Intro by Chamira Young

We're into that glorious time of year again: wedding season.

As a photographer myself, I understand how dangerously easy it is to become hyper-focused on technical details, such as the latest camera and lighting equipment. However, just as important (and dare I say more important!) is to put yourself in your clients' shoes and understand your photographic services are just one part of a multi-faceted machine. This is especially true with weddings. Understanding what your clients are going through during their hectic wedding process is key,  and it can give you an advantage over your competition.

This great post from the good folks at Photodex presents some interesting facts about wedding season that can help your wedding photography business. I'll bet there's a stat or two in there you didn't know. Also, make sure you read to the end, as they give some very useful tips on how to best present your photos to your clients in slideshow form. Revealing your finished work to the couple is an art form in and of itself, and can easily make or break sales.

It's time to put yourself into your clients' shoes. Let's get to it.

By Photodex

Wedding season is in full swing! Have you ever wanted an inside look at numbers and lists of everything that can possibly go into a wedding?

Here are some pretty interesting fun facts and numbers for anyone trying to get an idea of what goes into a wedding. You can also find all this information and more directly from the 2018 NewlyWed Report from WeddingWire. From social media announcements to planning to couples information, the list just goes on! Good luck to everyone working or attending a wedding, and congrats to those getting married!
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• 41% of couples are engaged for a length of 10-15 months and the average is 13 months.
• Photography average costs have remained the same since 2015 staying at $2,400. This doesn’t include videography which is another category itself that averages around $1,800.
• The average cost of an engagement ring these days runs about $5,000.
• The average cost of a wedding dress will run about $1,700 which has stayed about the same since 2015.
• The average cost of the wedding runs an average of $36,000! This also depends on what area you live in and if this is your first or second marriage. In 2010 the average cost of a wedding was $24,070…that’s about a $12,000 increase in 8 years!
• The most popular dates for a wedding to take place is now during the Fall. Peak time for weddings used to be in the Spring.
• 54% of couples are now generating a fun wedding hashtag. This is a great way to see all the photos everyone uploaded to places like Instagram. See what other ways couples rely on technology for their wedding by looking at the full report.
  
  

We found all our data from the WeddingWire 2018 NewlyWed Report. You can find so much more information by clicking through and you can also download a full report.

Wedding Slideshow Tips and FXWe’d love to see those beautiful wedding photos and memories put together in an awesome ProShow slideshow. Follow these helpful tips and tricks to start making your best wedding, engagement, or rehearsal dinner slideshow. To make your photos pop even more try adding a few of our creative ProShow effects or a simple theme.
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• 5 Tips for Making a Wedding Slideshow (Part 1)
• 5 Tips for Making a Wedding Slideshow (Part 2)
• Creating a Rehearsal Dinner or Special Event Slideshow
• Damask Elegance Theme
• Always Theme
• Infinity Theme
• StylePack Weddings for ProShow Producer and ProShow Web.
  Watch the demo video here: Damask Elegance Effects for ProShow​

Photodex is all about the tools to help you become a better storyteller. They never slow down on their focus to help you raise the bar on your business, presentations and finding new ways to help you streamline the creative process. Visit their blog where you'll find outstanding new content being shared every day. 

The SAVE20WITHSKIP code is still active - so, put it in the code box when you purchase any Photodex product for a 20% discount. ​

The best things about the photographic industry are the companies and people you work with along the way. For many years I've had a close association with Photodex through my role at  WPPI, Rangefinder Magazine and now SCU. Working together we launched this Spotlight Series to help artists raise the bar on their business with the help of experienced, respected and successful professionals.

"Building Your Business" is about great insight from some of the most successful, passionate and creative people in imaging. I'm always surprised at the diversity of each guest and their dedication to sharing what they've learned on their journey.

Jake Holt joins me on this new podcast. Now based out of Austin, TX, Jake and his wife Kasey are well established in wedding photography, but that's only a small piece of their story.  Jake has a split focus on imaging, as both a wedding and architectural photographer. He shares some excellent insight on the importance of keeping the two businesses separate because he's targeting two completely different audiences. 

We covered a lot of interesting ground in this new podcast. To see more of Jake's wedding coverage click on any of the wedding images below, and for architecture click on the appropriate images below.

Photodex never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on your business and presentations. Make it a point to visit their blog with outstanding new content being shared every day.  And, don't forget to use SAVE20WITHSKIP in the code box when you purchase any Photodex product for a 20% discount. For a limited time, this special discount code is still active.

