Don’t be that Bride

Getting it off my shoulders…

Hi my lovelies! It is Thursday evening at 9:30PM and I keep getting hammered with the same thing. So, I am getting it off my shoulders in the hopes that I don’t sound like a crazy ranter.

This is to all brides. I am not talking about just my #hbbrides (or #hbgrooms for that matter) but to anyone getting married who is looking for their perfect photographer. Don’t be that bride. What bride, you ask? Let me explain.

The wedding photography industry; It’s tough. Everyone knows someone who is or wants to be a photographer. The problem is that because professional cameras are readily available, it gives everyone the green light to think they can charge for their images. This results in a high number of wedding photographers giving brides and grooms virtually their pick of anyone they want right? Supply and demand? The world is your oyster and you call the shots?

Well, yes… and a huge resounding no.

Over the last few years brides and grooms have been trained to think a certain way. They have been told to barter, nickel & dime, all the while whittling away at the price to get it where they want. And the photographers jump to meet their demand because they need the work. I have heard people on TV say this, wedding planners say it all the time and girls hear it from their friends. There is just one problem with this thinking. You will turn off any good and reputable photographer and they will walk away from you. This tactic usually only works on newer/less experienced photographers.

All that being said, I truly understand that everyone has a budget. I do not expect you to pay what you don’t have but at the same time, you need to understand what your money will get you.

I see brides all the time that want a $5,000 photographer but they only have $1800. That $5,000 photographer charges more for many reasons. They are most likely more experienced, they have better gear and more gear, they understand lighting during the day and how to use their flash at night. They may sell higher quality products or have better second shooters. They are probably a full time photographer and have to pay for editing and studio managers to keep everything running. Their cost out (meaning what they pay to album companies, second shooters, etc.) can sometimes be the same as what you are willing to pay total. You can not expect them to work for free. The more you push, the further away you drive them. We want our client to love us for who we are and love our work completely. We want them to trust us, to not give us lists (come on guys… its not our first rodeo) and to trust us. Don’t be that bride!

I would love to give you an example! I met with a client in person. I LOVED them. They had a great personality and we really hit it off well. The groom knew about photography and so he understood most everything we were talking about. I knew that they had already gotten an engagement session done and didn’t need another (although I strongly suggested they do another so we can learn their quirks before the wedding day) and I offered a few options in place of the engagement session. I didn’t need to do this. My package clearly stated that it was complimentary, had no value and can not be exchanged. But I really liked them and I gave them a few options they could pick from : A 2 hr engagement session, 2 hrs of a Photo Booth or an album upgrade. I thought I was being extremely fair.

I was then told that 2 hours of photo booth was not equal to 2 hours of engagement session. That we just have to “let it run” and all night coverage would be better. I stopped dead in my tracks. This was the perfect example of clients not understanding what they are getting. For a photo booth, I would have to hire an extra person to set it up, run it and take it down. I can not do it since I am shooting the wedding and in fact, this option is costing me way more than the engagement session. It made me feel like they were unappreciative .

Within the next few days, the groom started trying to play myself and another photographer against each other hoping that we would compete back and forth for the best price… like an auction and the groom was the auctioneer. At that point I was over it. I wanted clients who would trust me and understand my worth so I walked away.

A few hours later I got a call, begging me to reconsider but I declined. It would have made the situation uncomfortable.

I found out later that I was their top choice but because of their actions they lost out on their top pick.

DON’T LET THAT BE YOU! 

The lesson here is that if you love someones work and you can afford them, hire them. Do not make them feel like you don’t trust them or that they are not worth their fee. If you can not afford who you want then you may have to re-adjust your wants and find someone that fits the bill. Just know that a happy photographer will be at your wedding and that you can get beautiful images no matter your price point.

Until next time!

XOXO – Steph