In our continuing series on Internet Wedding Planning, we've asked the Bridal Association of America photographers for their input on how Internet shopping can help brides and grooms pick a great photographer for their wedding.
We found that photographers were often members of several different associations; regional, state, national and international. While local associations prove to be more popular for marketing, networking and client referrals, the clout afforded by competing on an International scale could not be ignored.
Through these referrals we visited Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) (www.wppionlline.com) . The organization is highly regarded as the resource for photography; with an interactive web site that includes educational content to determine the type or style desired as well as a searchable database by photographer or area of service. In addition to their online resources, WPPI sponsors a spring trade show in Las Vegas with world-renowned exhibitions and semi-annual competitions in several categories.
Bridal Association of America members With Love Photography www.withlovephotography.com received an Accolade of Excellence in the June 2006 Semi-Annual 8" x 10" category; one of only two photographers in California to receive an award. While the distinction is definitely an honor, owners Dave and Sharon Cousineau said they regarded the competition as a tool to measure the quality of their work on a larger-than-local scale. "We want to do everything we can to be on the cutting edge of the industry", said Dave Cousineau, "the shows and competitions give us the ideas and feedback we need to ensure our success today and in the future."
So how does a photographer use the Internet, and what should brides and grooms evaluate when selecting their photographer? We asked a few different photographers at varying stages of web site development for their thoughts as follows:
QUESTION:
What factors should a bride and groom consider when choosing a photographer?
ANSWERS:
Quality, style, consistency, personality, and availability are all key factors to consider. We encourage brides and grooms to find out who their actual photographer will be (beware of "assistants", "subcontractors" or "staff") and evaluate their work and interview accordingly. We want them to establish a good rapport and feel comfortable around us so we can capture their best moments and preserve them for a lifetime.
-Sharon Cousineau, With Love Photography
Experience, particularly his/her previous experience shooting at your location.
-Michael, Valdophye Photography
Price, style, quality of photographs in composition, colorization and unusual angles, and formal training.
-Jenetta Kelley, Fine Wedding Photography
QUESTION . . .
Do you currently use the Internet for communications or ordering/reording proofs?
We are just beginning to use this resource, but recognize its potential and plan to use it in the future.
-Michael, Valdophye Photography
I'm just developing that aspect of my business, but I do provide all my clients with their photographs on CD Rom for their convenience.
- Jenetta Kelley, Fine Wedding Photography
We email our clients with an itinerary of their wedding day. We create a private web site for each of our clients so that bride, groom, family and friends can view and order right from their own private site. Our client sites are username and password protected, so only designated family and friends can access them; and only those photographs chosen for display are available. That way the more intimate dressing photos are kept privately for the bride and groom alone.
-Sharon Cousineau, With Love Photography
QUESTION:
What percentage of brides do you think has viewed your work online prior to scheduling a consultation?
Answers:
Approximately 75% of our appointments have viewed our online collection prior to meeting with us. It helps us to prequalify one another prior to meeting by making sure they like our style without inconveniencing them with a trip to the studio.
- Michael, Valdophye Photography
About 50% of our appointments have visited the web site prior to meeting with us.
- Dave Cousineau, With Love Photography
QUESTION:
Do you have any other advice for those planning a wedding to consider when researching a photographer?
Answer:
The best advice I could give is to get as much information from as many sources as you can. Ask the facility staff and other professionals involved with your wedding; these people see photographers every weekend and may have samples of their work on display. Ask your (married) friends who they used for their wedding, and take a look at their album. Look at the web site and find a photographer whose style matches your expectations. Most importantly, evaluate the physical album for design and lasting quality. The most beautiful photographs in the world won't matter if they disintegrate or discolor over time, so we encourage couples to look through an actual album to evaluate its quality, not just the proofs we shot to create it.
Sharon Cousineau, With Love Photography
| Wedding Home Page |
This website is temporarily unavailable, please try again later. |