There is no such thing as “stepping” into the world of photography – it’s a jump! \u00a0Once you’re in it, it’s sink or swim. \u00a0Unfortunately, most people sink after two or three years of being in business. \u00a0Although there are many important factors that determine the success of a business, etiquette and customer service are two of the most important.<\/p>\n
The world of wedding photography is quite small… most credible vendors either know each other or at least know of each other. \u00a0New photographers don’t always realize just how small this group of people is until they burn a bridge. \u00a0Bad idea. \u00a0REALLY bad idea. \u00a0Etiquette and customer service isn’t just important when dealing with clients, it’s equally as important when dealing with fellow vendors and wedding professionals.<\/p>\n
Below are a few tips to help newer photographers as they leap into the wild world of wedding photography.<\/p>\n
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#1 – Keep your email turnaround at less than 24 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you’re dealing with fellow vendors or with potential clients, having a fast turnaround time for emails is essential. \u00a0With brides and grooms using the Internet to do a high percentage of their wedding planning, they are contacting more vendors than they ever have before! \u00a0Think of how easy it would be for a bride to have 5, 10 or even 15 tabs open in her web browser – all of those tabs different photographers websites! \u00a0If that bride contacts every one of those photographers, there’s a good chance that she’ll book with one of the first few who email back. \u00a0Wait too long to reply and she’ll long have forgotten about you. \u00a0Furthermore, keeping speedy replies with fellow vendors shows your dedicated, organization skills as well as commitment to service. \u00a0Providing excellent service as a professional doesn’t just stop at your clients.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n #2 – Use automatic reply functions for when you cannot reply within 24 hours.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you’re going to be away without email access for more than a day, set up an automatic reply function. \u00a0Let the people who are trying to contact you know how long it will be until you return their messages.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n #3 – Dress professionally when with clients.<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you’re shooting an engagement session or a wedding, make sure to dress professionally! \u00a0And girls… let me remind you that low cut shirts are a big no-no! \u00a0(And really, even semi-low neck shirt should be a no-no if you happen to have an ample chest.) \u00a0You’ll be bending, twisting and leaning in order to get the best shot possible – it’s crucial that you’re not flashing your clients your cleavage while doing so! \u00a0Frankly, it looks very cheap and unprofessional. \u00a0Same goes for low-rise dress pants. \u00a0You’ll be swatting, crouching and kneeling throughout the day. \u00a0The last thing you want is for the wedding guests who are seated behind you to be able to see your underwear poking out of your pants. \u00a0If you do choose to wear a sleeveless top on a scorching summers day engagement session, leave the spaghetti straps at home!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n #4 – Say thank you!<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t just say thank you in person, send your clients and other vendors hand written thank you cards! \u00a0Hand written notes are personal as well as professional and will leave the client with a great memory of you. \u00a0Personally, I don’t believe in giving coupons with thank you cards. \u00a0I find it in poor taste to send a thank you card with a coupon… it’s like saying “Thanks for your business…. if there any way in which I an entice you to spend more money with me?” \u00a0Again, just my opinion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n