it was a long 2010…
February 21st, 2011It is not hard to tell that I was not very active on this blog in 2010. The fact is that I was not very active as a wedding photographer in 2010. This was not by choice, however. And, in response, I urge couples looking for photographers to keep value and quality in mind as they look at costs during our country’s economic recovery.
I made a conscious decision to price myself in an “in-between” spot. I am right in that price range where I hope to work with couples that want to invest in quality photography, but cannot go after bigger names at higher prices. I try to provide the professionalism and personal attention that every couple deserves, regardless of price. But I don’t offer the portfolio of services that others do. You will absolutely get professional photos, professional service, and personal attention. But albums, online ordering – I just don’t offer those when this is a second job (about which I am very passionate, but a second job nonetheless).
The results were that I got great couples with whom to work, just the right number of bookings to keep me busy yet enable me to provide excellent customer service, and about the right amount to start expanding my advertising.
Unfortunately, with the recession and the slow recovery, I priced myself out of most jobs this past year. Those that were considering spending a bit more on a professional decided not to do so, and those that were committed to having a photographer generally had a higher budget. Also, I could not afford to advertise where I wanted, further limiting my exposure.
Therefore, my point: if you’re planning you’re wedding, spend some time thinking about the importance of having a professional photographer. We know lighting, we know timing, we know when to be where and what lens to have at that time. That’s what we do.
What we offer is value that you won’t get if you pursue other options. You not only get photographic memories that you’ll cherish, but also a quality that you just can’t get without an experienced photographer.
You don’t have to hire me. But I hope that the drop-off in my business isn’t a sign of couples thinking photography is not as important as it really is.





