So You've Got Talent
So you are a photographer and not just any type of photographer you are a wedding photographer. You've chosen a profession that will require many different skill sets, not the least of which is your ability to take a great picture. But there is a lot more to running a successful business than just having a service to offer. Many people have had a great idea or a special talent but have not been able to capitalize on that talent. This series of articles is intended to help you achieve your dream of working on your own, providing a unique service to deserving clients, and doing it all successfully.
The Real Cost of Wedding Photography Business
First and foremost let's get the necessities out of the way. If you're going into business as a wedding photographer there are certain things you are going to have to have at a minimum. Some photographers have done without some of the following items but to be honest I wouldn't suggest it. These are just the basics to get you started. You can build up your equipment later on. Each of the following items is listed within its own article:
• website (with a secure gallery for customers) and email
• marketing plan
• photography equipment and home office
• a second photographer
• insurance, taxes, business license and bank accounts
What's Not Listed
You'll notice that I didn't list photographic skill. When it comes to your skill as a wedding photographer I'm assuming you've already looked at your ability from an objective standpoint and determined that you do have something unique that others will want to pay for. If you have done this you'll also want to make sure you can handle the responsibility associated with wedding photography. This is an extremely special day in a couple's life so you have to be sure you are able to take on the immense responsibility of capturing every moment of that day. If you have both of those items then it's on to looking at the other aspects that make up a business owner's skill set, such as attention to detail, customer centric thinking, and patience.
The Devil's in the Details
Details can make or break a wedding photography business. This is important to realize up front. If you don't pay attention to those details you can easily falter. As a photographer you'll need to pay attention to the details of the wedding. Equally important you'll need to focus on the details of the business. These details include the wording on your wedding contract, the promises you make to your clients, your ability to keep track of the different weddings you might have at any given time. This leads us to the next important part, being customer centric.
The Customer's Always Right
There is a reason that corporations spend so much money on figuring out ways to make customers happy, because it's easier and cheaper to keep a customer than to get a new one. The same goes with the wedding photography biz. If you learn how to make your customers happy you'll get repeat business, referrals, and a better reputation within your community. There is no secret to making your customers happy. Here are some simple things to remember:
• Always deliver what you promise - if you say it will take 2 months to edit their photos it shouldn't take 2 and a half months
• Be quick about your replies - Wedding Photographers are notorious about not replying to emails and calls, set yourself apart by replying to all inquiries within 24 hours at the max
• Be courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful before, during, and after the wedding.
• Always keep in your thoughts that this is someone's special day - When you have edited your 30th wedding and you are looking at your 600th picture in that wedding remember that while this is a job to you, its someone's wedding day
• Don't be on time, be early - Being early to meetings, weddings, and events will allow you to prepare yourself for those events. It also has the added benefit of making you look more professional
• Dress appropriately - Black or natural colors are always a good choice for photographers. Dressing business casual for most weddings will be sufficient but always check with the couple if in doubt. ***Remember, while you should look professional, you should also be comfortable***
Patience is a Virtue
Remember that your photographic skill didn't happen spontaneously so don't expect that your business will boom over night. It takes work to make a business successful and even given all of the right ingredients it still might fail. Even if it fails, learn from your mistakes, try again, and try and try and try. Never give up on something as important to you as pursuing your dream. If you have to work a day job during the week while getting your business of the ground then so be it. If you have to learn how to design websites just to put up your own website, so be it. If you have to shoot weddings for free to build up a portfolio then so be it. Just don't give up.
How do I know all of this?
I'm the owner of a Pensacola wedding photography business. I have built my business from the ground up with no help from anyone else. I started by shooting weddings for free for friends and family members. My first cameras were consumer grade digital Rebels. I've upgraded everything along the way as I could afford it. I trained with a local wedding photographer and have always been into photography, web design and marketing. With these talents I created a solid business that exceeds my customers' expectations, stays profitable, and allows me to live comfortably based only my own skills. I've had failures along the way but have learned from them and have become one of the top Pensacola wedding photographers.
Read On
Please make sure to read the other articles in this series. They cover everything from websites to insurance but by no means are they the end all be all. Take what you can from what I have to offer and learn what you can from other sources. Be a sponge, soak it all in. It is my hopes that it will help you in your effort to run a successful wedding photography business.
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