Donald Pope Photography

Barrie & Courtney's Engagement Party

On 04/17/10, I had the pleasure to photograph the engagement party of Barrie Gray and Courtney Marshall. Several months ago, the couple contracted the wedding photography with Donald Pope Photography with the engagement party included.  The engagement party was held in Frederica, DE at the home of the brides parents.  

Everything about this party screamed class.  The home was beautiful, the guests were warm and the entire event went as smoothly as one could imagine.  My team got the best feeling that you can have about a couple.  Friends and family arrived at around 4pm for a 4 hour dinner party.   Food was served from start to finish with seafood being plentiful.  The serving staff was from a local restaurant in Magnolia, DE. 

Engagement parties can be a challenge for a photographer.  Most guests don't want to be photographed while eating, however, the majority of the event is based on eating.  This is an easy problem to solve.  We solved this problem by holding off at a distance while photographing.  On occasion, we would approach the guests and ask for them to interact with us for a photograph.  This the healthy balance that a photographer needs to use in order to create a large number of quality images from the engagement event.  This strategy worked perfectly for this wonderful event.  Many thanks to associate photographer KS. 

Barrie and Courtney's Wedding is scheduled for June 26th, 2010 at Kingdom Hall, Locust Ave, Philadelphia, PA.  It will be a spectacular wedding.  DP
 

Scout Your Wedding Venues

Scouting the locations of your wedding ceremony and reception venues is an important part of a photographer’s job.  The scouting and examination of the venues should start many weeks before the wedding.  Upon securing the deposit from  your client, a wedding photographer should immediately start to plan to visit the wedding venues.  If you are a Delaware wedding photographer and your event is being held near Philadelphia, Washington DC, New Jersey or Baltimore, then there is no excuse not to scout your venues many weeks before the wedding. 

 

On 03/21/10, I scouted the church and the reception for a wedding that is to be held on May 29^th, 2010.  The church is called St James Evangelical Lutheran Church located at 5185 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA  19124.  I was able to have church staff show me both the outdoor garden area and the sanctuary.  The garden area was in the center of the church and was open to the sky.  It should yield great photographs.  The sanctuary is very nice with a balcony.  I typically use the balconies to create special shots from overhead.  This is good information to know well in advance of the wedding. 

 

Later, I was able to drive the approximate route from the church to the reception venue.  This has a lot of value.  It told me how much flexibility in timing between the church and the reception venue.  This drive took about 5 minutes.  The reception venue for this wedding is called The Chateau.  The Chateau is located at Bridge St at Harbeson Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124  It is very well impressive and well laid out.  While scouting, I had the occasion to meet the Banquet Consultant for The Chateau.  Her name was Debbie Marchak.  She gave me a tour of the facility with emphasis on areas that I could produce formal shots.  While talking with Debbie, I was reminded that the person that runs the reception hall should be your “best friend”.  They can be a very good client resource for your wedding photographer business.   

 

The lesson here is that the wedding photographer should plan well ahead of the wedding in an effort to have a good event.  When the photographer has less surprises, it tends to yield better and more creative images. 

Bridal DVD Slideshows

Bridal DVD Slideshows have come a long way.  Many years ago, DVD Slideshows were a cheap attempt at making up for not being able to afford to hire a professional videographer.  As we fast forward to modern times, DVD Slideshows are a excellent compromise to video.

When a wedding photographer is deciding how to implement DVD Slideshows into his/her wedding packages, the first decision is to decide if you want to do it with your own software or to use a creation service.  Donald Pope Photography uses a creation service. Emotion Media provides custom DVD Slideshows in various formats, including High Definition.   The use of a service can be an expensive cost to the wedding photographer, but the quality is superior to other options. 

Recently, brides have started to request that the DVD be produced both as a physical DVD and a DVD to be hosted online.  This is an important selling tool.  For example, if a Virginia wedding photographer books a bride that lives in Maryland and the bride has friends in Delaware or Virginia, she can share the DVD show with all of them in one click.  Facebook has been a great social tool that the DVD can be implemented into.  If a bride embeds one of your DVD Slideshows into her Facebook page, it will be great exposure for your business as a professional wedding photographer.

