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.
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