the wedding workshop series part i - slr lounge · the wedding workshop series ... 10 tips &...
TRANSCRIPT
THE WEDDING WORKSHOP SERIES –PART I COMMUNICATION, PLANNING AND ECSTATICALLY HAPPY CLIENTS
COMMUNICATION, PLANNING & ECSTATICALLY HAPPY CLIENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE COMMNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION
The Mission. Consistently Incredible Imagery The Four Key Skills of the Successful Photographer Three Tips for Preventing Any Client Frustrations
Over > Under Communication Every Client is Your Only Client
CHAPTER TWO THE INITIAL MEETING
Know Your Audience Eight Keys to Building Trust and Communicating Empathetically
The First 15 Minutes Five Reasons You Need an Engagement Shoot
Discussing the Engagement Shoot Five Reasons You Should Have Clients Create a Mood Board
Discussing the Mood Board 10 Timeline Points to Discuss
Discussing the Timeline Two Reasons to Create a VIP List
Discussing the VIP List Four Reasons We Love Formals Lists
Discussing the Formals List Discussing Photo Versus Cinema Coverage
10 Tips & Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner Four Reasons We Love to Promote Using Planners
Discussing Wedding Planners
CHAPTER THREE PREPPING FOR THE ENGAGEMENT TALK THROUGH
Post Booking Email & Requests The Ideal Timeline Planning Guide
Preparing for the Talk Through The Engagement Talk Through
Post Talk Through Confirmation
CHAPTER FOUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT PREP & COMMUNICATION
Preparing for the Shoot Same-Day Location Scouting The First 15 Minutes – Part II
The Foundation Posing Framework Primer How to Address and Resolve Shoot Concerns
10 Ways During the Shoot to Build Trust, Confidence and the Relationship Four Reasons Why Teasers Are So Awesome
CHAPTER FIVE PREPPING FOR THE WEDDING TALK THROUGH
Pre-Wedding Talk Through Email Preparing for the Talk Through The First 3 – 5 Minutes – Part III
Tuning into Their Vision Timeline Walk-Through
Discuss the Family Portraits (Formals) Condensed Itinerary & Information
CHAPTER SIX WEDDING DAY PREPARATION & COMMUNICATION
Preparing for the Wedding Five Reasons to Same-Day Location Scout
Team Planning Walk-Through 10 Ways to Amaze and Impress Throughout The Wedding Day
How to Address and Resolve Wedding Day Concerns Five Reasons to Create a Same-Day Slideshow
CHAPTER ONE COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION
The Mission. Consistently Incredible Imagery The Four Key Skills of the Successful Photographer
Three Tips for Preventing Any Client Frustrations Over > Under Communication Every Client is Your Only Client
THE MISSION. CONSISTENTLY INCREDIBLE IMAGERY APPROACH EVERY CLIENT AND EVERY SHOOT WITH THE SAME METHODOLOGY
1. UNDERSTANDING THE VISION
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Communication 2. Understanding 3. Mood board 4. Talk throughs
2. TAILORING EXPECTATIONS
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Communication 2. Understanding 3. Positive verbiage 4. Solutions
3. PROPER PLANNING
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Talk throughs 2. Timeline/itinerary 3. Checklists
4. SHOOT EXECUTION
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Gear checklist 2. Pre-shoot scouting 3. Team meetings 4. Technique/Artistry 5. Problem solving 6. Address and resolve concerns
5. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Presence 2. Communication 3. Showing images 4. Teasers
FOR ALL GENRES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
No matter the genre of photography, these principles of communication and planning will set you up for successful shoots across the board.
1. COMPLETE THE COURSE
2. ANALYZE YOUR INDUSTRY
3. REFINE YOUR COMMUNICATION
4. MODIFY YOUR PLANNING WORKFLOW
5. CREATE THE EXPERIENCE
Sigma 50mm Art, 1/200th, f/1.4, ISO 100, B&W Version Phottix Mitros+, 1/8th to 1/16th power
THE FOUR KEY SKILLS OF THE SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER HARD SKILLS ARE MOST OFTEN EASIER TO LEARN THAN SOFT SKILLS
SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER
COMMUNICATION TECHNICAL
ARTISTIC UNDERSTANDING
“HARD SKILLS”
“SOFT SKILLS”
75% 25%
TECHNICAL & ARTISTIC – THE HARD SKILLS STILL IMPORTANT, BUT NOT THE SOLE MEANS TO SUCCESS
TECHNICAL
ARTISTIC
SKILLED PHOTOGRAPHER
CAMERA, COMPOSITION & EXPOSURE CONTROL Photography 101
MASTERY OF LIGHTING & MODIFICATION Lighting 101, 201, 301
POST PRODUCTION Lightroom Workshop Collection
ARTISTIC CAMERA, COMPOSITION & EXPOSURE CONTROL Photography 101
ARTISTIC MASTERY OF LIGHTING & MODIFICATION Lighting 101, 201, 301
ARTISTIC POST PRODUCTION Lightroom Workshop Collection
POSING (TECHNICAL PART) Natural Light Couples Photography, Posing and Directing, Foundation Posing
INTERNAL
COMMUNICATION & UNDERSTANDING – THE SOFT SKILLS PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN THE “SUCCESS” OF A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
EMPATHETIC COMMUNICATOR
COMMUNICATION
UNDERSTANDING
TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE Whoever speaks more, loses! Stop thinking of the next thing you want to say.
BUILD A RELATIONSHIP Discuss them, their interests, their backgrounds; anything but photography
SMILE, BE GENUINE AND INTERESTED Speak with enthusiasm and excitement, but be yourself!
USE POSITIVE & REINFORCING WORDS “When” instead of “if”, “Yes” instead of “no”
ASK TARGETED QUESTIONS The right questions, will help you understand their needs/wants.
RESOLVE NEEDS, WANTS & CONCERNS As soon as you understand the client, it’s easy to fulfill needs/wants.
POSING COMMUNICATION Communicate in an uplifting, concise and easy to understand manner
BE PRESENT & REMEMBER THE DETAILS! Be present and focused, don’t let your mind wander, remember what they say!
EXTERNAL
THE FOUR KEY SKILLS OF THE SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER HARD SKILLS ARE MOST OFTEN EASIER TO LEARN THAN SOFT SKILLS
SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER
COMMUNICATION TECHNICAL
ARTISTIC UNDERSTANDING
INTERNAL “HARD SKILLS”
EXTERNAL “SOFT SKILLS”
75% 25%
THE MISSION. CONSISTENTLY INCREDIBLE IMAGERY APPROACH EVERY CLIENT AND EVERY SHOOT WITH THE SAME METHODOLOGY
1. UNDERSTANDING THE VISION
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Communication 2. Understanding 3. Mood board 4. Talk throughs
2. TAILORING EXPECTATIONS
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Communication 2. Understanding 3. Positive verbiage 4. Solutions
3. PROPER PLANNING
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Talk throughs 2. Timeline/itinerary 3. Checklists
4. SHOOT EXECUTION
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Gear checklist 2. Pre-shoot scouting 3. Team meetings 4. Technique/Artistry 5. Problem solving 6. Identify concerns 7. Resolve concerns
5. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
KEY SKILLS & TOOLS 1. Presence 2. Communication 3. Showing images 4. Teasers
INTERNAL “HARD SKILLS”
EXTERNAL “SOFT SKILLS”
THREE TIPS FOR PREVENTING ANY CLIENT FRUSTRATIONS UNMET EXPECTATIONS = FRUSTRATIONS
2. TAILOR EXPECTATIONS For unrealistic expectations, use positive language to help tailor the expectation into something more realistic and easily achievable.
KEYS Use positive phrasing Address mood board/Revise itinerary Expectations should be reasonable and realistic Provide solutions and guidance
3. EXCEED EXPECTATIONS After having tailored the expectations into something realistic and easily achievable, your job is to simply exceed them.