Here is an example of on online DVD Slideshow from a wedding that Donald Pope Photography covered.  

dp

Meeting Your Bride For The First Time

Meeting your bride for the first time came be the most important part of the the relationship that you will build with the bride or the couple.  Some thought should go into the meeting.  Professionalism is the word to remember for all photographers.

Wedding Photographers are not just creative artists, but also salesmen.  With your salesman hat on, you must remember that the bride is purchasing a product and the product must have value.  She must feel good when she makes the purchase.  One of the first things that a photographer should try to do is create a meeting environment that makes the bride feel comfortable.  If you meet at your studio, then there is a built-in validation that comes with that.  Most wedding photographers use their homes as the studio, so your home should be comfortable and should send an impression of your style of wedding photography.  If you are meeting a local business or restaurant, it should be something middle of the road.  Don't over do it. 

Occasionally, the wedding photographer can not meet the bride in person.  It may be a referral or a Internet generated contact.  Consider the scenario of a Maryland wedding photographer booking with a Delaware bride for a Virginia wedding.  If the distance is too great, then the "meet" may be by phone.  In that case, wedding photographers should follow-up all phone contact with emails.  It shows the bride that you were listening and that her wedding is important.

When meeting in person, be sure to have examples of your prints and your products.  While most brides on a budget will initially say that they don't want albums and coffee books, wedding photographers must remember that brides probably have never seen high quality albums and books.  She may not be able to afford to buy high quality wedding albums now, but she may want to purchase them later.  Make sure she knows what you offer.

Lastly, make sure that the bride fully understands your style.  During the initial meet, the wedding photographer has the opportunity to express his/her style to the bride.  Donald Pope Photography takes the extra step of asking the bride what she expects.  If a wedding photographer meets the brides expectations, then referrals will come when the wedding is over. 

dp

Wedding Package Options

Now is the time that most wedding photographers have to start to set pricing for the 2010 wedding season.  The inquires will come at an increased pace over the next few months.

Most photographers make amendments to pricing, but few make amendments to the way that packages are presented.  For 2010, Donald Pope Photography will be using a alternate approach to pricing.  Rather than offer just packages of predetermined sizes and products, we will offer $200 - $600 in prints or products of the couples choice.   Smaller packages will include a $200 credit while larger packages will include a $600 credit.  The credit can be used to purchase any product offered.   

That means that if a bride does not want 8 x 10 prints, but instead, she changes her mind after the wedding and wants an extra coffee table book, she can simply go to our site, select the photographs that she wants in the book, and order the book or her choice with the credits.  Remaining monies from the credit can be applied anytime within a year of the wedding.  Later in the year, she may decide that she wants a few 5 x 7's and canvas print.  She can simply apply her remaining credits to that purchase too. 

By offering this type of pricing structure in addition to the standard packages, the bride can really maximize the value of the photographers offerings.  As an additional benefit, the bride does not have to commit to exactly what she wants in her package.  She can decide what she wants to purchase up to 1 year after the wedding.  All products will be provided by Pictage. 

DP

Tips For Better Wedding Photographs

Donald Pope Photography continues to book steady for the 2010 wedding season.  While planning the upcoming season, I thought it important to share with other wedding photographers and couples some tips to help to create wonderful wedding photographs.

Share with your wedding couple that it is more important to maintain eye contact with each other rather than the person officiating the wedding.  Many couples experience sensory overload and don’t really know where to look.  Share with them before the wedding that a more photojournalistic look can be obtained if they simply relax and look at each other as much as possible.

DP

Wedding Photographer Studio Management Tools (Shootq)

Managing workflow can be one of the most difficult things for a wedding photographer to stay on top of.  Previously, I ran my wedding photography business in a traditional way by using lots of paper and notes.  I always had issues and problems that I could not solve.  Below is some of the problems that I was able to solve using a studio management tool called Shootq.

1.  Organizing Leads.  It can be very difficult to keep all the potential brides in order.  Maintaining contact with the potential lead is the key to being able to book later.  Leads can be entered into Shootq with the "Quick Lead" tab.  The basic information about the lead is stored and notes about the freshness of the lead and details about your booking efforts are embedded. 

2.  Access to Studio Information.  Since I started using Shootq, I have access to my studio's information, including leads, booking and payment information from any location.  For example, if I were to shoot a wedding in the Baltimore, MD area, I could go to any computer, log into Shootq, and have access to all the information about a wedding or portrait shoot that I may have scheduled the next day in Philadelphia or Delaware.  Your files are not stored on your computer, but safely at Shootq.

