Growing Pains: Client Who Cares about Photo Storytelling

Michael and Kim

My latest client's love of photos was a great thing to see and be a part of.

Too many times, people take photography for granted and are to willing to scrimp on the money to pay for a professional photographer. New stats are showing all the time that photography budgets are the first to get slashed during event planning. So many people believe that they can give a camera to anyone and end up with shots that are just as good, if not better than those taken by professionals. I have to admit I've seen some shots taken by so called pros that made me shutter, but the majority of the time I'm simply in awe of the work that so many talented professional photographers can produce. I'm glad Kim and Michael, my last clients, understood the importance of photography and made images and the power of storytelling a hallmark in their engagement.







I was blown away when I arrived at the events center to shoot their party. Every single guest was greeted with the photo I took of them during their engagement session and it totally set the stage for more images guests would see throughout the evening. Kim created wonderful displays of images that showcased the progression of her romance with Mike. They made you feel like you were being included in this great journey the couple were taking together, and the impact was amazing.







I loved hearing people ask "Who took THAT picture." I still can't believe how great it felt to hear Kim proudly say, "my professional photographer, the one taking pictures over there!" That's me they were talking about!!!! Other people kept coming up to me all night long telling me that Kim was pleased and gushing about my work, which makes me happy because I was very nervous about shooting for them. I know that Michael had originally wanted a friend of his to take the photos, but the photographer never really agreed to do it. So they hired me. I was worried they wouldn't be happy with my product, wishing Michael's friend would have shot the party instead.

I think Kim will be a great referral for me. Having my pictures featured so prominently during her party was better than a slideshow presentation. And she has a website up as well that will be highlighting more of my photos. I've agreed to offer her low-res online versions of the pics. I wish I could travel with them to take their wedding photos and I hope they get a good photographer to capture those memories as well. But I'm extremely thankful for the boon I'm sure they have brought to my fledgling business.

I think what Kim did at the party is a great precedent that you might try getting your clients to do as well. If you take the photos early enough in their wedding process, you too can have images showcased at engagement parties, bridal showers, receptions, etc. etc. I hope that I can be Kim and Michael's professional family photographer too throughout their lives, and those of their children and grandchildren.