The work that I do is driven by the needs of my clients. Yes, I am an artist but without my clients, my art would not thrive. When you entrust me with the task of recording one of the most important days of your life, I want to show you my appreciation by giving you the attention that you deserve.
Even the best photography in the world would be devalued by a poor customer service experience. Some of my clients have mentioned that during their inquiries some photographers are taking two weeks to respond…some never respond at all. This is baffling to me. Why would any good businessman/woman do this? I don’t know, but I am very happy to take those jobs that they seem to be so cavalier about.
I have built my business around three elements: the timely customer service that is mentioned above, helpfulness, and minimal stress. My job is to photograph you having fun and enjoying your day. I can’t do that if I am stressing you out. The easiest way for me to alleviate pressure is by providing full day wedding services as part of my basic package instead of charging at an hourly rate. My Full Day package also includes a complimentary engagement session, a second shooter for additional coverage, a pre-wedding walk-through, and your images on DVD.
I’ve learned that spending time together before the wedding day is very beneficial. Getting to know one another will help my clients to be more relaxed in front of the camera and help me learn what their needs might be going forward. Hanging out together while making great photos together helps the nervousness fade as we approach the date of the wedding. The “pre-wedding walk-through” is something that I like to do several days prior to the wedding. This is when my clients and I meet at the wedding venue to look things over. We checkout photography locations, get a better idea of the lighting, and discuss how the wedding day will flow. It’s here that the first real ideas for how I will capture you day will start to take shape.
What else do you get? Photographs of course! Being a photographer means that our clients come to us for photographs. That is to say: clients want an end product in addition to great service. It is my philosophy that you should get your images as part of hiring me. I’m not going to show up at your wedding, take a thousand photographs, and then charge you an additional amount of money for you to have them. Do cake vendors charge you to make the cake and then charge you again if you’d actually like to eat it? My pricing structure ensures that I get paid for my services, my time editing, vision and style, my branding, and great customer service.
You can have your cake, and eat it too!
The bottom line is this: My clients get the respect that they deserve.
Insider Tip: Click the “Contact Me” link below to get the ball rolling.
by Douglas Pettway