KEYS Put in 110% effort Let your effort be visible Educate during your shoots Under promise, over deliver
1. UNDERSTAND EXPECTATIONS First listen, ask targeted questions, and understand the client’s needs, wants and expectations.
KEYS Ask Targeted Questions Mood board/Itinerary Listen and Identify Reiterate and address
INITIAL MEETING The relationship begins. Communicate to understand the clients and backgrounds. Identify their wants, needs and expectations and help them to adjust/tailor those expectations if necessary.
ENGAGEMENT SESSION Have fun, communicate as a friend and solidify the clients trust in you as a photographer by showing them incredible photos. During opportune moments, discuss how the wedding planning is coming along and offer advice (reiterating past key points as needed).
WEDDING DAY Communicate via sincere praise and support. All planning-based communication should not occur at this point as it is too late and can cause undue stress.
ENGAGEMENT TALK THROUGH Review the mood board and discuss the location. Help to coordinate wardrobe and props to fit the scene. Finalize the shoot engagement
shoot itinerary and logistics.
WEDDING TALK THROUGH Review the wedding day timeline, logistics and help make small
adjustments as needed to better suit the photographic needs. This is the last chance to help tailor unrealistic expectations.
OVER > UNDER COMMUNICATION A MINIMUM OF EIGHT COMMUNICATION TOUCHPOINTS FROM THE INITIAL MEETING TO THE WEDDING DAY
EVERY CLIENT IS YOUR ONLY CLIENT SIX KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. EVERY MOMENT IS SPECIAL – Think from the client’s perspective, not your own. 2. WEDDINGS ARE ONCE IN A LIFETIME – No clients ever plan to have another wedding. 3. LOVE YOUR CLIENTS - Never give a client a reason to think they are not your only priority. 4. TONE FROM THE TOP - If you own or work within a studio, set the tone from the top! Say nothing but “love your clients” at all times! 5. CREATIVITY WILL PREVENT BURNOUT - There are a thousand ways to photograph a single location. 6. SEE THE BEAUTY IN EVERYONE – If you can’t see people for their beauty, how can you be expected to show it through your images? “Photography is light, understand that and the world will open up to you as a photographer. Beauty is in everyone, understand that and the world will open up to you as a human.” – Pye Jirsa “If you want to be a better photographer, be a better person” – Jerry Ghionis
5DM3, Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II, 3x Phottix Mitros+ 1/60th, f/14, ISO 100
5DM3, Canon 70-200 f/2.8L II 1/250th, f/2.8, ISO 100
5DM3, Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II, MeFoto Tripod, Tiffen WW Filter 2”, f/7.1, ISO 100
CHAPTER TWO THE INITIAL MEETING
Know Your Audience Eight Keys to Building Trust and Communicating Empathetically
The First 15 Minutes Five Reasons You Need an Engagement Shoot
Discussing the Engagement Shoot Five Reasons You Should Have Clients Create a Mood Board
Discussing the Mood Board 10 Timeline Points to Discuss
Discussing the Timeline Two Reasons to Create a VIP List
Discussing the VIP List Four Reasons We Love Formals Lists
Discussing the Formals List Discussing Photo Versus Cinema Coverage
10 Tips & Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner Four Reasons We Love to Promote Using Planners
Discussing Wedding Planners
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE BE PRESENT AND TAILOR THE MESSAGE
TAILOR THE MESSAGE 1. AVOID THE INFORMATION DUMP
1. GAUGE THEIR INTERESTS
2. WATCH THEIR EXPRESSIONS/FOCUS
3. MODIFY THE MESSAGE
4. DON’T FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING SHOULD BE COVERED
2. STOP INTERRUPTING!
1. TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE
3. FOCUS ON RELEVANT EDUCATION
1. ASK QUESTIONS
2. UNDERSTAND NEEDS
3. ADDRESS THEIR NEEDS
4. THIS IS NOT SALES/CLOSING COURSE
1. A LOT APPLIES, A LOT IS OUT OF SCOPE
2. FULL COURSE COMING SOON
01 BUILD A RELATIONSHIP When first meeting the clients, discuss
their stories, interests and backgrounds. Spend the first 10-15 minutes talking about them and anything but you or
photography.
02 SMILE, BE GENUINE, BE INTERESTED
Nobody wants to talk to someone who seems unhappy to see them. Likewise, if you lack sincerity or interest, it is difficult
to gain anyone’s trust.
03 POSITIVE REINFORCING WORDS Assume that you are the client’s
photographer, and assume that you can make anything happen for them. Speak in
“when” not “if” and avoid saying “no”. Help them gain the “vision.”
04 ASK TARGETED QUESTIONS Ask appropriate questions to learn their
needs/wants, questions like: 1. What do you like about our work? 2. What brought you to our studio?
Etc…
01 BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
03 USE POSITIVE AND
REINFORCING WORDS
04 ASK TARGETED
QUESTIONS
02 SMILE, BE GENUINE
AND INTERESTED
08 POSING
COMMUNICATION
06 BE PRESENT AND
REMEMBER THE DETAILS
07 RESOLVE NEEDS, WANTS
AND CONCERNS
05 TALK LESS,
LISTEN MORE
05 TALK LESS, LISTEN MORE Stop talking and allow the clients to express their needs and wants. More
importantly, when they are talking, listen and be present! Don’t think of your next
point while they are speaking.
06 BE PRESENT, REMEMBER DETAILS Stay focused and present throughout all client conversations. If you want them to feel important, remember the details and what they are telling you. Takes notes if
necessary.
07 RESOLVE NEEDS, WANTS, CONCERNS
Whether you are in the initial meeting or on a shoot, as needs/wants/concerns arise,
address and solve them. Need a custom package? Build it. Uncomfortable posing?
Show them they can trust you.
08 POSING COMMUNICATION A huge portion of your clients’ trust in
your ability will be gained through your ability to pose and communicate! Talk through an example during the initial
meeting.
8 KEYS TO BUILDING
EMPATHETICALLY
& HAVING CLIENTS THAT
COMMUNICATING TRUST
RAVE!
THE FIRST 15 MINUTES GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP 1. CONGRATULATE
1. CONGRATULATE THEM
2. GREET WITH ENTHUSIAM
2. STAY PRESENT AND INTERESTED
1. VISIBLY TURN YOUR PHONE TO SILENT
2. USE GOOD BODY LANGUAGE (LEAN FORWARD)
3. ACKNOWLEDGE AND RESPOND
3. GET TO KNOW THE CLIENTS
1. HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET?
1. SERIOUS? NO I NEED TO HEAR THE FULL STORY!
2. WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU BOTH GO TO?
1. WHAT DID YOU GUYS STUDY?
3. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?
1. REALLY? TELL ME MORE, WHAT’S A DAY LIKE?
4. WHAT DO YOU BOTH DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
1. REALLY? TELL ME MORE!
4. BUILD ON COMMON INTERESTS
1. LET THEM FIRST FINISH, THEN…
5. CONCLUDE BY MOVING INTO PHOTOGRAPHY
1. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?
2. WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE STUDIO?
3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT OUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 GREAT IMAGES
05 IMPROVE WEDDING
DAY IMAGERY
03 UNDERSTAND
POSING
04 DIAL IN THE
VISION
Yields beautiful images that will be a family heirloom and can be used for Save the Dates, announcements, the day of, or
social media.
We use what we call the “Foundation Posing Framework.” During our
engagement sessions we teach clients how to pose and act in front of the
camera.
Helps us dial in our vision for their style of imagery. If there are any poses/shots that
the client specifically loves/dislikes, we can discuss prior to the wedding.
A stronger relationship, clients that understand posing and a dialed-in vision leads to better images on the wedding
day, especially considering time constraints.
02 STRONGER
RELATIONSHIP
Helps the photographer and clients build a stronger relationship. When clients are
comfortable in front of the camera, it will show in the imagery.