3.  Contracts Delivered Anywhere. Booking brides and grooms that are in other locations can be a real problem.  For example if a Delaware photographer wanted to book a bride that was getting married in Baltimore, he would have to mail or fax her the contract.  With Shootq, you can send the contract and booking information via the Shootq system and the bride can sign it electronically.  This opens up the opportunities to do business in areas that are not in your local area.  It opened up wedding opportunities to my business in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Paperless contracts have eliminated much of the paperwork associated with booking a wedding or engagement session. 

4.  Sell more products. There is a delicate balance between upselling quality products and being an overbearing salesman.  With Shootq, you have the opportunity to have your catalog of products attached to the booking proposals.  The wedding photographer can include high quality photos of the products inside of the proposal.  The bride or groom can add options such as high quality wedding albums to their packages while booking. 

These are by no means all the reasons for that studio management tools are valuable.  Other studio management tools are just as powerful.  Some examples include Studio Cloud and Tave. I highly suggest that all wedding photographers consider implementing a studio management tool. 

DP

How Many Batteries Does a Wedding Photographer Need For a Flash Unit?

When heading off to a wedding, it is important to carry a great deal of items.  One of the most important things that you need plenty of is batteries.  Not just any batteries will do.  Both quality and quantity is important. 

I shoot weddings with a Canon 580EXII flash head along with a Canon battery belt.  That is a total of 12 batteries going at one time.  I make sure to bring at least 36 batteries to every wedding.  Rechargeables are the economical preference.  Personally, I use PowerEX 2700mAh rechargeables.  They are a bit expensive but they work very well.  Don't skimp on your battery quality.   You will find that you have consistent flash power when you use good batteries.  The proof is in the images.   

Have all of your batteries charged before the wedding.  If you have an assistant, have them charge the set that you take out of the camera.  I recommend that you don't allow the battery to run down completely before swapping them out.  During a wedding, you may not have the perfect time to swap them out.  Take advantage of a good time to swap them out before the run down completely.  Remember that you may not get a second chance for that perfect shot so keep good recharged batteries on hand. 

When the reception is over and you are packing your equipment away, make sure that you remove your batteries from all of your equipment.  If they were to leak, it could ruin your flash head or your camera.  And when in doubt about if a batteries shell is about to leak or is the shell is dented, just throw that battery out and replace it.

DP 

Using wedding vendors market your wedding photography business

There are several ways that you can market and promote your wedding photography business.  One of those ways is to form alliances with wedding vendors.  It is important to establish relationships with the other vendors that work the wedding along with you.

Many local DJ's are networked together better than one might think.  There are several organizations of DJ's that regularly have social mixers.  As a wedding photographer, you should make every effort to get involved in that social networking.  By social networking, I don't mean Facebook, I mean actually attending and joining these organizations.  Examples of organizations of DJ's include American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA),Baltimore Area Disc Jockey Association, and Delaware Association of Mobile Entertainers.   I have had many open invitations from members of these organizations.  Interestingly enough, the Disc Jockey's don't seem to have the cut throat mentality that some photographers are known for.  The DJ's seem very willing to work together and to help others. 

Always offer the other vendors photographs of the event or digital files.  Personally, I like to send them a Pictage Gift Credit to their email address so that they can purchase at their leisure.  Take time before and during the event to speak with them.  If there is a special time for the vendors to take a break or eat, try to eat with them.  It is very simple....make friends. 

Create great photographs of the food and the wedding cake.  Again, offer prints to the food vendors.  If you don't have a chance to network with them, call the bride back after the wedding and get the contact information for all the wedding vendors. 

If you create photos of the bride getting ready, there may be a make-up artist working to put the bride together.  Many make-up artists are also hair dressers or cosmetologists.  These are people who work around people all day.  They can tell other potential clients about your work and how nice you were.  Give them free prints too. 

I will write more tips later, but in summary, it is very important that you are likable and proactive at making contacts and relationships with the other weddng vendors. 

DP

How to select a wedding photographer (Part 2)

As a continuation of Part 1 of the series, Donald Pope Photography discusses the key points to remember when selecting a wedding photographer.

