When we book a client at our studio, we build a relationship of trust and friendship with them. I know everyone says that, but do they really mean it? We do. The majority of the time, our clients will just stop by when they are in the neighborhood. For no reason, just to say hi, or to get a cup of coffee with us. It is a pain sometimes uses a lot of time, but in the end who are they gonna tell their friends about?
Back to the wedding. I get to the brides room and it is full of people, 30 or so. As I walk in the bride is literally weeping and runs to a side room in the suite. The make up artist tells me that she has been like that for 30 minutes and no one can seem to get her to stop. I guess a ton of stuff has gone wrong with all her intricate planning.
What’s a photographer to do? Well I am not just her photographer, because of the time spent with her in planning and doing the engagement shoot and signing book, I am now her friend. She comes out of the room crying and I take her by the shoulders and tell her that none of the stuff that has gone wrong matters. I tell her the only thing that matters is “ME”! She looks at me, stops crying and then starts to giggle. I reiterate it again ” This day is all about me and my amazing images!” After the laughter dies down, I then whisper to her that it really is about her and her amazing future husband and don’t let the little stuff get to her.
Now why did what I do work, and not for anyone else? First, I was now her trusted friend and she knew that I cared about her wedding as much as she did. Second from working with her I knew that although she was VERY detail oriented she also was really funny and loved to joke around a lot. All it took to break the stalemate of crying was to do something really stupid and funny.
There are times when it is good to be more than a photographer, just be real and be a friend.
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5 Comments at "We Are More Than Just Photographers"
We also try to be a friend. Sometimes it works and we are able to calm frayed nerves. But sometimes we are called out as being intrusive and are told to mind our own business.
Each situation is unique. I am very glad it worked out .
amen. there’s much more to our job than photography if we take the opportunities to establish a relationship. a good relationship is essential for good photography, as well as assisting in all the X factors.
Inspiring post. It has reconfirmed what I’ve always believed – that I am a photographer and not just someone with a camera. The client inquiries that I’ve been receiving lately seem to be because I am someone with a Camera and they’re looking for a deal. I’ve had to say ‘no’ to them. I need to feel emotionally connected on the day to capture the images that I do.
Aside from family members, the photographer is the one who spends the greatest amount of time with the wedding couple on their day, and it is so important that there is that ‘friend’ connection there.
Great post!
I have been there many times over the years. Ours is a relationship of trust and confidence in the most intimate moments.
Part of our message of uniqueness is our ability to handle crisis, upset, stress and get great images no matter what happens. Very, Very, Very few Craigslist, shoot and burn, just got a camera, $500 a wedding “Photographers?” could have handled the scenario described.
Respect to you!
I agree we are more than just photographers. Friendships take time to develope. We had a bride and party whoes sister was apparently gravely ill and they got a call that she might not make the wedding. The bride started to cry along with the rest of her party. We suggested that they all pray. This seemed to help them control their emotions. The sister did make it to the wedding thought before the honeymoon vacation was over sadly she expired.
The interesting thing is this couple had been referred to us from a wedding a few years back. They requested images of the sister who died who had been in that wedding. We had them on file and as a good will gesture gave them additional prints. They were very happy epically of the prints that they had not purchased in the past and did not remember seeing.
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