Why Choose you?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Christopher's Photography Studio on October 14, 2009 at 7:59pm

Very nice Lilia, I am the go to guy for everything on the wedding day. It come with experience, last weekend I tied two wedding dresses and put the bow at the bottom instead of the top. I felt so bad telling the girls they did it upside down but I thought of the bride when she went down the aisle and what people may think... hahaha! I can't get away with as many hugs as you can though...it would get a little creepy... lol.

When the bridal party sees me taking control of the situation and the brides father saying things like " you must have done this a few times", it commands respect and from that moment on it is all a breeze. Yielding great pictures is also very important of course. I have been doing this for close to 17 years and have been through all the phases. Most importantly my clients book with me because of my work and personality. I have many styles and my style is flexible with the couples wishes.
So 'I' am 'IT'
Chris

Permalink Reply by L Parker Photography on October 14, 2009 at 8:31pm

That is awesome! Im so happy that you know the feeling-- I know my path and hope to tack on 17 years as well.
Have a great one Chris/IT go to Guy :)

Permalink Reply by Rick Mason on October 16, 2009 at 12:48pm

I am only 2 years into this business and I learn from my clients as much as I can beforehand! I am learning the business and still learning photography - so I make a lot of mistakes! I have stopped fearing mistakes... everyone likes what I do and I know that I can only get better - and learn even more from everyone here.... ;-)

Permalink Reply by Christine Dyer on October 14, 2009 at 8:02pm

This is a great discussion. Thank you Lilia and Christopher.

Permalink Reply by Photography by Kat - Kathryn on October 15, 2009 at 12:41am

Lilia,

I agree. I shoot how I like, if my clients don't like it, well then they're not my clients. I've told people who want a certain shot "sorry, I don't do that shot, if you want that, you'll have to find another photographer," and I've yet to have someone find another photographer because of it.

I'm there for my brides: Call them the day before the wedding, hug them when I see them on the day of, leave a thank you message on their cells when I leave the reception, do portrait location walk throughs with them, encourage them to call me with their ideas. I've found it shows in how relaxed and happy the couple is with me. Their families notice it right away. Being not just another person with a camera on their wedding day has helped build my business. So along with how I shoot things I also sell who I am: a hardworking, happy, hands on photographer.

Permalink Reply by Theresa Minnette Cox on October 15, 2009 at 1:46am

Mine is "Stylish Photography for Today's Modern Bride."I know what you mean, Lilia. I, too, wasted a lot of time looking at others sites and comparing my work. There are lots of awesome togs out there. It wasn't until I attended a SMUGMUG Users Group meeting that I realized that most of whats being presented is self-aggrandizing hype. Some people are great at selling themselves, but then don't give much to their clients in the end (no pun intended :). They just give them an unedited CD and call it DONE.
I've realized that selling yourself is one thing, but delivering as promised is another, and I think that the service and dedication during and after the wedding is my "IT." I think that we, as photographers, carry a huge load of expectations during the wedding. Like you said, we bustle, fix hair, grab the bride a drink, tell them how to cut the cake, when to dance, and keep them on schedule. I swear, sometimes I feel more like a coordinator than a photographer. But like you, I wouldn't have it any other way.... And the amount of work after the wedding is the part that many people don't understand: editing, proofing, album design, proofing again, and closing out a client with a smile on their face.

Permalink Reply by A Luxe Design Company on October 19, 2009 at 12:49pm

This is an awesome discussion! I am THE custom designer for all things printed. I say that because I am certain when you see my invitations, you can see just how much passion went into creating them. I know couples who are getting married want their colors to match, they want their decor to look just right, and most of all the bride wants her day to be absolutely beautiful, flawless and easy. I also know that when they are looking for ways to plan these things, every thing they see is like looking at a little piece of their wedding day. After all, I was a bride too and I did the same thing! I was very particular. So when I craft my work, I put my heart into it. I want the couples to be proud of what they're getting, and also want them to know that my work is backed 1000%, and I am flexible to many different options. I go to great lengths to be sure my couples get what they want, not just "what's available." I don't want them to pay for something they had to say "it's not exact, but its close." I want it to be exact! So therefore, I open my doors to emails, calls, and questions any day all day. I won't bore you with technical jargon and ask you to jump through hoops - you want an invitations and trinkets that will represent just how perfect you'll be? Then talk plain English to me, and I'll turn out something amazing for you. :)

Permalink Reply by In True Colors Photography on October 29, 2009 at 10:01pm

What is my IT? Well, lets start with basics. What are the basics of Customer Service, In any type of business? IT is always about the client! Ones you realize it, ones you put your your own selfish desires aside, you will notice a much better outcome. I've been in client service area for many many years. It was drilled into my head by hundreds of speakers, educators, .... you name it. There are times to say No, but say it with grace, say it without offending your client, better yet, compromise! There is always time to say YES, even when you want to say the opposite. Work it out, make your client happy, give them what they want, show them you care. At the end, your client will be your best asset, your best referral, your best friend. Earn respect and be respectful to those who you're working with.
Teach your clients, educate your clients, show them, tell them, wow them.
My clients are always become my friends, and I would not have it any other way!

Cheers!