FIVE REASONS YOU NEED AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
DISCUSSING THE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT COMMUNICATING KEY POINTS TO START THE PLANNING PROCESS
ENGAGEMENT KEY POINTS 1. PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES
1. TRADITIONAL
2. LIFESTYLE
3. BALANCED
2. SHOW OFF YOUR WORK!
1. GREAT TIME TO SHOW OFF WITHOUT SHOWING OFF!
2. SHOW HOW YOU ARE DIFFERENT
3. TALK THROUGH YOUR SHOOTS/HELP THEM GAIN A VISION
3. MOOD BOARD WILL GUIDE
1. THE MOOD BOARD WILL GUIDE THE PLANNING PROCESS
4. AVAILABLE DATES
1. WEEKDAYS ARE PREFERRED
2. WEEKEND RATES ARE AVAILABLE
3. WEEKEND SHOOTS MUST BE FLEXIBLE TO RESCHEDULE
5. MAKEUP & WARDROBE
1. PLAN MAKEUP/HAIR TRIALS
2. AVOID STRONG PATTERNS
3. DRESS TO BE COMFORTABLE & FOR THE SCENE
4. APPROVE OF EACH OTHERS CLOTHING
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 A MEANS OF VISUAL
COMMUNICATION
03 ADDRESS POTENTIAL
CONCERNS
04 SETUP TO EXCEED
EXPECTATIONS
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, that’s a whole lot of words to try to
communicate! Visual communication is more simple and accurate.
Again, the mood board is often a place where we can identify and address
potential concerns before they become problems. Like a client pinning images
from another photographer.
Once we have tailored the clients expectations and nipped potential
concerns in the bud, we are setup to exceed their expectations come the day of
the shoot.
02 TAILOR UNREALISTIC
EXPECTATIONS
The mood board is often the first place where we can start to identify and address
unrealistic expectations. For example, expectations of how many locations can
be shot on a particular day.
FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE CLIENTS CREATE A MOOD BOARD
05 FREE
MARKETING
Last but not least, our clients are constantly pinning and posting our images! While this isn’t the primary
purpose for a mood board, it is a great added benefit.
DISCUSSING THE MOOD BOARD IT’S SIMPLE AND WILL HELP ESTABLISH A MEANS OF ACCURATE VISUAL
COMMUNICATION
MOOD BOARD GUIDANCE 1. WHERE TO PIN FROM
1. MAJORITY SHOULD COME FROM THE STUDIO BLOG (80/20)
2. A FEW FROM OTHER SITES/PHOTOGRAPHERS OK
3. WELCOME OUTSIDE IMAGES FOR GROWTH
2. HOW MANY IMAGES TO PIN
1. 10 – 20 IMAGES IS OUR IDEAL NUMBER
3. THE MOOD BOARD IS NOT A SHOT LIST
1. VISUAL COMMUNICATION
2. SETS THE DESIRED STYLE
3. SHOT LISTS PREVENT ARTISTRY
4. WRITE A SHORT DESCRIPTION
1. “I LIKE THE COLORS”
2. “I LOVE THE POSE”
3. “I DIG THE LOCATION”
4. IDENTIFY “MUST HAVES”
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 GREAT PICTURES
TAKE TIME
05 THE THREE HOUR RULE OF THUMB
03 LATE FOR TWO REASONS,
PREP & TRANSPORT
04 PAD THE TIMELINE AND BE REALISTIC
01 GREAT PICS TAKE TIME There is no secret to great photography,
great images take time. The more time we are given, the more images we can create.
06 FIRST LOOK VS TRADITIONAL Explain the differences in timeline and how it affects the day. Let the clients
make the final choice. Rule of thumb, first looks make for a more relaxing day for the
couple and better photos.
03 LATE DUE TO MAKEUP/TRANSPORT 9/10 Weddings run late and most of the
time, it is because we are stuck in prep or because of transportation issues. Pad the
timeline!
08 GUIDING FAMILY FORMALS The easiest way to ensure that we get all the formals that the couple want without hurting relatives’ feelings is to simply list
them out and follow that list on the day of. Get help from their family or friends.
04 PAD THE TIMELINE, BE REALISTIC Encourage the couple to pad the timeline with extra time for preparation, moving from scene to scene, etc. If there is extra
time, it can always be used for more awesome images.
09 MID-DAY VS GOLDEN HOUR So many couples want golden hour style
imagery, yet don’t budget any time during golden hour for photos. Once the timeline
is finalized, it is too late to make these types of modifications.
05 THE THREE HOUR RULE OF THUMB 1 Hour for the couple
1 Hour for the wedding party 1 Hour for the family
10 DAY AFTER SESSIONS When timelines are overly tight, we
always let clients know that we are happy to book a separate day-after session to
shoot their couples session when it’s not looking like it will be possible on the day
of.
02 90% OF WEDDINGS
RUN LATE
02 90% OF WEDDINGS RUN LATE Most weddings run late. However, the
ceremony and reception will always start on time. This means that if a wedding runs
late, the only place to “gain” time is to remove it from photos.
07 LEAD VS SECOND COVERAGE Explain to the couple what areas the lead will be covering, vs what areas the second will be covering. Discuss the pieces of the day that you want to ensure the lead has
time to shoot.
10 TIMELINE POINTS TO DISCUSS DURING THE INITIAL MEETING
06 FIRST LOOK VS
TRADITIONAL TIMELINE
10 DAY AFTER SESSIONS FOR TIGHT TIMELINES
08 LISTING AND GUIDING
FAMILY FORMALS
09 MID-DAY VS GOLDEN
HOUR IMAGERY
07 LEAD VS SECOND
COVERAGE TIMELINES
DISCUSSING THE TIMELINE GIVE YOUR CLIENTS INFORMATION AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT BEFORE THE PLANNING
BEGINS
INITIAL MEETING, REMEMBER 1. AVOID INFORMATION OVERLOAD
1. THIS IS JUST THE INITIAL MEETING
2. GIVE THEM FOOD FOR THOUGHT
3. LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE
2. PRIMARY KEYPOINTS
1. TIME = GREAT IMAGES
2. 9/10 WEDDINGS RUN LATE
3. THE 3 HR RULE
4. FIRST LOOK VS TRADITIONAL
3. LATER DISCUSSIONS
1. ENGAGEMENT TALK THROUGH
2. ENGAGEMENT SESSION
3. WEDDING TALK THROUGH
4. IN-BETWEEN EMAILS
WATCH THE VIDEO
FOCUS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES Generally, there are always more things happening than a 2 or 3 person team can
handle. Having a VIP list allows us to better focus our limited resources on
those closest to the couple.
02 WHERE TO FOCUS
WITH LIMITED RESOURCES
01 PERSONALIZING THE
EXPERIENCE
PERSONALIZING THE EXPERIENCE Half way into a wedding day, I like to know
and call everyone by their names. I want the couples closest family and friends to feel important and special, and knowing
who the VIPs are will help me do that.
TWO REASONS TO CREATE A VIP LIST
DISCUSSING THE VIP LIST FOCUS YOUR TIME AND RESOURCES WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
DISCUSSION POINTS 1. NOT A LIST OF ALL FRIENDS/FAMILY
1. 10-20 PEOPLE
2. > 20 = DISTRACTION LIKE A SHOT LIST
2. DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL IGNORE OTHERS
1. SOME LOVE THE CAMERA
2. SOME DON’T LOVE THE CAMERA
3. CAPTURE EVERYONE
4. FOCUS IS ON VIPs
3. PICTURES ARE VERY HELPFUL
1. SMALL PROFILE PIC WITH EACH NAME
2. PLACE INTO A DOC OR EMAIL
4. THE GOAL, KNOW EVERYONE’S NAMES
1. MAKE THE VIPS FEEL SPECIAL
2. HELP CAPTURE MOMENTS THAT MATTER MOST
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 ENSURES NOBODY
IS LEFT OUT
03 PREVENTS AWKWARD
MOMENTS
04 SMOOTH AND EFFICIENT
A list will prevent any crucial family/friends from being left out.
