We had a wonderful day with delegates from the MPA Wessex Region with some travelling down from other regions. When we were asked to speak to the region I said that while taking photographers of pretty girls in white frocks was a wonderful way to fill the day photographers have to look, and work at, getting these clients into their studios in the first place because without the clients there is not business. So we spent the morning with my Power Point presentation looking at areas of the wedding photography business that should be addressed and I hope that the delegates all found something from that part of the day that will be helpful in moving their business to the next level. It is unfortunate that there is so much training about to do with taking images but very few that are structured around an inclusive business and marketing platform for wedding photographers. One of the most important areas of any wedding photography business is relationship marketing. Building relationships with all your local and regular wedding suppliers, the florist, the designer boutique, the car hire company, the cake designer and of course the venues you prefer to work in. Building a close and ongoing relationship is not just about asking them to hand out your leaflets or leave an album as an example its about calling them up, introducing yourself, inviting them for a coffee one day on neutral ground so avoiding any distractions and not only telling them about your business but also learning about their business. Show them that you are interested in them it will make a difference I can assure you. This will take time to build but you can help it progress in many ways, keep in regular contact, if they have supplied for a wedding you have been asked to photograph tell them how wonderful they were on the day, mention them in your blog post and also link to their website. Send them some images and what ever you do DO NOT CHARGE THEM! I have heard some photographers expect to be paid for these images, WHY? Each associated wedding business can help your own through personal recommendation so take advantage of these invaluable contacts because if you don’t then somebody else will! Keep abreast of what these business’s are doing, check out their blog sites regularly and if they have won an award, had some local PR exposure or done something out of the ordinary then congratulate them, send them a card or much, much better send them some flowers or my favourite gift, a small box of cupcakes and those of you who were present on Monday’s workshop will know exactly what I mean!

I know that this all requires work but building any business always requires dedication and hard work in order to succeed. So next time you are browsing some other photographers website just remember that what you are doing will not put money into your bank account, stop what you are doing and concentrate on your own business, pick up the phone, introduce yourself and become motivated and inspired for your own business.

Here are a few of our images taken during the afternoon demonstration session with our delightful models for the day Michelle and Cheryl. Tomorrow I want to discuss pre and post wedding shoots and how they can add value to your studio and to your client. If you have any questions please feel free to post.

The first image is one of Trevor’s of Michelle taken at the very beginning of the demonstration. Shot on a D700 85mm prime lens @ 200 iso 2000th @ f2.4

Now one of Faye’s with Cheryl our other beautiful model for the day, again at the start of the day against the wooden wall of the engine shed. D300 with 24-70. I should perhaps mention that Faye did all of the hair work on both models.

Another of mine this time of Cheryl taken under the wisteria drenched gazebo. You will notice that all, apart from one,  my images have been processed to a warm black and white with some texture

Now Faye’s again with this image of Michelle was made at the Gazebo again with her D300

My image of Michelle walking through the beautiful woods at Exbury House. Brides love this style of image.

Another image of Michelle by Faye, under that stunning gazebo.

My image of Cheryl in a thoughtful pose, again on the D700 with the 85mm prime.

Faye’s stunning image of Michelle while in the boat shed.

This bridge must be every photographers delight but I just loved the hidden corner. Thanks to Anthony for the light control.

Faye used that gorgeous seat and space with Michelle to give a different look.

I just loved this bridge and this image I shot of Cheryl. I love both interpretations of how I have post processed the image.

Version 1

Version 2

A beautiful image by Faye,of Cheryl under a stunning and magical tree. Notice the wonderful natural light.

After most delegates had left we remembered Faye had made a ‘bridal veil/hat’ that we had not used, so we asked both Michelle and Cheryl if we could create a couple of images of them both wearing Faye’s creation. This is my take with Cheryl on the D700

Faye shot Michelle and has done 2 versions of the image.

And now a few of the day and the delegates.