Having the opportunity to photograph someone's wedding should be treated as an honor and a privilege, and as a wedding photographer, this job should be taken very seriously. The bride and groom have been meticulously planning every detail of their wedding for weeks, if not months, or perhaps even years, and you will want to show them that you are as serious about their wedding as they are. You can show your seriousness by having the wedding photo shoots planned out in advance. This will show your clients that you are organized and professional, but at the same time helps you stay on task. Read on for suggestions to help keep you organized as a wedding photographer.
It is likely that the Bride and Groom will seek out your services months ahead of time. This can be anywhere from a few months to over a year. This is the initial contact with your clients and this is when you should meet in person to discuss their wedding photography needs. At this time you can show them your portfolio, and discuss any promotional packages you have at that time. You may also want to discuss rates, and the type of products you offer.
At this time, you should provide a contract and have your clients sign it. You will also want to collect a 50% retainer which will reserve their special day with you. Once you have a signed contract and deposit, it's wise to discuss the details of the event, like location, number of attendees, how many family photos are expected. You will also want to discuss the timing of the event in relation to photographs being taken to give your clients some realistic expectations.
After the first meeting, and collection of the deposit and signing of the contract, you will want to keep in touch with your clients. About a month ahead of the event you will want to contact your clients to make sure all of the details previously discussed have not changed. You will also want to remind your clients of what to realistically expect as previously discussed. A week before their special day, contact them to confirm there have been no last minute changes.
On your end, you will want to make sure that all of your equipment is ready to go, and working properly. Make sure that you charge all of your camera, flashes, and extra batteries that you may use. Also be sure to clean all of your lenses thoroughly, and pack all of your gear so that you are organized ahead of time. You will want to get a good night's rest since you will be busy all day, and may not have time to take any breaks.
Following this timeline loosely will help you to prepare ahead of time for your wedding photo shoot. It will also help to comfort your clients worries by showing them that you are professional and organized. Bring the timeline with you to the event to help keep you on task. Now that you know the basics from contract to timeline, begin to organize your own checklist so that you are prepared for every wedding you shoot in the future.
It is likely that the Bride and Groom will seek out your services months ahead of time. This can be anywhere from a few months to over a year. This is the initial contact with your clients and this is when you should meet in person to discuss their wedding photography needs. At this time you can show them your portfolio, and discuss any promotional packages you have at that time. You may also want to discuss rates, and the type of products you offer.
At this time, you should provide a contract and have your clients sign it. You will also want to collect a 50% retainer which will reserve their special day with you. Once you have a signed contract and deposit, it's wise to discuss the details of the event, like location, number of attendees, how many family photos are expected. You will also want to discuss the timing of the event in relation to photographs being taken to give your clients some realistic expectations.
After the first meeting, and collection of the deposit and signing of the contract, you will want to keep in touch with your clients. About a month ahead of the event you will want to contact your clients to make sure all of the details previously discussed have not changed. You will also want to remind your clients of what to realistically expect as previously discussed. A week before their special day, contact them to confirm there have been no last minute changes.
On your end, you will want to make sure that all of your equipment is ready to go, and working properly. Make sure that you charge all of your camera, flashes, and extra batteries that you may use. Also be sure to clean all of your lenses thoroughly, and pack all of your gear so that you are organized ahead of time. You will want to get a good night's rest since you will be busy all day, and may not have time to take any breaks.
Following this timeline loosely will help you to prepare ahead of time for your wedding photo shoot. It will also help to comfort your clients worries by showing them that you are professional and organized. Bring the timeline with you to the event to help keep you on task. Now that you know the basics from contract to timeline, begin to organize your own checklist so that you are prepared for every wedding you shoot in the future.
About the Author:
Learn more about Oahu wedding photographer Anna Riedel. Stop by her site where you can see all of her Hawaiian wedding photography as well as more photography tips.
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