Families are often non-traditional and can have complicated interpersonal
relationships. The formals list helps us to know who belongs in each image.
Having a list of specific images allows us to budget our time and run the formal shoot in a smooth and timely manner.
02 PROTECTS FEELINGS
If someone requests a photo and is rejected it can really hurt feelings. By
following a list, it keeps things much more straight forward and simple.
FOUR REASONS WE LOVE FORMALS LISTS
DISCUSSING THE FORMALS LIST THE LIST THAT WILL PREVENT ANY AND ALL POSSIBLE FUTURE HEADACHES
DISCUSSION POINTS 1. TIME ESTIMATES
1. 2-3 MINUTES FOR 5 - 10 PEOPLE
2. 3-5 MINUTES FOR 10 – 25 PEOPLE
3. 5-10 MINUTES FOR 25 – 50 PEOPLE
2. RELEVANT FAMILY RELATIONSHIP INFORMATION
1. DIVORCES, AWKWARD RELATIONSHIPS
2. HELPS PREVENT AWKWARD MOMENTS DAY OF
3. THE FORMAL LIST GUIDE
1. FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND
2. HELP TO GATHER PEOPLE FOR NEXT SHOT
3. WE ORGANIZE INTO PHOTO
WATCH THE VIDEO
VERSUS CINEMA COVERAGE
DISCUSSING PHOTO
DISCUSSING PHOTO VS CINEMA COVERAGE HELP UNDERSTAND AND PREVENT CINEMA/STILL ISSUES ON THE DAY OF
KEY POINTS TO DISCUSS 1. WHICH TEAM LEADS
1. CINEMA TO LEAD THE SHOOTS
2. STILL TO LEAD THE SHOOTS
3. EITHER IS TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE
2. REACH OUT TO THE CINEMA TEAM
1. CHECK THE EGO AT THE DOOR
2. WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THE CLIENT’S VISION
3. HELP EACH OTHER!
3. ADDRESS POTENTIAL ISSUES BEFOREHAND
1. RESOLVE ISSUES DIRECTLY
2. INVOLVE CLIENTS LAST
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 YOU AND FRIENDS/FAMILY
ARE NOT PLANNERS
05 FINDING TRUSTWORTHY
VENDORS
03 GOOD PLANNERS SAVE MORE
$$$ THAN THEY COST
04 EXECUTING A
VISION
01 FRIENDS/FAMILY NOT PLANNERS Friends and family are a great help, but
they are generally not going to be nearly as experienced, nor would they have the
necessary time to put towards the wedding planning and coordination.
06 BE PRESENT IN BODY AND MIND I have been to weddings where the couple try to be their own planners/coordinators.
It never goes well. They end up being stressed, pulled in a million directions, and
miss the joy of the occasion.
03 GOOD PLANNERS SAVE $$$ If you have a reasonable wedding budget, then a good planner is going to save you
more money in the course of your wedding planning than they will cost you.
08 DESIGNING/MANAGING TIMELINE Quality planners understand the time
needed for a fun and successful wedding day. They will help to create and manage the timeline on the day of to ensure that
you can get the best of your vendors.
04 EXECUTING A VISION Most couples have a “vision” for how they want their wedding. However, having the vision and executing it are two completely
different things. Executing a vision involves managing an entire team.
09 HANDLE MISHAPS Weddings are complicated events,
generally something is going to go wrong. Having a planner is the difference
between knowing what went wrong, versus it being fixed before you get a
chance to find out.
05 FINDING TRUSTWORTHY VENDORS Again, good planners will save you a
tremendous amount of time and headache by only recommending vendors
who provide quality services, who are trustworthy, and who show up on time.
10 BETTER EXPERIENCES/MEMORIES Having a planner will allow couples to
focus on the experience and the creation of memories, rather than the details. This
means more fun, more pictures, more enjoyable moments and experiences.
02 EVENT DESIGN & PLANNING
TAKE A LOT OF TIME!
02 EVENT DESIGN TAKES TIME Even simple weddings take a significant
amount of time to design and plan. More extravagant weddings can take hundreds
of hours from entire planning teams to execute and put together!
07 MEDIATOR/GO-TO PERSON From family dynamics to vendor
negotiations, your planner is your go-to person and mediator throughout the
experience.
10 TIPS & REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
06 BE PRESENT IN BODY
AND MIND
10 BETTER EXPERIENCE,
BETTER MEMORIES
08 DESIGNING AND MANAGING
THE TIMELINE
09 HANDLE MISHAPS,
UNPLANNED EVENTS
07 MEDIATOR /
“GO-TO PERSON”
01 WE WANT OUR
CLIENTS TO BE HAPPY
03 WORK WITH THOSE
THAT WE TRUST
04 CHANCE TO GIVE BACK
TO PLANNERS WE LOVE
It’s not fun dealing with pre-wedding and wedding day stress, and make no mistake, it will show in the photos or lack thereof!
It’s a chance for us to recommend who we love working with and who we trust. When clients hire our planners, it makes our lives
much easier.
The planner to photographer relationship is typically one-way. We try to give
business to our coordinators as much as they give business to us.
02 BETTER DAY, BETTER
PHOTOS, PERIOD
In general, weddings with a quality planner will always yield more and better
images than a wedding without.
FOUR REASONS WE LOVE TO PROMOTE USING PLANNERS
DISCUSSING WEDDING PLANNERS HELP CLIENTS UNDERSTAND WHY THEY MAY WANT TO HIRE A COORDINATOR
KEY POINTS TO DISCUSS 1. FREEING UP THEIR TIME/STRESS
1. FOCUS ON WORK
2. FOCUS ON ENJOYING THEIR FREE TIME
3. MANAGE AND MINIMIZE STRESS
4. THEIR CREATIVE VISION
5. LET SOMEONE ELSE EXECUTE
2. AT A MINIMUM, DAY OF COORDINATION
1. MINIMIZE STRESS ON DAY OF
2. FOCUS ON THE MOMENT
3. TIME TO ENJOY THE DAY
4. MORE TIME FOR PHOTOS
3. QUALIFY THEIR BUDGET
1. TRY TO QUALIFY THEIR BUDGET
2. RECOMMEND AN APPROPRIATE PLANNER/COORDINATOR
WATCH THE VIDEO
CHAPTER THREE POST BOOKING, PREPPING FOR THE ENGAGEMENT TALK THROUGH
Post Booking Email & Requests The Ideal Timeline Planning Guide
Preparing for the Talk Through The Engagement Talk Through Post Talk Through Confirmation
POST BOOKING EMAIL & REQUESTS A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU DISCUSSED AND WHAT THEY NEED TO
PREPARE
THE IDEAL TIMELINE GUIDES
ENGAGEMENT MOOD BOARD & PLANNING
ROUGH WEDDING TIMELINE
WEDDING MOOD BOARD
WEDDING VIP LIST
FORMALS & MUST HAVE CHECK LIST
TIMELINE WEDDING HASH TAG/HANDLE
ASAP
TEMPLATE EMAIL 01
TO THINK ABOUT
SEND TO CLIENT
45 - 60 DAYS PRIOR
THE IDEAL TIMELINE PLANNING GUIDE HELP THEM PLAN BEFORE THEY START PLANNING
THE IDEAL TIMELINE
GUIDES
TIMELINE GUIDE 02 – TRADITIONAL TIMELINE
TIMELINE GUIDE 01 – FIRST LOOK TIMELINE
PREPARING FOR THE TALK THROUGH SPEND A FEW MINUTES TO BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN FOR THE TALK THROUGH
2. OPEN THE MOOD BOARD AND REVIEW
1. SIT DOWN AT YOUR COMPUTER
5. BE READY TO TAKE NOTES
3. START SCREEN SHARE & SEND INVITE
4. BEGIN CALL
6. FOLLOW UP EMAIL – NOTES & TIMELINE
TEMPLATE EMAIL 02
THE ENGAGEMENT TALK THROUGH TUNING INTO THEIR STYLE AND VISION
