I'm still a newbie, but in my few months of practice, I've had one concept rattling around in my brain that has been reinforced by everyone I've had the privilege of photographing...

You have to LOVE your clients, and honestly be excited about sharing their moments and memories. People hire you because they like the way you see things and if you don't like the people you're shooting, I think it will be evident in the images you create. If you don't SEE beauty in everything, how can you expect to CAPTURE beauty in everything?

My dad's the kind of person who really likes everybody. And consequently, almost everybody likes him. He sees the good in people and literally forgets the bad. Has this left him open to be taken advantage of? Yes. But he has refused to become jaded; he still keeps that positive attitude, and people still want to be around him, and he has been immeasurably successful in his business because of it.

So here's my advice, as concise as I can make it:

Take a good look at yourself and figure out whether you mostly see the good in people, or mostly see the bad. If you see the bad, take some time to try and change your attitude so you can be completely honest when you tell a bride that you want to share her special day, no matter how frazzled, controlling, snippy, or bridezilla-like she gets. See the best in everyone.

Bumpity Bump Bump.



M.J.

Lots of great suggestions here. I have to bump this for my own selfish purposes.

I really like the suggestion by Chris of putting expiration dates on the contracts.

I prefer to just shoot away and let my album designer fix it.

Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump Bump

Ok...I tried tracking this thread, but it doesn't show up where it is supposed to...so I'm just posting in here so its easier for me to find. Sorry...nothing really beneficial to add.

I am unsure what this means. Can you clarify?

This is true in life in general.

Bumpity bump bump.

M.J.

I'm amazed at the quality of this thread, and the information that has been shared... I would like to thank everyone for their contribution that I had the priviledge to read.

Go with a plan... If you don’t have a plan to succeed, you're setting yourself up to fail! This an occupation that on the surface may seem rather simple. Pick up a camera, push a button, and get paid. But it's real work that requires knowledge and patience in between those steps in order to succeed.

Be prepared to wear several hats when you're just starting out. Obtain a well rounded knowledge of your business. It's a lot easier to pass processes off when you're knowledgeable about them and how they should run. Nothing like knowing if something goes wrong you are capable of stepping in and handling the situation yourself.

Continuously strive to improve on your skillset. Finally always remember who pays the bills.

Can we get this pinned to the top?

I feel the same way.

M.J.

Thanks for all the helpful tips! I wish I could add something but I'm too new still!

I'd like to third this motion! What a great bunch of helps that's compiled here in this thread! I'm just blown away at how much you guys are actually giving valuable business advise (read = THANK YOU!).

I'm just starting out myself. I'm currently working on my brand, marketing, and website/blog. I've heard some of what was posted here in other places as well, but it's really great to have it all compiled in one place like this!

One thing that I can't speak from experience on but am going to be trying out is 'relationship marketing'.
Essentially you partner with other vendors who have the same target market as you do and offer to take care of all their imaging needs in exchange for a partnership. This is along the lines of giving the caterers prints of their wonderful food at the reception, but goes beyond that. You are trying to take care of ALL of their imaging needs - including wall-mounted gallery wraps if they ask for it (WHCC has some great pricing, BTW). In exchange, they allow you to display your work (which is usually images of them or their work) and marketing material somewhere in their shop.

Something to point out about this is that you should only have one partner in each niche - one cake designer, one hair dresser/salon, one caterer, etc. The idea is that you mainly refer business to them and they mainly refer business to you.

Like I said, I haven't tried this yet as I don't have my branding & marketing materials ready yet, but I've heard of people becoming very successful by this type of marketing.

Just a thought.

Cheers,
-Mark

Wow! I'm so happy to have found this super helpful string! Awesome. I do believe I will be glued to reading thing thread over and over again... Thanks to everyone who has contributed their 2 cents! I hope to get mine in eventually (still uber new).

i have to say wow too, your web site is great! i cant wait till i can officially have my new site up.. for now mine is def. lacking.... i cant wait.. but for now.. WOW

i love all the info!! so great for a weddingless person at the moment! tear...waiting on my new site to get put up!!

I'm overwhelmed by the incredible quality of the advice in this threat. I'm a newbie as well and if I can contribute with something will be this:

Use FACEBOOK as a free marketing tool!! ask permission to add your client as a friend, then upload a few of their event and tag them, tag tag tag. this will boost your networking a lot