My Philosophy for Photographing Weddings
Every photographer has their own approach for photographing weddings. I’ve met photographers who are very selfish and only think about how this wedding could be a good opportunity for them and their portfolio. I’ve also met photographers who have focused on serving their couple, and being someone who they enjoy having at their wedding.
For me, I try to be the latter.
My Photography Philosophy
IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SERVE
Throughout the whole wedding process from inquiry all the way to final delivery, I am constantly trying to figure out how I can best serve my clients.
Photography is 10% quality of work, and 90% customer service. Years from now, a couple might not remember every single detail of their wedding, but they most certainly will remember how you made them feel.
Personally, I like learning about my clients and their history. How they met, who asked out who, what silly things they like to do together, etc. Our relationship is not just photographer and client … I want to be a friend, someone who you’re excited to invite to your wedding.
I decided this year that I would bring all my clients cookies at their wedding. Small, but it’s something my couples can remember me by. Some couples simply thank me, while other times, some are absolutely overjoyed that I would do something that I didn’t have to. Constantly think about ways you can serve and overdeliver for your clients.
I promise that if you do small gestures that are not required of you, and you go above and beyond for your clients, they will remember you and be an advocate for your business.
FOCUS ON COMMUNICATION
Communication goes beyond responding to emails in a timely manner. It includes answering questions, emails, calls … anticipating questions and providing information. It starts with the consultation meeting, setting expectations, being responsive, and showing that you’re a professional.
Not only will clear communication help you be organized, it also relieves the stress off your couple and any concerns they might have. It’s helpful to have a CRM like HoneyBook to manage all the communication between you and your couples. I send out automated emails leading up to the wedding date with extra information I believe could help my clients.
The best photographers are those that focus on communication.
UNDERPROMISE, OVERDELIVER
I cannot say this enough, please underpromise and overdeliver.
Many of my couples think that they’re just hiring a wedding photographer for their wedding, but I try to be so much more than that. It’s not just about overdelivering materialistically, but also through your service. I’ve had times where we are behind schedule, everyone is rushing and nothing is going according to plan. Note that this was all at the beginning of the wedding day when we’re about to do the father daughter first look.
I’ve had to hold my bride by the shoulders and let her know that no matter what is happening, that I was not going to let her miss this moment with her dad. I wanted to let her know that I was on her side. Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, nothing is going according to schedule. But we have to remind ourselves, that what we’re photographing isn’t our “art” … it’s people’s lives.
You might photograph several weddings a year and this is just another wedding in your book, but for our couples, this is one of the most special moments in their life. With that in mind, I will always be cheering for my couples and making sure they know they’re in good hands.
MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
I want my clients to look at their wedding images and remember their wedding day how it happened. I like to say that I have a very “journalistic” approach to wedding photography.
That means no fancy edits and no weird trendy colors. I try to edit and photograph everything as true-to-life as possible. I want my couples to look back at their wedding images and remember what an amazingly beautiful day it was.
Again, this isn’t my “art” that I’m trying to make. This is people’s lives that I’m documenting. I’m always trying to tell a story at the end of the day.
Of course there are some couples that want very high-end, posed, movie-like weddings and that’s totally fine! I’m just not the right photographer for them.
Couples that want someone who is a joy to be around, someone who will help capture all the small moments and in-betweens, someone who is focused on making sure you enjoy your wedding day … that’s the type of couples I enjoy working with.
Conclusion
All things considered, I hope this painted a better picture on what my wedding philosophy looks like when it comes to photographing weddings. If you can change your mindset from “what can I get out of this” to “how can I serve my couples better”, you’ll have clients telling all their friends about you. Make sure to have open communication right from the very beginning! Underpromise, and overdeliver! Not just tangible photos and items, but also through your amazing service.
And lastly, remind yourself that you are capturing a special moment in someone’s life. Yes it’s stressful, but it can also be some of the most rewarding work you’ll do in your photography career.