Fast Food Friday - For Professional Photographers

© pathdoc

​This might be one of our shortest and easiest recipes from the SCU Diner. And, it's not really exclusive to professional photographers, although that's the direction we're most focused on.

One of the top complaints of new couples after the wedding is the photographer didn't meet their mindset with the finished photographs, video, and album. And the reason most often relates to listening skills. So, here are a few suggestions:

• You've got two ears and one mouth - listen twice as much as you talk! The original quote is modified from a Greek philosopher, Epictetus who died almost two thousand years ago. Learning to listen is hardly a new topic! 
• Ask questions with more than one purpose. For example, Bambi Cantrell talks about asking the bride who made her gown. The answer gives her an idea of what she's spending, together with her style - more contemporary or traditional.
• Build the relationship. We live in a texting and email world, and I often feel like the art of conversation has been lost. Ask the couple how they met? Encourage them to share some of the funny experiences they've had together. Find out what they love about each other, their families and friends.
• Show them samples of your work. I'm always surprised when I hear about a photographer who doesn't have sample albums to share. All it takes is a call to your lab to make a duplicate album from a previous wedding or two.
• Whenever possible, do an engagement session. While it provides additional value to your pricing, the real benefit is getting to know the couple. A good engagement shoot helps to establish your credibility so that on the day of the wedding, you're a recognized friend during a time when "logic doesn't reign as king!"​

Your strongest marketing tool, which I've written about before is in building a relationship and trust. It applies to every specialty within photography, including commercial, boudoir, family, children, maternity, and the list goes on and on!

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"Do not listen with the intent to reply, but with the intent to understand."
Anonymous