How To Communicate Best With A Possible Wedding Client

When you are having your first conversations with a possible wedding client, you may be tempting to follow up with them numerous times until you finally hear back. But sometimes that is not always the best way to move forward. No photographer works exactly the same way but the way you correspond with clients from the beginning is very important to whether or not they respond to you at all and can also make a difference if they actually book you to shoot their wedding. 

Are you in need of some different ideas and ways to reach out to clients and to communicate with them throughout the wedding timeline? Photography Basics - Wedding Day Workflow, a BP4U guide written by Ann Louise Photography, is the perfect guide to sit down with when you are a photographer looking to break into the wedding industry or if you feel you need a refresher or new ideas to add to your own wedding photography business. 

GET PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS - WEDDING DAY WORKFLOW NOW! 

ON SALE TODAY FOR ONLY $29 (A $299.99 VALUE)! 

Photo credit: Ann Louise Photography 

Photo credit: Ann Louise Photography 

Should You Follow Up Multiple Times After Their First Inquiry?

Many photographers may feel like they should follow up with an inquiry numerous times. Ann Louise Photography feels differently. As they talk about in this guide, when they first get an inquiry from a possible wedding client, they will follow up with an email or call within 48 hours and then will not follow up again if they do not hear back. 

They say in the guide, "Once we send the initial stock email, we don't send another one. We find that if the client is serious and in love with our work, they will reply back. This helps us target our clients and really get in with niche clients who appreciates our artwork."

Photo credit: Ann Louise Photography

Photo credit: Ann Louise Photography

What Should You Say In Your Initial Outreach?

Your first email to a potential client is important. It is the first time that the bride or groom is going to hear from you so you want to be professional and provide just enough details to make them want to meet with you in person or chat over the phone. So what are some of the details you should include in that email?

  • Tell them a little about your company. Have you won any awards or been published in a really great publication where they can check out your work?
  • Give them a base for your pricing. Do not go into tons of detail on all your prices yet, but perhaps a quick overview of your basic and most popular wedding package and it's starting price. This gives them enough information to know if you are over their budget or not. Even though you want to book as many great clients as you can, you do not want to waste time with someone who does not fit into your budget. 
  • Ask them to come in and meet with you in person. It is always best to get that in-person meeting scheduled early. Then you can see the couple, find out what it is they are looking for and then show off the work that you do. Tell them to send you days that they are available so you can get that meeting set. 
  • Let them know if their date is available if they provided that information to you. If their wedding date is still TBD, let them know how far out you are booking at that time. 

Even though many of these items are known by many, it can be very easy when you are busy to send a quick email that leaves out some of this important information. Perhaps, you can create a template for this introduction email that you can keep handy and then just customize here and there as needed. That will help to save you time... and we all know that your time is precious. 


This Wedding Day Workflow has tons of great information and ideas for communicating with your clients from the first inquiry to the final email after the wedding has happened. It is so important in the wedding industry to communicate effectively with your clients to keep them happy and in the know. Communication is the key to success and your clients now will be your references for future work that you do and you want them to be impressed with every part of your work.

To get even more great tips and templates, get Photography Basics: Wedding Day Workflow today. Ann Louise Photography will walk you through one of their weddings from the first inquiry through the wedding. They will also walk you through taking photos the day of the wedding and SO much more. 

GET PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS - WEDDING DAY WORKFLOW NOW! 

ON SALE TODAY FOR ONLY $29 (A $299.99 VALUE)! 


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Photo Of The Week

Today's photo of the week was taken by John Simmons and is of the beautiful sunset on Bull Shoals Lake in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. 

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Shooting At Night: Tips From Jeff Cable, A Three Time Olympic Photographer

Whether you prefer to take nighttime photos in the countryside with beautiful lands as far as the eye can see or in a city that comes alive with the lights of buildings and traffic illuminating the sky, night photography is an exciting aspect of picture taking to explore. Taking photos at night does require a bit more preparation and thought than other shots.

Check out this video with tips from Jeff Cable, a three time Olympic Photographer who also has a passion for shooting at night. Watch his class from B&H Photo for an overview of the basics of night photography and specific tips for different locations. Enjoy! 

Did you love the tips Jeff Cable offers in this video? Here are a few other videos you may enjoy: 


Do you need a way to help you attract more clients? Perhaps you could use a fresh, new look for your company? The BP4U Marketing Bundle Pack is just what you need. This new collection of marketing templates for photographer is awesome and combines all of the BP4U marketing sets into one large product at one great price. Put these marketing pieces on your website, print them off, use on social media or so much more! Check out this amazing marketing bundle for only $600! 

