As clients have to qualify vendors, we also have to do the same to some extent. I can’t speak for every photographer, but for me, this is how I process things. For me, it’s not all about clients with large budgets. It’s more about working with organized clients with realistic budgets, I find they are the best to work with and truly value the services I provide for them. I have gotten a decent amount of wedding photography inquiries lately which is great, but it’s a similar process to looking at a used car you’re selling on Craigslist. You may get many calls or email inquiries, but unless they come look at it and make an offer, they aren’t serious buyers.  The first thing many clients have to do is make sure that photographer is able to suit their needs, as well as work within their budget within reason, so that may be part of the initial qualifying process for them. In which case I will respond by email and explain how my packages work, and ask them further details about their event and set up a time to talk in greater detail, so I can finalize my quote to them. I am always cordial and inviting to everyone, and try to provide them the necessary information they need to get the ball rolling, but it’s only the preliminary.

Just like the Craigslist analogy, not everyone is a fit to do business with everyone else. My package pricing is reasonable, but I’m not the cheapest by any means, nor the most expensive. But I believe in my heart that I will provide a great product to prospective clients, and will take good care of them. If price is someone’s only concern, the chances of them doing business with me are approaching slim. Because there are a slew of people doing all day $500.00 weddings, however, the informed client can see the value in hiring a professional photographer when they compare, as there are no do overs for wedding photography. Jumping through hoops for those price point people has proven to be less fruitful, mainly not even because of their budget, but because of them not being willing to put work and communication into anything, and not being organized. Therefore, I’d likely have underbid a wedding I was not happy with, and the client isn’t happy either because they wanted a Mercedes for the price of a Kia, or their own disorganization made the event a catastrophe. Not fair for anyone involved.

Ask any bride who had a successful wedding, she will tell you that there was hours of communication with the photographer before and after the event, so the during time could run as smooth as a Rolex watch. Shortcuts do not create favorable results. The questions more informed and organized clients ask before selecting a wedding vendor / photographer are of course what can be offered in their price range, etc. but it doesn’t end there, is my point. By then they have already established that they feel a connection between my work and their wedding. They generally want to know how much time I have spent in my field, if I am insured, if I will be there for them years from now, if God forbid anything happen to their wedding photos in a fire or flood, etc. (well, no one knows this, but from a business solidarity standpoint I mean). Also that I understand their needs, and am flexible, and easy to get a hold of. It’s the accountability that also separates the professionals from the hobbyists who are charging people to photograph them. I’ll take someone who knows and trusts my work, yet is clear about their needs, even if borderline demanding, that’s fine, I know where I stand and know what I have to do. Generally people like that have no problem establishing what they can spend for what coverage, and make additions or sacrifices to suit. And have a better organized wedding and a product they are pleased with, as opposed to those with tunnel vision or hire the first person who gives them a price they like. No one likes to lose business, I sure don’t. But successful business creates more successful business, and that makes for a successful business. It’s about the big picture