MOOD BOARD REVIEW 1. REVIEW PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE
1. CONFIRM STYLE EXPECTATIONS
2. IDENTIFY “MUST-HAVES”
3. TAILOR UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
2. DISCUSS POSSIBLE LOCATIONS
1. CHOOSE SCENES THAT FIT THEIR VISION
2. TAILOR UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
3. DISCUSS WARDROBE OPTIONS AND IDEAS
1. AVOID STRONG PATTERNS
2. DRESS TO THE SCENE
3. DRESS TO MATCH EACH OTHER
4. APPROVE EACH OTHER’S OUTFITS
5. BRING AT LEAST 2 OUTFITS PER PERSON
6. HAIR/MAKEUP CONTROL
7. COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
4. BASE TIMELINE ON MOOD BOARD IMAGES
1. LATE AFTERNOON THROUGH GOLDEN HOUR
2. GOLDEN HOUR THROUGH EVENING
WATCH THE VIDEO
POST TALK THROUGH CONFIRMATION EMAIL CONFIRMATION AND REMINDERS FOR THE SHOOT PLAN
ENGAGEMENT MOOD BOARD
ITEMS TO BRING
SHOOT ITINERARY
TEMPLATE EMAIL 02
STYLE NOTES
SEND TO CLIENT & TEAM
CHAPTER FOUR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT PREPARATION & COMMUNICATION
Preparing for the Shoot Same-Day Location Scouting The First 15 Minutes – Part II
The Foundation Posing Framework Primer How to Address and Resolve Shoot Concerns
10 Ways During the Shoot to Build Trust, Confidence and the Relationship Four Reasons Why Teasers Are So Awesome
PREPARING FOR THE SHOOT CHECKLISTS AND GUIDES ARE CRUCIAL FOR CONSISTENCY
GET IN THE ZONE! 1. REVIEW THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL
1. ARRIVAL/CONCLUDING TIMES
2. LOCATIONS
2. REVIEW NOTES ON THE COUPLE
1. WHO THEY ARE
2. WHAT THEY DO
3. THEIR LIKES/HOBBIES/ETC
3. LOAD THE MOOD BOARD TO YOUR PHONE
1. INSPIRATION, NOT A GUIDE
4. USE THE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST TO PREP
1. GEAR TEMPLATE 01
5. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
1. SHOES, SUNSCREEN, ETC
6. LEAVE EARLY
1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GAS
2. PLAN FOR TRAFFIC, DOUBLE TRAVEL TIME
3. ARRIVE EARLY FOR A QUICK PRE-SHOOT WALK THROUGH
SAME-DAY LOCATION SCOUTING NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU HAVE BEEN THERE, IT HELPS
PRE-SHOOT SCOUTING 1. TAKE A LOOK AT LOCATION CHANGES
1. CHANGE IN TIDES/SAND
2. CHANGE IN GREENERY/TREES/BLOSSOMS
3. SOMETIMES A SCENE CHANGE IS NEEDED
2. OBSERVE DIFFERENT ANGLES
1. THE BEST ANGLES COME FROM WALKING!
3. THE MOOD BOARD
1. THINK OF THE MOOD BOARD
2. WHAT ANGLES/LOOKS/LIGHT BEST FITS
4. LIGHT DIRECTION/QUALITY
1. OBSERVE THE LIGHT DIRECTION
2. USE SUNSEEKER/SUN SURVEYOR TO TRACK LIGHT
5. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
1. FIND SOMETHING NEW/UNIQUE
2. SHOOT DIFFERENT CHALLENGE
3. INCORPORATE NEW GEAR/LENSES
THE FIRST 15 MINUTES – PART II ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW YOUR COUPLE BETTER
BUILDING TRUST 1. REMEMBER WHO THEY ARE!
1. BE SURE TO REVIEW YOUR NOTES
2. START THE CONVERSATION WHERE YOU LEFT OFF
2. MEETING THE GUY
1. OFTEN TIMES WE BOOK WITH THE GIRL
2. USE THIS TIME TO BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GUY
3. MY FOCUS IS USUALLY THE GUY
3. GET MORE PERSONAL
1. CONTINUE TO SHOW INTEREST IN THEM
2. ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR WORK
3. ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR LIVES
4. GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER
4. WORK INTO POSING COMMUNICATION
1. START WITH FOUNDATION POSING
THE FOUNDATION POSING FRAMEWORK PRIMER BUILDING A LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION FOR POSING
POSING & COMMUNICATION 1. THE V-UP
1. SHOULDERS TOUCH, COUPLE FACING SLIGHTLY IN
2. TREAT SHOULDERS LIKE HINGE ON A DOOR
2. THE CLOSED POSE
1. COUPLES CLOSE AND FACE IN TOWARDS EACH OTHER
2. GREAT FOR MORE “ROMANTIC” IMAGES
3. THE OPEN POSE
1. COUPLES OPEN TO THE CAMERA
2. GREAT FOR MORE “CANDID/WHIMSICAL” IMAGES
4. THE STACKED POSE
1. BACK GOES INTO OTHER PERSON’S CHEST
2. GREAT FOR “ROMANTIC CANDIDS” & “FUN” IMAGES
5. MINDING THE DETAILS
1. STRAIGHTENED SPINE (BOTH)
2. KICKED HIPS (GIRL)
3. HAND PLACEMENT (BOTH)
4. HAIR/FLYAWAYS (BOTH)
5. ETC
WATCH THE VIDEO
HOW TO ADDRESS AND RESOLVE SHOOT CONCERNS BUILDING A LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION FOR POSING
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER 1. BE HUMBLE
1. BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ADDRESS, YOU MUST ACCEPT
2. UNDERSTAND THAT CC IS FOR YOUR BENEFIT
2. UNDERSTAND, ACKNOWLEDGE & REMAIN
CONFIDENT
1. LISTEN TO THE CONCERN
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND BY REPEATING IT
BACK
3. REMAIN CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES
3. ACKNOWLEDGE, BUT BUILD CONFIDENCE
1. WE ARE OUR WORST CRITICS
2. ACKNOWLEDGE SEEING THE CONCERN
3. ADDRESS THE CONCERN IN THE IMAGES
4. BUT PLAY DOWN AND PRAISE TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
4. REMEMBER AND SHOW YOU ARE IN-TUNE
1. DURING THE SHOOT, REMEMBER AND ADDRESS
2. SHOW IMAGES TO SHARE YOU UNDERSTAND
3. CONTINUE TO GENUINELY PRAISE
5. REMEMBER FOR FUTURE
1. TAKE NOTES UPON COMPLETITION
2. INCORPORATE NOTES INTO FUTURE SHOOTS
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 MAKE THE FIRST IMAGE
AMAZING
05 MAKE HIM HAVE A
GOOD TIME
03 SHOW THEM IMAGES
THROUGHOUT THE SHOOT
04 USE POSITIVE WORDS
TO DESCRIBE CHANGES
01 FIRST IMAGE = AMAZING Tell the couple that the first image you take will be amazing, I go so far to say “their best image yet” but, be careful.
Setup their pose, dial in settings, get the expression and snap 1 image and show it.
06 MAKE HER FEEL BEAUTIFUL Try to focus your language and direction to help her to feel beautiful throughout
the shoot. Help the couple, and especially the girl to feel and see the beauty that you
see in them.
03 SHOW THEM IMAGES Showing images throughout the shoot will help them to build trust. They can see you are in tune to their vision. If they don’t like
an image, ask for their critique, then address it and show them the change.
08 GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER When moving from location to location,
use your moments of down time to continue getting to know them. Being genuinely interested who they are will
help you deliver a better product.
04 USE POSITIVE WORDS If the couple places their hands in a
strange place, don’t say “that’s bad”, “I don’t like that”, “that looks weird”, etc.
Use positive language, “I love everything about this, but let’s try something…”
09 DISCUSS THE WEDDING DAY When you run out of things to talk about, remember that you can always talk about
their wedding day plans, timeline, etc. The engagement shoot is a perfect time to
give them advice and guidance.
