This weeks quick tip has more to do with the business side of wedding photography than the technical side. Where I’m located, it seems that most couples book their wedding photographer about six months to a year out from the wedding date. Newer wedding photographers might book more weddings in a the “less than 6 months” range whereas your big time superstar wedding photogs book up 2-3 years in advance. The point here is that it’s a long time to be in a business relationship waiting for the big day to get here.
It’s a good idea to check in with your clients on a regular basis. It sounds like common sense but too many photographers relax once they have the signed contract and retainer check in hand. Why not use this time to get to know your clients better? Checking in with them at the one year, six months, three months, and finally one month mark prior to the wedding will strengthen your relationship with your clients. By doing these timely “check-ins,” you will be able to stay informed as to the progress of the wedding planning as well as updated information pertaining to the photography. But more importantly, the client will appreciate your thoroughness. This shows your clients that they are not just a paycheck too you but people you are genuinely interested in providing the best possible service and in turn, the besy possible product (images.)
I would always recommend picking up the phone and giving your clients a call to check in with them. It’s more personal this way. With that being said, people are so busy these days that sometimes sending a quick email is a good alternative. Each couple is different so judge what works best with each of your clients. Keep in mind that if you do an engagement session for your wedding clients, this will take care of either the one year or six month check in. The check in at the one month time frame usually includes setting up a time to meet with the couple somewhere in that 2-4 weeks time period. Use this meeting to review all of the wedding details one last time. You can also save the couple the price of a stamp if they settle up their balance at that time as well. Ultimately implementing this tip (or parts of it) into your pre-wedding manor with your clients should result in a fantastically smooth wedding day, fantastic images, which then hopefully leads to something you can never have too many of: lifelong clients.
Dz
Nice tips, I heartilly second this approach. and a some great shots DZ! 🙂
Good tip – although ghastly first picture 😯