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

Comments

[petersteel]

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