Client Questions Answered: What Makes You Different?

With this wide world of wedding photographers to choose from I find it refreshing when clients ask me... What makes you different? Although this is something I always try to cover in my meetings I think it definitely has its place here on my blog as well.

From my shooting style to my packages there are a number of things I feel make me unique as a photographer. I would like to take some time to highlight these things.

Photojournalistic Coverage ~ The newest trend nowadays is wedding photojournalism. If done right it’s not a “trend” whatsoever. I consider wedding photojournalism to be telling the story of the wedding, creatively, candidly and completely through photographs. While many photographers may call themselves wedding photojournalists I think me having been an actual photojournalist sets me apart. I see things differently. My eyes are trained in observer mode. I can not only recognize key moments, intricate details and emotional exchanges but capture them in a way that tells the story of what is going on.

2 Photographers Standard ~ Weddings are filled with events. Again with my emphasis on complete coverage I always think it is such a shame that couples with a single wedding photographer often times have to choose what gets covered and what will be forgotten. My solution to this predicament is to include 2 photographers in every one of my packages. Ardent clients get photos of the bride AND the groom getting ready, two different perspectives of every important event and double the photos.

CD Of All Images ~ Why all photographers do not give their clients images on CD I will never understand. Yes there is something to be said for having your photos printed from your photographer. Higher quality paper, exact color matching, prints that will last 100 years or more are just a few reasons to print through a professional. BUT what about those of us who like to keep our photos digitally? Those who like to email, post to facebook or just want to be able to print our photos on our own timeframes? I provide my clients with BOTH options. On your CD you can find a color version & black and white copy of all of your photos.

Online Gallery/Turnaround ~ I’m impatient by nature. I open Christmas presents early, give birthday gifts weeks before the actual date. I pester my husband for details each and every time he plans a surprise for me. Because of this I don’t like to make my clients wait for their photos. When I originally started my business like most photographers I reserved 4-6 weeks for delivery of my finished product. This year I am cutting this time to 3 weeks. For those of you that like me love a little instant gratification… I will also be uploading the photos as they are done to an online gallery to share with family and friends. You can now view your photos on your honeymoon & share them with friends and family halfway across the world .

Artistry ~ I truly believe great wedding photography is an art form. Weddings in their very nature are beautiful events. Beyond being a photographer who can get you great photos from a technical side I like to present my clients with many high end artistic representations as well. Photography obsessed I love staying on top of trends in the industry, cross processing, textures, vintage effects… all have their place in my heart and on my virtual palette.

Experience ~ This is a biggie. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event. There are no do overs, no retakes, no getting it right the second time around. After the day is gone so are your flowers, your cake, the food, music, decorations etc… The way you will remember your day will largely be through your photographs. This is a HUGE responsibility. Not one that I personally take lightly. I have over 2 years experience shooting weddings as a PRIMARY. I am photography obsessed and always refining my skills, honing my craft. You can put your trust in me. I use the highest quality Nikon equipment (the newest on the Market today) and always carry a back up. Heck my assistants are even required to have backups. Your photos once taken are kept in 3 different places and after your wedding permanently archived. My photos are not lost or deleted.

I am sure there are many other differences but for me these are key areas I am proud of. If you’re a bride and you’ve made your way through this lengthy post I would be very interested in hearing what the top 5 things you find important in a photographer are… leave me a comment please and thank you.