6.  Understand the wedding photographers packages.  Many wedding photographers will offer the wedding photography bundled in a package or a collection.  Make sure your understand what is included in the package.  All of the options that you select should be included in the contract.  If you opt for a print credit, make sure that the value of the credit is spelled out in the contract.  Additionally, make sure that price of the reorders are spelled out in the contract.

7.  Shoot list.  A shoot list is a list of photographs that are important to capture.  Make sure your photographer works with a list.  No wedding will have all of the images that the bride and groom wants.  There will ALWAYS be some shot of "Uncle Tony" that will be missed, but a shot list maximizes the important shots that will be captured. 

8.  Understand the contract.  If there is any product or service that you want provided, make sure it is in writing.  Do not overlook things like wedding album design services and shipping.  The contract should spell out all costs.  The contract is designed to protect the photographer.  You should make sure that the language in the wedding contract protects you too.

9.  Back-up plan.  Have you ever pondered what you would do if your photographer were to die before your wedding day?  What if you photographer got sick before your wedding day?  Your wedding photographer should have a contingency plan for these types of situations.  Most credible professional photographers have relationships with other photographers that can emergency shoot in the place of your photographer.  Make sure your photographer has a plan

10.  Do you "like" the photographer?  After all the considerations for selecting a good wedding photographer have been covered, ask yourself if you have good working connection with the photographer.  During a wedding, the bridal party tends to get tired.  Many times they will suggest skipping some photos just to get to the reception.  Later that same couple will feel dissatisfied that the photographer didn't push them a bit to get them all shot.  Is the photographer that you select the type of person that will push you a bit, yet be able to maintain a good relationship with you?  A connection is important.  

Now that you have made your selection, it is time to put the subject to rest in your mind for a while.  Go out and finish the rest of your wedding planning.  Hopefully, if you used a good sorting process, your wedding photographer will capture some beautiful memories on your special day.

DP

How to select a wedding photographer (Part 1)

Selecting a wedding photographer can be a stressful process for the bride and groom.  Regardless of if the wedding is in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia or any other part of the county, the process and considerations are the same.  Donald Pope Photography will share with you some tips to help make your selection easier.

1.  Decide what type of photographic style that you want for your wedding.  Many wedding photographers use a photo-journalistic while many use a more traditional approach.  When interviewing you potential photographer, ask him/her what style they use.  Ask for portfolio samples of his wedding work. 

2.  What type of service do you want your wedding photographer to offer?  Many photographers will offer coverage for the entire day including the bride and groom getting ready for the wedding.  Some brides will want coverage for the rehearsal dinner or even engagement photos.  The wedding photographer's pricing will be increased as the coverage increases.  For a good list of wedding photographers, check out the listings at Wedj.com

3.  The time of year that you book your wedding photographer can affect how much you pay.  In DE, MD, and PA, weddings are generally from April until October.  During this time period, good wedding photographers are busy.  A contract for wedding photography signed during this time period will tend to be at normal rates.  To save money, approach your photographer well before the season starts.  From November until early May, photographers are scrambling to market their services and book weddings for the upcoming season.  During this off season is when the photographer needs to secure his bookings and may discount services if you book early.  This applies even if your wedding is during the peak season.  It is not when you get married that may dictate the price.  If you do the paperwork and pay your deposit to the photographer during the winter months, your summer wedding may cost you a lot less than you think. 

4.  Don't skimp on the prints.  While many brides will want to ask the photographers to shoot the wedding and give them an edited CD, this is generally not a good idea.  Professional photographers have access to labs that produce prints on archival papers and and color correct each print.  For example, Pictage produces the highest quality prints and only market to professional photographers and their clients.  You may think that you will save a dime now, but when the print fades in 12 months, you may question if you really saved money at all. 

5.  What is your wedding budget?  When asking yourself this question, remember that the wedding photography is the only thing associated with the ceremony that is permanent.  The wearing of the dress is temporary, the cake and food are temporary, and the venue is temporary.  A high priority should be put on the wedding photography as it will last forever.  I have found that couples will spend thousands on the event, yet find it difficult to spend hundreds on the wedding photographer and his services.  A good wedding photographer is priceless. 

Subscribe to this blog to be notified of Part 2 of this 2 part blog entry.

dp