married. In addition to a few candid shots during the ceremony and reception, you must also usually shoot formal posed pictures. One of the biggest challenges is meeting the needs and wishes of your clients while leveraging the pictures and videos for use in your own portfolio. This article details three business factors a beginning wedding photographer should consider when shooting a client wedding and how to weigh the needs of the client against your own in regards to taking pictures that can also help you land future clients.
Consider Yourself A Consultant
Most couples who contact you are looking for guidance. Unless they've been married and through the process before, most will not ever have hired wedding photographers. They typically don't know what to expect or what exactly you provide. Your marketing materials, including your portfolio, brochure, and website should present your photographic skills so your clients see your style. In doing so, you help those with special wants and desires to communicate them to you. You also give others a visual idea of what you can offer them. While you're function is still wedding photographer, by also acting as a consultant, you offer more value to the marrying couple.
Keep Your Portfolio In Mind
Keep in mind that all of the formal posed pictures you take of the wedding party will not significantly add to the value of your portfolio. You won't stand out from other wedding photographers with posed pictures. Couples look for someone who can capture their ceremony and reception in a way that tells the story of the day. You can accomplish this in your portfolio better with candid shots that include memorable moments like pictures of the guests dancing, a photo of the mother of the bride's face filled with joy, and the couple sneaking a secret kiss before the ceremony. These shots are more valuable to your portfolio than portraits.
The portfolio you show potential clients should be full of candid pictures that show a story about the single, most important day in a couple's life. These types of pictures will allow you to show your photojournalistic talent and provides more freedom in creating a memory book for the marrying couple. Most wedding photographer portfolios are full of portraits because they believe they have the most value in obtaining new clients. However, wedding photographers can provide and deliver a better documented love story with candid, narrative pictures.
Your Website Is A Marketing Tool
The most important marketing tool you have as a wedding photographer is your website. More than just an online portfolio, your website can provide persuasive information that guides couples toward the types of photographs you prefer. Keep in mind that you're the expert with the experience to know what produces the best result for these memories that will last a lifetime. Couples look for wedding photographers that provide ideas and direction. You can successfully do that by simply choosing the best photographs for your website that will sell your service before you even meet.
A wedding photographer in Chicago or anywhere in the country, is more than just hired help. They're partners that consult and guide clients through the vision of the pictures you want to take for them.
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