Intro by Skip Cohen

​One of the things I appreciate most about working with the team at Photodex is their neverending focus on helping you build a stronger business and skill set. This post by "Kathy" from last week is a perfect example.

For most of you, this is the slow season, but April is right around the corner which typically kicks off the start of the wedding season in the U.S. Wandering through Google, I found some interesting data on the SoundVision website.

• 2.3 million couples wed every year in the US. That breaks down to nearly 6,200 weddings a day
• The average age of a bride in the US is 25.3 and of a groom is 26.9
• Average number of guests invited to a wedding is 178
• One-third of those getting married each year have been married before
• $72 billion per year is spent on weddings
• The average wedding budget is $20,000

The number that's always a mystery is the number of wedding photographers out there. The estimates are all over the place, but what we do know is that it's an incredibly competitive market. That means you've got to stay cutting-edge on your skill set. You've got to build relationships with your clients and your community. You've got to exceed client expectations and make yourself habit-forming!

So, I want to add a few suggestions to Kathy's list of great blogs. Wander into YouTube and search for videos from the leaders in wedding photography. All it takes is plugging names into the search box, and you'll be amazed at what you find. For example, type in Sal Cincotta and see what comes up! From weddings to Profoto lighting tips, to engagement shots and pricing - you'll have your own private support series to help you build a stronger business. 

Keep on searching and look up Vanessa Joy, Justin and Mary Marantz, Roberto Valenzuela, Denis Reggie, Bambi Cantrell, Joe Buissink, Clay Blackmore, Jerry Ghionis and Yervant just to name a few of the leaders in the industry. Then search for photographers speaking at upcoming conventions you'll be attending.
 
So many of the most respected artists in the industry are sharing content every day on YouTube and in their blogs, and Kathy has picked out ten who are outstanding. You've chosen a career path where you can never stand still and simply rest on your laurels, and great content is right at your fingertips!

by Kathy

​Check out some of these incredible wedding photography websites and blogs that are full of beautiful wedding photos and so much more. Browse through galleries, videos, and even tips if you’re looking for some inspiration as the one getting married, for a friend’s wedding, or as the photographer. 

1. Cory Ryan Photography: Looking for the hip and modern bride vibe on your wedding day instead of the traditional ‘cookie-cutter’ wedding photographer then Cory Ryan is who you’re looking for to capture your memorable moments.
2. Crystal Stokes Photography: Crystal is an amazingly talented award-winning photographer who is obsessed with finding/creating beautiful light and turning sweet moments into stunning imagery. Her work ranges from wedding to family and portraits and more…she does it all.
3. William Innes Photography: William’s page is a great resource for inspiration. Browse through his galleries and blogs to get a feel for his awesome work.
4. Sal Cincotta Photography: Sal has more than just his blog full of beautiful photos.
   He also has his Behind the Shutter blog with tons of tips from his magazine. His work looks like something out of a movie or a painting…he has a real artistic flair. 
5. Junebug Weddings: “Showcasing phenomenal photography, and providing the most trusted list of recommended wedding professionals found anywhere in the world. Dedicated to helping couples plan the wedding they’ve always dreamed of, we encourage our readers to find and celebrate their own personal wedding style.”
6. Melissa Jill Photography: Melissa Jill offers a beautiful site with every detail you could possibly need! She keeps her personal blog here as well reflecting her natural talent and personality.
7. Lovesome Photography: For a mix of high-end boudoir, engagement and wedding photos,
   visit Lovesome Photography. Search through her blog for fun wedding ideas and browse through her photo galleries to get a glimpse into her style.
8. Modern Wedding Photography: Browse through the blog, albums, portfolio and more for an inside look into Modern Wedding Photography and all the gorgeous photos that get taken. If you want a fun, authentic, and candid approach from a passionate and enthusiastic photographer…you’re in the right place.
9. Del Sol Photography: Del Sol Photography’s page has tons of amazing destination wedding photos to browse through. Check out their Trash the Dress section for epic images!
10. Focus Imagery: Unique and beautiful photography with a “little piece of magic”. As they say. “We are storytellers and capture your day through our photo journal style of photography…The perfect blend of light, love, and you.” This definitely shines through after going through their portfolio.

​We’d love to see those wonderful wedding photos and memories put together in an awesome ProShow slideshow. Submit your slideshow to be considered for a spotlight on our blog.
Be sure to select the blog submission option.