The internet has made it possible for us to connect with one another in ways that were unimaginable just few years ago. In so many ways technology as afforded us the great convenience to purchase what we want with just a click or a swipe and get what we want without a second thought.
As a wedding photographer who depends on the free flow of information that internet provides to connect with potential clients I thought that now might be a good time to talk about something really important when it comes to doing business, that is the idea of mutual trust.
You probably found my website through a search engine of some sort, Google, Bing ect Perhaps you Googled the term "Raleigh wedding photography" and my site was listed somewhere in your search results. You clicked on the link provided and perhaps have taken the time to scroll through my website to check out my photography work and now find yourself reading my blog. Here you might be getting a general idea about what I'm all about both professionally and personally. Maybe your even considering hiring me to be your wedding photographer but you've got a stack of other photographer websites to review before you make your final decision. The point of this post is not to implore you to hire me (although that would be awesome)! Rather it is a plea for you to practice your due diligence in researching your photography options before ultimately deciding who ends up being the lucky photographer to capture you're wedding day.
Raleigh North Carolina is home to many, many, many talented photographers. In my humble opinion the great majority of us are good people who are doing the work that they feel that they were made to do. Yes, some of us are more expensive then others but at the end of the day it's the quality of the photos that should matter to people like you, followed by the affordability of the packages they offer. Sometimes though, just as in any industry there are people out there who are out to take advantage of the public through any means necessary so It is imperative that you do your own homework before deciding who you should hire to photograph your big day.
My advice first and foremost is to do a thorough Google search of the photographers name and business to see if there are any complaints out there on the internet that you may need to consider. I’d even go one step further and include the search terms “scam” or “bad” in front of their names when typing their name into the search box. If you see lots of unhappy couples ranting about the quality of their photos or the demeanor of the photographer then it might be a good idea to keep searching for another photographer. After all, you are purchasing something that at the time you pay for it, is an intangible item. That is to say that you're expecting that photographer will deliver you exactly the level of artistic service and professional expertise that you're paying him or her for. The photos you see on their website should be a reflection of their talents and experience. At its core, when you pay a reservation deposit to book your wedding photographer you are purchasing a promise. That is why trust is so very important.
It is important to trust your gut when something just does not feel right. Have you ever seen an advertisement for a photographers work that just does not match up to the standards reflected on his or her website? Unfortunately sometimes photographer steal photos from others and display those images on their own websites to try and book more weddings. This is such an unfortunate thing both for the photographer who is often inexperienced and for the client who may pay thousands of dollars for a certain style that their chosen photographer simply cannot deliver. This is why I recommend anyone in the market for a truly talented wedding or engagement photographer should ask to see an entire wedding or engagement session that a photographer recently photographed.
As a professional photographer I am always happy to share my portfolio with potential clients for another reason, realistic expectations. Yes, I do shoot for an affordable flat hourly rate but what good is a low price if your taste in photography does not mesh with the style that I provide in my shots? I always encourage people to hire the photographer who’s work touches their heart first, all the while respecting their budget. I promise you that there are amazing photographers who's work you will fall in love with to be found in nearly every price range if you're willing to take the time to look beyond page 1 of Google. Great work isn't expensive, it's priceless! Never settle for less or you will have always paid too much.
When meeting with a prospective photographer ask him or her if it's okay if you can provide some input on the types of photos you want them to take. I know this may sound weird but some photographers do not take direction well and in fact will flat out refuse to take specific shots for their clients. It's best to have this conversation up front before money is exchanged so that you know what you're getting into. For what it is worth from my perspective, I love it when my clients text me photo ideas that they have found on the internet that they would like me to try and photograph for them. Sometimes it's just easier to make people happy by allowing them to tell me how to make them so. Plus I like a challenge! :)
Always get an agreement in writing. Do not compromise on this point. A formal contract is more then an agreement, it is a receipt for services rendered. To honor a commitment towards serving with a sense of responsibility, I always work with clients under a legally binding service contract and encourage you to find a photographer who would do the same. The peace of mind that comes knowing that you have legal agreement of expectations in addition to an old fashioned handshake can go a long way in building a strong foundation of mutual two -way trust between you and your photographer.
Lastly, read your prospective photographers blog posts. There is a wealth of information to be found in between the pretty pictures we post on our photography blogs. Ha, ha please go easy on us ( me) though as writing usually isn't our (my) main endeavor. Some of us are simply more talented then others at penning prose and that is ok!
When it's all said and done, the thing that I and most other professional photographers want most for our clients is for them to truly enjoy their wedding day while trusting us to do what we do best. We want to be given the chance not only to earn your business but also the opportunity to gain your respect and gratitude. We want you to rely on the merits of our photographic experience and of technical skill knowing that we will try our level best to document your big day in an honest and thoughtful way so that you can live the experience without missing a thing. After all, happy and relaxed clients make for the best photos and the happiest of memories in the years to come!
-S. Siko
Investment information regarding Silvercord Event Photography's Raleigh engagement and wedding photography price and service packages may be found here.