Michael Alan Bielat a DWF Pro from Buffalo, NY contacted us because he wanted to share his plans for using the new Apple iPad for his photography business. He’s calling it Weddings 2.0…
How did you come up with the name Weddings 2.0?
I am a geek at heart and wanted to go for something that is pretty easy to understand just by looking at the name. A lot of my clients are from the Generation Y and Z crowd so I think it is letting them know that it isn’t their parents wedding photography. My clients are all about technology: cell phones, blogging, social networking and stuff like that so everyone seems to have a little geek in them these days.
Weddings 2.0 aren’t you little worried that it sound to masculine or geeky?
Not at all. Actually, I think wedding vendors need to get men more involved. It is tough when it comes to picking out cakes or flowers but it is totally doable when it comes to photographers and videographers. If the guy can get a say in the wedding planning then this is probably where it’s at. I am recently married myself and remember just zoning out and going to my happy place when meeting with the florist and whatnot. I also feel that that this is sort of piggy backing off of Apple’s branding. Apple has done a great job of marketing their computers and products to be more chic and cool for the masses which hopefully carries over into what we are all about.
I remember back in the day when iPods first began to hold image and video. Photographers everywhere were going to start including iPods with their packages. Obviously that didn’t take off. Other than the obvious, it’s screen size, what do you think will make this a success?
I have been offering pre-loaded iPod Touches since they came out and it has been pretty successful for me. No one else is offering that in my area so it really helped people take notice that I was unique. My main selling point for the iPod and iPad has always been that it allows you to take your wedding with you wherever you go. It is portable, lightweight and you always can have your wedding close to you. Some of the albums we offer are just astounding but they have to weight in at 15 lbs. Compare that size and weight to an iPod or iPad and it is no competition. The practicality of it is the selling point here….
Is there something else that is key to wedding 2.0 success that I’ve not touched on?
This is all about change. Wedding albums are still included in our wedding 2.0 package to make mother happy but they aren’t the focal point of it. It is all about using technology to your advantage to take things into a new level. There are a lot of details that need to get worked out before April 3rd but rest assured I am on top of it. I contacted my past clients about what their thoughts were on this and have been wishing that this was around when they booked with me so it is being well received, even with it still in beta testing! (little geek joke there. Couldn’t resist.)
So what do you guys think? Has Michael identified a niche market? Will Weddings 2.0 fly? Will you be offering your clients their photographs on an iPad?
Back Home
13 Comments at "Weddings + iPad = Weddings 2.0"
Briliant idea, simply genious Michael !!!
“The Apple Store sells and ships products to end user customers only. You may not purchase for resale. Apple reserves the right to refuse or cancel your order if Apple suspects you are purchasing for resale.”
-Apple.com
I would have thought ‘resale’ doesn’t come into it. If you are including an ipod loaded with images as an add on or free extra then there should be no issues with Apple. What if you are selling the slideshow and throwing in the ipad or ipod for free? surely that shouldn’t cause a problem.
I can understand the issue though.
Norman
Mike, easy fix. Charge for the services, the iPad is a gift. Banks etc give away iPods all the time when you sign up for an account.
I’m a little confused by how this is “stumbling on the next big thing.” This is no different than what others have done, only offering it with a larger device(that others will offer) that isn’t out yet.
Wow, groundbreaking!
I am going to start offering a Bugatti Veyron in my high end packages. In the trunk will be a box with your wedding images in it. I think I might be the only photographer offering this in my area! Package price is $1,699,750.00
Nick’s right, 2.0 is hyperbole, offering pre-loaded iPads will only be marginally more significant than pre-loaded iPods were a few years ago.
Now using the iPad as a display vehicle at preliminary consultations is a different matter – I’ll probably get one to show sample images and slideshows and album designs to inquiring brides.
But pre-loaded iPads are the next big thing like fusion was the next big thing – an interesting niche but hardly transformational into widespread 2.0 status.
I am with Scott. Let’s offer a new home to our newly wed couple, the albums will be hidden in a kitchen cabinet as a surprise.
These days, you can probably purchase a home at around the same price as an ipad.
Seriously, I can not imagine anyone paying me for an ipad. The kids I photograph have better phone then mind anyway. They have everything already at home the only thing they don’t have are my corrected and pampered images that I worked so hard on.
Motti
Pictures on an iPod? I already have an iPod, why would I want another one? I’d rather get a discount and no iPod.
With the iPad, would you let the customer pick which version they get? As a client, knowing that the cost of the iPad is rolled into the price I’m paying, then I want the version that I would buy on my own(64GB with 3G), not the scaled-down version (16GB no 3G). Now, if you’re willing to let me choose the iPad model, why is there such a price disparity between your version price differences and Apple’s?
as I discussed this in my Facebook page in Jan 27th
Apple’s new iPad could be the next new photo album.. I see it offering to my clients loaded with the high-res files, awesome album design layout and even a fusion video. All in one place : ) Clients will be able to carry it with them, connect it with bigger screens and even with a projector. The possibilities are endless…
http://facebook.com/syphotography
Thanks for doing this article Mark!
To everyone I would like to say that it is all about just being different within your area. All anyone “needs” is food, clothing and shelter. My clients “want” cool stuff. So far this has been a huge hit at my cliet meeting and only one of the 5 couples had it removed for a credit. I found that this really gets the guys jazzed up about things because it deals with gadgets and isn’t all about table runners, flower colors, cake design and flavor and whatever else that guys get dragged along to. I can say that adding an iPod touch to some packages was also a hit last year and it get me to book higher packages.
If it isn’t your style then don’t offer one. Otherwise, just give it a shot or come up with something else that ID unique to your area thY you can offer. Just think outside the box.
[...] WEDDINGS + IPAD = WEDDINGS 2.0 [...]
[...] WEDDINGS + IPAD = WEDDINGS 2.0 [...]
Comment Now!