05 MAKE HIM HAVE A GOOD TIME In general, girls love to take photos, guys
do not. Place emphasis on making the guy have a good time. When he’s having a
good time, she will naturally relax as she is no longer worried about him having fun.
10 UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER Up until this point, we have been tailoring their vision and expectations. Now, with
the engagement shoot, this is our first chance to really over deliver. Same-day,
teasers are one of the best ways to do this.
02 GIVE CONTINUAL GENUINE PRAISE
02 GIVE CONTINUAL GENUINE PRAISE Constantly build their confidence and self-image by providing genuine praise. When clicking the shutter, don’t stay silent. As you build their confidence, it will show through in their poses and expressions.
07 EDUCATE THEM Rather than just setting up lights, a tripod,
or changing their pose, educate them during the process. When they learn the
why, they will trust you more as a professional. But, tailor the message.
10 WAYS DURING THE SHOOT TO BUILD TRUST, CONFIDENCE AND THE RELATIONSHIP
06 MAKE HER FEEL
BEAUTIFUL
10 UNDER PROMISE,
OVER DELIVER
08 GET TO KNOW THEM
DURING DOWN MOMENTS
09 DISCUSS THE WEDDING
DAY AND TIMELINE
07 EDUCATE THEM
DURING THE SHOOT
FOUR REASONS WHY TEASERS ARE SO AWESOME ECSTATIC CLIENTS AND GREAT MARKETING
WHY PREPARE TEASERS 1. UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER
1. 5 - 10 IMAGES
2. IT’S A TEASER, NOT SPOILER!
2. INSTANT GRATIFICATION
1. PROVIDES THEM WITH SOMETHING RIGHT AWAY
2. EASIER TO WAIT FOR FINAL DELIVERY
3. ANOTHER COMMUNICATION TOUCH POINT
1. LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEM
2. TOUCH ON SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP
4. RIDE THE EXCITEMENT TRAIN
1. MORE LIKELY TO BE SHARED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
DELIVERY PROCESS 1. UPLOAD TO GALLERY
2. SEND EMAIL TEMPLATE 03
1. SEND TO CLIENT
2. INCLUDE THE PLANNER/COORDINATOR
3. SHARE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
1. TAG CLIENTS WHERE POSTING
2. BE SENSITIVE TO PRIVACY
TEMPLATE EMAIL 03
SEND TO CLIENT & PLANNER
DELIVERING THE FINAL ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS ANOTHER TOUCH POINT, ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
DELIVERING IMAGES 1. EVERY IMAGE SHOULD BE AMAZING
1. AVERAGE/BAD IMAGES REJECTED
2. IMPRESSION > “WOW, WOW, WOW”
3. RULE: EACH NEW IMAGE SHOULD ADD TO THE PRODUCT
4. GENERALLY DELIVER 100 IMAGES FROM 3 HR SESSION
2. PRAISE & ENCOURAGE SHARING
1. TELL THEM HOW HAPPY YOU ARE WITH THE IMAGES
2. ENCOURAGE THE CLIENTS TO SHARE FREELY AND TAG
3. FULL RESOLUTION/SHARE GALLERY
3. RELEASE A BIT OF CONTROL
1. SOME WILL CROP/ADD FILTERS/ETC, LET IT GO!
DELIVERY PROCESS 1. UPLOAD TO GALLERY
2. SEND EMAIL TEMPLATE 04
1. SEND TO CLIENT
2. INCLUDE THE PLANNER/COORDINATOR
3. SHARE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
1. TAG CLIENTS WHERE POSTING
2. BE SENSITIVE TO PRIVACY
TEMPLATE EMAIL 04
SEND TO CLIENT & PLANNER
CHAPTER FIVE POST ENGAGEMENT, PREPPING FOR THE WEDDING TALK THROUGH
Pre-Wedding Talk Through Email Preparing for the Talk Through The First 3 – 5 Minutes – Part III
Tuning in to Their Vision Timeline Walk-Through
Discuss the Family Portraits (Formals) Condensed Itinerary & Information
PRE-WEDDING TALK THROUGH EMAIL A REMINDER OF WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE TALK THROUGH AND WEDDING
SHOOT
THE IDEAL TIMELINE GUIDE
ENGAGEMENT MOOD BOARD & PLANNING
ROUGH WEDDING TIMELINE
WEDDING MOOD BOARD
WEDDING VIP LIST
WEDDING HASH TAG/HANDLE
45 - 60 DAYS PRIOR
DONE
FORMALS & MUST-HAVE CHECK LIST
TIMELINE
TEMPLATE EMAIL 05
SEND TO CLIENT OR PLANNER
TEMPLATE EMAIL 06 SEND PRIOR
TO TALK THROUGH IF THERE’S A
MAJOR ISSUE
PREPARING FOR THE TALK THROUGH SPEND A FEW MINUTES TO BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN FOR THE TALK THROUGH
WEDDING MOOD BOARD
WEDDING VIP LIST
FORMALS CHECK LIST
MUST-HAVE SHOT LIST
WEDDING HASH TAG/HANDLE
2. OPEN THE DOCUMENTS AND SPEND A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW
1. SIT DOWN AT YOUR COMPUTER
5. BE READY TO TAKE NOTES/JOIN ME
3. START SCREEN SHARE & SEND INVITE
4. BEGIN CALL
6. FOLLOW UP EMAIL – NOTES & TIMELINE CHANGES
TEMPLATE EMAIL 07
THE FIRST 3 - 5 MINUTES – PART III SPEND A MOMENT CATCHING UP, BUT BE SENSITIVE TO THEIR
SCHEDULES
STRENGTHEN THE RELATIONSHIP 1. CATCH UP
1. ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS
2. HOW HAVE YOU BOTH BEEN!?
3. HOW’S WORK?
4. HOW’S THE WEDDING PLANNING COMING?
5. REMEMBER TO TAKE TIME FOR DATE NIGHT!
2. AS ALWAYS, BE PRESENT AND INTERESTED
1. LACK OF PRESENCE IS ALWAYS NOTICEABLE!
3. DON’T ASK THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!
1. WHERE’S THE WEDDING AGAIN?
2. DID YOU GUYS SEND US A MOOD BOARD?
3. HOW MANY HOURS DID YOU CONTRACT?
4. START VISION BY DISCUSSING THEIR E-SESSION
1. SO HOW DID YOU ALL LIKE THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
2. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?
3. ANY IMAGES THAT YOU WEREN’T IN LOVE WITH?
4. LET’S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT YOUR WEDDING MOOD BOARD.
WATCH THE VIDEO
TUNING IN TO THEIR VISION ONCE AGAIN, ESTABLISH THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THEIR VISION FOR THE
DAY
START FROM THE ENGAGEMENT 1. START VISION BY DISCUSSING THEIR E-SESSION
1. I LOVED THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION, HAD SO MUCH FUN!
2. SO HOW DID YOU ALL LIKE THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?
3. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY?
4. ANY IMAGES THAT YOU WEREN’T IN LOVE WITH? SEND ME A
FEW
5. YOU AREN’T GOING TO HURT MY FEELINGS
6. LET’S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT YOUR WEDDING MOOD BOARD.
2. THE WEDDING MOOD BOARD
1. IDENTIFY “MUST-HAVES” IF ANY
2. MAKE SURE THE “MUST-HAVES” DON’T BECOME SHOT LIST
3. TAILOR EXPECTIONS WITH “MUST-HAVES” IF NEEDED
3. SPECIFIC VENUE LOCATIONS
1. ARE THERE SPECIFIC LOCATIONS THEY WANT TO SHOOT
2. KEY MOMENT LOCATIONS
WATCH THE VIDEO
TIMELINE WALK-THROUGH COVER ALL OF THE DETAILS, EVEN THE SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD
ONES
FROM START TO FINISH 1. CONFIRM TIMES/LOCATIONS
1. START/END TIMES & LOCATIONS
2. NEED FOR OVERTIME?
2. 1st/2nd SHOOTER ASSIGNMENTS
1. DO THEY WANT A PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE LIMO/BUS?
2. WHO IS SHOOTING THE DETAILS?
3. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL TIME CONCERNS
1. WITHOUT A FIRST LOOK, IS THERE ADEQUATE TIME FOR
COUPLE, FAMILY AND WEDDING PARTY?
2. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL FOR TRAFFIC/TRANSPORTATION
4. GIVE TIPS ON THE DAY
1. FAMILY/WEDDING PARTY TO BE READY 30 MIN BEFORE
NEEDED
5. PLAN OUT SPECIFIC IMAGES
1. WHICH LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY WILL BE USED
TO ACHIEVE THEIR MOOD BOARD VISION?
6. SURPRISE EVENTS
1. SURPRISE EVENTS THAT ARE NOT ON THE TIMELINE?
2. ALLOW THEM TO SHARE THIS SEPARATELY
WATCH THE VIDEO
DISCUSS THE FAMILY PORTRAITS (FORMALS) A FEW MINUTES OF PLANNING HERE WILL SAVE TIME AND EMOTIONS ON THE DAY OF
IMPORTANT POINTS TO DISCUSS 1. WHO IS GUIDING THE FORMALS?
1. RECOMMEND FAMILY OR FRIEND WHO KNOWS THE FAMILY
2. WE WILL ORGANIZE THEM INTO PHOTOS
2. IS THERE ADEQUATE TIME BASED ON THE LIST?
1. PLAN 2-3 MINUTES PER 5-10 PERSON PORTRAIT
2. PLAN 5 MINUTES PER LARGE (20+) GROUP PORTRAIT
3. FAMILY SITUATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS
1. JUST NEED THE BASICS, NOT TOO MUCH INFO
2. HELPS PREVENT AWKWARD MOMENTS/FAMILY DRAMA
4. GAUGE EXPECTATIONS
1. THIS IS ALL THAT MATTERS FOR SOME
2. THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT FOR OTHERS (GET THROUGH QUICK)
3. DO YOU WANT FUN SHOTS AS WELL?
5. SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS
1. IT’S GONNA BE HOT, WILL EVERYONE BE OK?
2. DO WE NEED CHAIRS FOR GRAND PARENTS?
6. CONCLUDE THE CONVERSATION
1. NEED TO DISCUSS ANYTHING ELSE?
2. MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO THEM
WATCH THE VIDEO
CONDENSED ITINERARY & INFORMATION PUTTING TOGETHER ALL OF THE DETAILS
PUTTING TOGETHER THE DETAILS 1. A SINGLE ACCESSIBLE LOCATION
2. PRIMARY INFORMATION
1. CARPOOL, CALL TIME AND LOCATIONS
2. PHOTO TEAM - LEAD, 2ND, 3RD
3. KEY CONTACT INFORMATION - STILL TEAM, CINEMA TEAM, COORDINATION
4. ENGAGEMENT LINK & WEDDING MOOD BOARD LINK
5. SPECIAL NOTES & CONSIDERATIONS FROM PRIOR SHOOTS & TALK THROUGH
6. LOCATION ADDRESSES AND EVENTS (REFERENCE ON CONDENSED
ITINERARY)
7. CONDENSED ITINERARY WITH JUST NEEDED INFO
8. MUST-HAVE SHOT LIST W/ FEW KEY ITEMS
9. VIP LIST WITH 10 TO 20 TOTAL PEOPLE INCLUDING PICS
10. FORMALS PHOTO LIST AND ORGANIZER INFO
3. EMAIL TO THE TEAM
1. REMIND TEAM TO REVIEW
2. SCHEDULE THE TEAM PLANNING WALK-THROUGH
TEMPLATE EMAIL 08A/08B
SEND TO INTERNAL TEAM
CHAPTER SIX WEDDING DAY PREPARATION & COMMUNICATION
Preparing for the Wedding Our Wedding Day Arrival Policy Team Planning Walk-Through
10 Ways to Amaze and Impress Throughout The Wedding Day How to Address and Resolve Wedding Day Concerns & Case Study
Five Reasons to Create a Same-Day Slideshow Delivering the Final Wedding Images
Client Satisfaction, Requesting Reviews & Testimonials
PREPARING FOR THE WEDDING CHECKLISTS AND GUIDES ARE CRUCIAL FOR CONSISTENCY
GET IN THE ZONE! 1. REVIEW THE CONDENSED ITINERARY & INFO
1. ARRIVAL/CONCLUDING TIMES
2. LOCATIONS
3. NOTES ON THE COUPLE
4. ENGAGEMENT/MOODBOARD
5. ETC
2. USE THE WEDDING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST TO
PREP
1. GEAR TEMPLATE 02
2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE BACKUP GEAR!
3. TAKE SNACKS & WATER
3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
1. ALL BLACK W/ TIE (GETS HOT)
2. BLACK PANTS, WHITE SHIRT & BLACK TIE (PREFERRED)
3. COMFORTABLE BLACK SHOES W/ BLACK SOCKS
4. SUNSCREEN, TIE CLIP, ETC.
4. LEAVE EARLY
1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH GAS FOR THE FULL DAY
2. PLAN FOR TRAFFIC, DOUBLE TRAVEL TIME
3. SAME-DAY LOCATION SCOUTING (DISCUSSED NEXT)
5. TEAM PLANNING WALK-THROUGH
OUR WEDDING DAY ARRIVAL POLICY CHECKLISTS AND GUIDES ARE CRUCIAL FOR CONSISTENCY
ARRIVE 60 – 90 MIN EARLY 1. CONSTRUCTION/CLOSED/BEST LOCATIONS
1. DISCOVER CLOSED LOCATIONS PRIOR TO WASTING TIME
2. PLAN ALTERNATE LOCATIONS WHEN NEEDED
3. DECIDE PRIMARY, SECONDARY, TERTIARY LOCATIONS
2. GET INTO THE CREATIVE MINDSET
1. SEE AND FIND NEW ANGLES
2. PRE-VISION YOUR SHOTS
3. THINK OF THE MOOD BOARD
4. START SLOW AND WORK INTO THE DAY
3. LIGHT DIRECTION/QUALITY
1. USE SUNSEEKER/SUN SURVEYOR
2. PLAN OUT IDEAL TIMES OF LIGHT FOR EACH POSSIBLE
LOCATION
3. BASED ON TIME OF DAY, CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION
4. IMPRESS AND EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
1. NOTIFY THE COUPLE UPON ARRIVING
2. NOTIFY THE PLANNER UPON ARRIVING
5. ELEVATE THE TEAM’S IMAGERY
1. COMMUNICATE BEST LOCATIONS AND TIMINGS
2. DISCUSS 2ND AND 3RD ANGLE OPPORTUNITIES
TEAM PLANNING WALK-THROUGH GETTING ALL THE INFORMATION AND PLANNING DETAILS OUT TO THE
TEAM
30 MIN PRIOR TO CONTRACT TIME 1. REQUIRE TEAM TO KNOW THE INFO
1. EVERYONE SHOULD BE INTIMATELY FAMILIAR WITH THE
CONDENSED ITINERARY & INFO
2. THE IDEAL MEETING TIME
1. DAY BEFORE
2. DURING THE MORNING DRIVE
3. 30 MIN EARLY CALL TIME (PREFERRED)
3. WALK THROUGH THE DAY
1. DISCUSS LOCATIONS
2. PLAN TRAVEL & MOVEMENTS
3. REVIEW ASSIGNMENTS & RESPONSIBILITES
4. DISCUSS SPECIAL NOTES/FAMILY SITUATIONS/ETC
4. SYNC ALL CAMERAS
1. POSSIBLE IN POST, BUT SAVE THE HEADACHE
5. START UP TEAM COMMUNICATION
1. USE GROUP TEXT OR APPS (LET CLIENTS KNOW WHAT YOU’RE
DOING)
2. GROUP TEXT WITH TEAM
3. GROUP TEXT WITH TEAM + PLANNER
4. USE WALKIE TALKIE (MOTOROLLA CP200)
WATCH THE VIDEO
01 LEARN NAMES AND
USE THEM!