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Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week was taken by Michael Velardo in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. It is a tri-colored heron, (Egretta tricolor), in a small creek doing some fishing.

You can see more photography from Michael on Viewbug and Pixoto.  

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

3 Tips To Taking Great Wedding Photos In A Church

Weddings are such amazing events to photograph. You are documenting one of the most special days of the couples' life and you want to be sure you take the absolute best photos you can. But, the wedding goes by fast and you only get one shot to take those photos while the ceremony and reception are taking place so you have to do it correctly the first time. 

If the couple you are photographing are saying 'I do' in a church, you will find that the lighting can be tricky and many times it is darker than normal. This makes getting sharp and colorful images much more difficult. Using a flash during a wedding ceremony in a church is usually frowned upon and even if the couple doesn't seem to mind you using a flash, it can be very distracting and bad form. Remember, you are trying to stay in the background so you are not noticed while still capturing amazing photos. 

So, what can you do to make sure the ceremony photos turn out amazing even if there is low-light? Read below for 3 tips to taking great wedding photos in a church. 

Photo credit: Cole Joseph Photography

1. Use A Full Frame Camera

A full frame camera will give you a better low-light performance and more quality images at higher ISOs. A larger camera sensor is able to capture more light in your photos than a crop-sensor camera. 

2. Use Settings For Low Light

Make sure that you manually change your camera settings to shoot in lower light. The ISO tells the sensor in your camera to be more sensitive to light so keep in mind the higher the number, the more sensitive to light it is. You want to try and keep your ISO as low as you can to make sure your photos look as clear as they can. You want to also remember to keep your shutter speed around 60 and your aperture at 2.8 or lower - these settings allow the most light in. 

3. Keep Your Camera Steady

You want to be sure during a low light wedding ceremony that you keep your camera as still as possible. One great way to do this is with a monopod which makes it easy to use and move around and not be noticed. 


Are you a wedding photographer and take many wedding photos indoors throughout the year? The Indoor Wedding & Engagement Posing Guide would be perfect for you! You may be photographing a wedding that is outdoors but need to move photos inside due to bad weather. Or, perhaps you just need some new, fresh posing ideas while taking photos inside a church or ballroom. Get this guide today for only $15.00 (a $149.99 value)!

GET THE INDOOR WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT POSING GUIDE TODAY!  

 

 

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Photo Of The Week

This week's photo of the week was taken by Greg Le Grand called "Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico." Greg took this shot with an E-M5Mark II, Olympus M.25mm, 1/250 F7.1 ISO200.

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

Smithsonian Magazine Announces 14th Annual Photo Contest Finalists And You Can Vote For The Winner!

Smithsonian Magazine had their 14th Annual Photo Contest ran from March 22 - November 30, 2016. With over 48,000 submissions from photographers in 146 countries and territories to choose from, the judges have narrowed down to 70 finalists that you have the opportunity to vote on to help choose the winners. 

Contestants submitted photos to the following seven categories: Natural World, The American Experience, Travel, People, Altered Images, Mobile, and Sustainable Travel. The Sustainable Travel category is made possible through the support of United Eco-Skies.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice winner will close on Monday, March 27. Voting is limited to one vote per user per day. Click here to vote for the Readers’ Choice winner from among the 70 finalists. The Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, and seven category winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 28. 

Below we have included photos from 10 finalists for you to check out. And be sure to visit www.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/archive/2016/ to vote for your favorites! 

"The Beauty of Tokyo at Night" Photo Credit: © iam Won. All rights reserved.

"The Beauty of Tokyo at Night" Photo Credit: © iam Won. All rights reserved.

"Improvisation" Photo Credit: © Jim Mneymne. All rights reserved.

"Improvisation" Photo Credit: © Jim Mneymne. All rights reserved.

"The Hidden Murder" Photo Credit: © waroop Singha Ro. All rights reserved.

"The Hidden Murder" Photo Credit: © waroop Singha Ro. All rights reserved.

"Morning Call" Photo Credit: © unarto Gunawa. All rights reserved.

"Morning Call" Photo Credit: © unarto Gunawa. All rights reserved.

"Bestas" Photo Credit: © vier Arcenilla. All rights reserved.

"Bestas" Photo Credit: © vier Arcenilla. All rights reserved.

"Keel-Billed Toucan" Photo credit: © Dennis Zaebst. All rights reserved.

"Keel-Billed Toucan" Photo credit: © Dennis Zaebst. All rights reserved.

"Atocha" Photo credit: © Javier Arcenillas. All rights reserved.

"Atocha" Photo credit: © Javier Arcenillas. All rights reserved.

"Yellow-Flecked Sipo" Photo credit: © Claire Waring. All rights reserved.

