JUNE 2010 with DAVID & LUKE EDMONSON
Just some of their advice for success:
1.Call - don't email: And better yet, go visit them in person. You're investing in a relationship with these people and it helps to hear a voice or see a face. It's also a lot easier to ignore or say no to an email. So, pick up the phone and introduce yourself. Ask if there's a time you can stop by to meet them in person. Remember, these people are very busy so just popping in to say hello and expecting a sit-down meeting may not be the best idea. As we like to say, warm relationships are better than cold calls.
2.Be Patient: Just like any of your other non-familial relationships, you had to build them to where they are today. Relationships don't happen over night, you have to be patient. The wedding coordinator needs to appreciate your work, observe your level of professionalism and understand that you aren't going to be a pain in their you know what. A bride is full of anxiety which a lot of times gets transferred to their wedding coordinator. The last thing these people want is some new photographer causing them more anxiety. So be patient and be helpful when you can.
3.Manage Your Expectations: You can't expect that you're going to walk into a wedding coordinators office, say hello, and then automatically be added to their go-to list of photographers. You aren't going to replace their top photography team - at least not right away. Again, you'll need to build trust with the wedding coordinators and work your way into their good graces.
4.Their approach to photographers: When you ask coordinators their general opinion about wedding photography to them all photographers are the same. They figure we all charge the same, shoot the same styles, offer the same products. Of course we know this not to be true but we have to show them what is different about our client experience and our personalities first. Figure out how to provide the coordination service with something unique that they can offer to their clients that will give their brides an experience they will never forget and you are on the right track.
5.Relationship needs to be organic: When you shoot a wedding and do a great job don't forget about the other vendors that helped make the day a huge success. Ask a florist while they are loading in - what do they really need to walk away with to sell future clients on ideas and concepts. What does the lighting team, set designers, make-up artist etc need to help their business grow. It's not always the kinds of shots that will make it in the couple's "book" but unlike couples the vendors in your area are in the wedding business long-term. Meeting their specific needs by asking instead of assuming can set you apart.
To see more about The Edmonson's, please visit: http://www.edmonsonweddings.com/
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