05 BE A CALMING AND UPLIFTING ANCHOR
03 GIVE CONTINUAL
GENUINE PRAISE TO EVERYONE
04 SHOW OFF THE AWESOME
IMAGES YOU CAPTURE
01 LEARN NAMES AND USE THEM! There is no better way to make someone feel comfortable and important than to
remember and use their names! In fact, we all love the sound of our own name being
used, it’s science!
06 FIX CONCERNS, STAY CONFIDENT As you stay present, show images, and
listen throughout the day, you will identify potential concerns. Address them, but
stay confident. See the case study example on addressing concerns on the
wedding day.
03 CONTINUAL GENUINE PRAISE No matter who is in front of your lens,
make them feel comfortable and confident by providing them with genuine
praise. Remember that the best praise should always be reserved for the bride.
08 HELPFUL & FRIENDLY, BUT WISE I love lending a hand and will do so with
most things, giving a ride, pinning a boutonniere, etc is no problem. But, be wise to not helping too much. You can
step on toes, and open up liability.
04 SHOW OFF IMAGES When you capture awesome images, show them off! Show them to the couple, to the parents, friends, wedding party, etc. This is also a key in catching and addressing
potential concerns.
09 FRIENDS, BUT BE PROFESSIONAL I love getting to know and befriending
everyone at the wedding. But I am careful to always remain professional. Don’t
linger too long, don’t take breaks in front of people, don’t drink on the job, etc.
05 BE CALMING & UPLIFTING Wedding days are crazy. Emotions run wild, people are stressed out, etc. No
matter what is happening, be the calming and uplifting anchor that everyone needs, otherwise it will show through in images.
10 SAY GOODBYE TO EVERYONE At the end of the day, this is your chance to again show everyone how important they are by saying goodbye. Remember
and use their names, thank them for their help throughout the day, etc.
02 THE CLIENT NOW INCLUDES
FAMILY + FRIENDS
02 CLIENTS = FAMILY + FRIENDS During a portrait session the only person you need to impress is the couple. But at the wedding, your clients are no longer just the bride and groom, but also the
family and friends as well.
07 INCORPORATE FAMILY & VIPS Make the family and VIPs feel special and a part of the day by constantly involving
them in photographs and asking throughout the day if they have any needs
or wants during down moments.
10 WAYS TO AMAZE AND IMPRESS THROUGHOUT THE WEDDING DAY
06 ADDRESS CONCERNS, BUT STAY CONFIDENT
10 SAY GOODBYE TO ALL OF THE FAMILY & VIPS
08 BE HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY,
BUT BE WISE AS WELL
09 BECOME FRIENDS,
BUT MAINTAIN PROFESSIONALISM
07 ALWAYS INCORPORATE
THE FAMILY AND VIPS
HOW TO ADDRESS AND RESOLVE WEDDING DAY CONCERNS CONCERNS ARE NORMAL AND HEALTHY, ADDRESS THEM AND PEOPLE WILL THINK YOU ARE A HERO
REMEMBER OUR KEY POINTS 1. CONCERNS CAN COME FROM ANYONE
1. REMEMBER PRIORITIES
2. BRIDE, PARENTS, WEDDING PARTY, ETC.
2. BE HUMBLE
1. BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ADDRESS, YOU MUST ACCEPT
2. UNDERSTAND THAT CC IS FOR YOUR BENEFIT
3. UNDERSTAND, ACKNOWLEDGE & REMAIN
CONFIDENT
1. LISTEN TO THE CONCERN
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND BY REPEATING IT
BACK
3. REMAIN CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES
4. ACKNOWLEDGE, BUT BUILD CONFIDENCE
1. WE ARE OUR WORST CRITICS
2. ACKNOWLEDGE SEEING THE CONCERN
3. ADDRESS THE CONCERN IN THE IMAGES
4. BUT PLAY DOWN AND PRAISE TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
5. REMEMBER AND SHOW YOU ARE IN-TUNE
1. DURING THE SHOOT, REMEMBER AND ADDRESS
2. SHOW IMAGES TO SHARE YOU UNDERSTAND
3. CONTINUE TO GENUINELY PRAISE
6. REMEMBER THROUGHOUT DAY
1. TAKE NOTES UPON COMPLETITION
2. INCORPORATE NOTES INTO FUTURE SHOOTS
FIVE REASONS TO CREATE A SAME-DAY SLIDESHOW ECSTATIC CLIENTS AND GREAT MARKETING
SAME-DAY SLIDESHOW 1. UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER
1. 50 - 100 IMAGE TEASERS
2. INSTANT GRATIFICATION
1. PLACE BY SIGN-IN BOOK OR BAR
3. RIDE THE EXCITEMENT TRAIN
1. COUPLE/FAMILY/GUESTS EXCITED
2. WILL BE SHARED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
4. INSTANT MARKETING
1. SHOW OFF YOUR IMAGES & GET REFERRALS INSTANTLY
2. PLACE BUSINESS CARDS AT THE TABLE
5. TEASERS & TONE SETTERS COMPLETED
1. WORKFLOW/TONE SETTERS
2. UPLOAD TEASERS TO GALLERY
3. SEND EMAIL TEMPLATE 09
1. SEND TO CLIENT
2. INCLUDE THE PLANNER/COORDINATOR
4. SHARE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
1. TAG CLIENTS & VENDORS WHERE POSTING
2. WRITE SPECIAL MESSAGE
3. BE SENSITIVE TO PRIVACY
DELIVERING THE FINAL WEDDING PHOTOS ANOTHER TOUCH POINT, ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
DELIVERING IMAGES 1. EVERY IMAGE SHOULD BE AMAZING
1. AVERAGE/BAD IMAGES REJECTED
2. IMPRESSION = “WOW, WOW, WOW”
3. RULE: EACH NEW IMAGE SHOULD ADD TO THE
PRODUCT/STORY
4. GENERALLY DELIVER 80-100 IMAGES PER SHOOT HOUR
2. PRAISE & ENCOURAGE SHARING
1. TELL THEM HOW HAPPY YOU ARE WITH THE IMAGES
2. ENCOURAGE THE CLIENTS TO SHARE FREELY AND TAG
3. FULL RESOLUTION/SHARE GALLERY
3. RELEASE A BIT OF CONTROL
1. SOME WILL CROP/ADD FILTERS/ETC, LET IT GO!
DELIVERY PROCESS 1. UPLOAD TO GALLERY
2. SEND EMAIL TEMPLATE 10 & 11
1. SEND TO CLIENT – TEMPLATE 10
2. INDIVIDUAL EMAIL TO PLANNER – TEMPLATE 11
3. SHARE TEASER/BLOG VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
1. TAG CLIENTS WHERE POSTING
2. BE SENSITIVE TO PRIVACY
TEMPLATE EMAIL 10 & 11
SEND TO CLIENT (10) & PLANNER (11)
CLIENT SATISFACTION, REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS ECSTATIC CLIENTS ARE YOUR BEST MARKETING ASSETS, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE THEM
REQUESTING REVIEWS 1. ASK THE RIGHT CLIENTS
1. GREAT EXPERIENCE
2. STRONG SOCIAL MEDIA/YELP PRESENCE
2. FOCUS YOUR EFFORTS
1. FOCUS ON 1-2 REVIEW SITES TOPS
2. YELP, WEDDING WIRE, FB, ETC.
3. ACCEPT AND ADDRESS CRITIQUE
1. CRITIQUE COMES FROM TRUTH
2. ADDRESS THE CONCERN AND RESOLVE
3. BE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING
TEMPLATE EMAIL 12
SEND TO CLIENT