"Yellow-Flecked Sipo" Photo credit: © Claire Waring. All rights reserved.

"Last Dance" Photo Credit: © my Sack. All rights reserved.

"Last Dance" Photo Credit: © my Sack. All rights reserved.

"Before the Portrait" Photo Credit: © tephanie Fode. All rights reserved.

"Before the Portrait" Photo Credit: © tephanie Fode. All rights reserved.

See all 70 finalists from Smithsonian.com’s 14th Annual Photo Contest and vote for the Readers’ Choice winner www.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/archive/2016.


Do you shoot wildlife photography or other photos outdoors and sometimes find yourself shooting on an overcast day? Pretty Sky Overlays can help! With 110 overlays that help you fix a blown out sky or edit in a specific mood, it will be perfect for you! For $124.99, these overlays are a great item to have! 

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Photo Of The Week

Today's photo of the week was taken by James Finnegan with Finnegan Design Photo of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. 

To see more work from James, visit his website at jfinnegan-designphoto.businesscatalyst.com. You can also check him out on Instagram @jfinne46 or follow him on Twitter

We Want To Feature Your Work!

Do you have some really amazing photos you have taken recently or some of your past work that you simply love? We want to see! Each Tuesday, we will be featuring a "photo of the week" right here on the Camera Giveaways blog. We are looking for anything from amazing landscape photos, a gorgeous wedding or engagement shot, sports or animal photography, an awesome fashion photo...whatever you want to share, we would love to see!

Email your photos to contact@cameragiveaways.com with the subject "CG Blog Photo Submission" for consideration. In your email be sure to include a description of your photo, your name and company name as well as website and social media links. Please... no watermarks! If this information is not included, your photo will not be included.

A Simple Tip To Making Your Food Photography Look Awesome

Do you photograph food? Whether you love capturing decadent desserts, succulent seafood dishes or amazing steaks, you always want your food photography to look amazing and make your mouth water simply by looking at the photo. 

As we can see from this photo below... a photo can make your mouth water. This pizza is gorgeous and showcases the the colorful and delicious veggies that are on it. It definitely makes our mouth water! There are so many tips that you need to remember when photographing food but read below for one very important but simple tip to help make your photos great every time. 

Photo credit: Lauren Volo 

Photo credit: Lauren Volo 

We found a great tip on The Phoblographer that we wanted to share with you today that will hopefully help you make sure your food photos come out great each and every time. The idea with this tip you are about to watch is to make sure that your food looks like it is lit with window lighting because natural light always looks best and is "homey and familiar to everyone" according to The Phoblographer. 

Check out this video below to help you create a natural light look to every food dish that you photograph. 

Are you a food photographer? We would love to see some of your work! Consider submitting your food photos to our "Photo of the Week" posts. You can read more about how to submit here


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Celebrate World Wildlife Day With These Great Animal Photos

The finalists for the World Wildlife Day 2017 photo competition have been announced and we just love all of the great photos. The competition invited people aged 10 to 24 from around the world to submit their photos of wildlife as a way use their artistic talents to highlight to others the importance in the protection of wildlife. The theme of the competition was titled "Through Young Eyes" and is held in conjunction with World Wildlife Day.

Take a few minutes to check out a few of the finalists photos we loved and wanted to share with you! 

Heavy-bodied jumping spider (Hyllus semicupreus). Photo credit: MdRasidul Islam Rabby/World Wildlife Day

Heavy-bodied jumping spider (Hyllus semicupreus). Photo credit: MdRasidul Islam Rabby/World Wildlife Day

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Photo credit: Gabor Li/World Wildlife Day

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Photo credit: Gabor Li/World Wildlife Day

Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta). Photo credit: Swaroop Singha Roy/World Wildlife Day

Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta). Photo credit: Swaroop Singha Roy/World Wildlife Day

Northern potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis). Photo credit: Jorge Figueroa/World Wildlife Day

Northern potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis). Photo credit: Jorge Figueroa/World Wildlife Day

Group of crane flies (family Tipulidae). Photo credit: Breech Asher Haranl/World Wildlife Day

Group of crane flies (family Tipulidae). Photo credit: Breech Asher Haranl/World Wildlife Day

Wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo smithii). Photo credit: Ali Javed/World Wildlife Day

Wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo smithii). Photo credit: Ali Javed/World Wildlife Day


Do you take animal photographs or other shots outdoors and sometimes need to fix the sky? If you ever want to add clouds or sunsets to your photos then this Pretty Sky Overlays is for you! For $299.99, you will get 110 overlays that will allow you to fix a blown out sky or edit in a specific mood. 

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