3 Factors All Beginning Wedding Photographers Should Consider

Wedding photographers are obviously hired to visually document the ceremony and reception in a way that caters to the needs of the couple getting married. The pictures or video that are taken during the event must tell the perfect story in a manner that suits the clients' preferences. Besides the candid shots of the party and guests during the reception, you'll be asked to provide a collection of formal pictures. One of the challenges is meeting your clients' needs while considering how you can leverage the photos you're taking for your own portfolio. It's easier said than done.

In this article, I'll describe 3 factors that all wedding photographers need to consider when creating the narrative for their clients. I'll also explain how to weigh their needs with your own regarding your use of the pictures for attracting contracts with future clients.

#1 - Be A Consultant

When couples come to you for your photojournalistic expertise, they're often looking for guidance. Most have never been through the process of hiring wedding photographers; they don't know what to expect, nor do they fully understand what you're capable of providing them. Your marketing brochures, website, portfolio, and other materials should present your skills in a way that allows your clients to see your style. By doing so, you allow those who have particular needs to convey them to you, while others will form their expectations regarding what you can offer. As a wedding photographer, your role as a consultant is invaluable.

#2 - Think Of Your Portfolio

The formal pictures that you take of the couple and the party will not add significant value to your portfolio. They won't allow you to stand apart from other wedding photographers. Those who hire you to capture their ceremony and reception do so because they identify a narrative quality in the candid shots within your portfolio. Memorable moments, such as the guests dancing, the couple sneaking a kiss, or a shot of the bride's mother's face filled with tearful joy will prove far more valuable for attracting future clients than portraits.

The portfolio of samples that you show your clients should be filled with narrative, candid pictures that tell a story about a single moment in time. Not only do these types of photos allow you to display your photojournalistic skills to your clients, but they help coax them into allowing you more freedom when creating their book. A lot of couples are too focused upon portraits, believing they'll offer the most value. Often, they don't realize the considerable impact that wedding photographers can deliver through narrative pictures. Your ever-growing portfolio will help them understand.

#3 - Your Website, The Sales Tool

Your website is the most effective tool you have for educating your clients regarding your approach to photojournalism. More than merely an online portfolio, it can be subtly persuasive in guiding couples toward the type of photographs you prefer to take. Remember, you're the expert who has the experience to know what works best. Couples look to their wedding photographers for ideas and direction regarding the flavor of their book's journalistic flair. By carefully choosing the type of photos that you include on your website, you can begin the selling process before the first meeting.

The Partnership: Wedding Photographers And Clients

Wedding photographers aren't hired help; they're valued partners. Your job is to consult, guide, and sell your clients on your vision for the narrative you want to create for them. The pictures that you include in your physical portfolio as well as on your website will help them determine whether you're a good match for their needs. And once you're contracted, the photojournalistic flavor that you use to document the event will deliver additional pictures with which to attract future clients.

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