New Packages for Weddings, High School Seniors and More

I've spent the past year shooting many weddings, families and high school seniors - in the studio and out.  I've also spent considerable time meeting, talking and LISTENING to their thoughts and ideas.  From the initial meeting all the way to Premiere Night, many ideas have come forth just from listening to what people have to say.  Fortunately, they have been saying a LOT of positive things.  Thank you!!

However, one thing that has been lacking has been choice within my photography packages.  I wanted to keep it simple (still do) with one package and everything else as an add on, but in that effort things were missing.  So, starting today I begin rolling out new packages with more product options.  I still think it's fairly simple and I have it laid out on one sheet.  Here are some links so you can go have a look...

Wedding Photography Packages

High School Senior Packages

Chicago Sessions Engagement

High School Seniors: Chicago Style

Coming next: an update to my Studio Package and Event/Sports Package.

Also, if you hadn't noticed - all prints now have a Lifetime Guarantee.  All my photography products come from professional labs (no cheap drugstore printing) who stand behind their work.  I have many samples now, so just ask.  You will definitely see the difference in quality.

80% Marketing, 20% Shooting

As I was preparing to launch my photography business, I kept reading how it was going to have to be 80% marketing and 20% shooting to be successful.  I certainly took that advice, especially at the beginning when jobs were scarce.  In 2010 it has really paid off.  It's been my busiest year yet and I'm loving that.

The flip side of this is that the last few months have turned that ratio in the opposite direction.  Hence the minuscule number of blog posts of late.  I'd much rather do the gig than market for the next one, but I know it's part of the job and I can't relent if I want 2011 to be a break out year.

The purpose of this posting is to ask for your help.  If you cannot participate, I certainly understand.  A lot of you have already helped so much.  Thank you for that.  

Here are a three things that you can do to take a bit of the weight off me during this busy time....

• If you are a recent client and have been satisfied, call or email someone and let them know.  Post it on Facebook, blog about it, send a link to this site or http://www.sbvphotography.com
• Save one of my promo images below and post to your Facebook wall or forward in an email with a note.  Three Wedding promos and two High School Senior promos are ready to be posted.  Don't forget, if a client books a wedding with me, you will get a $50 cash referral.

Click on an image to make large.  Then right click to save to your computer.

  
 

• For the more ambitious among you, I'm looking for an occasional guest blogger for the Wedding Journal.  Perhaps you are getting married soon or have just been married or are going on your 20 year anniversary.  Maybe you have never been married, but have attended numerous events.  Either way, your perspective would be appreciated here.  Fill out the contact form if you are interested.  Tell me what you would like to write about and I'll make arrangements to get your thoughts here on the website.  Perhaps you are part of the wedding industry (photographer, vendor, etc.) and can share your ideas here.

Thank you for your help.  Thank you for reading.  Thank you for your support.

All the best,

Steve

How Does all this Work? What Are You Going To Wear? How....?

It's been a busy year so far with lots of meetings with couples, answering inquiries, signing contracts, etc.  Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions I get...

What attire will you wear to my wedding?

I will be dressed formally, although I don't usually wear a tie unless requested to do so.  It's absolutely no problem to do that, but I will have two camera bodies with large lenses attached to me most of the day.  Wearing a tie, I will need to clip it so it doesn't flop around on me and interfere with shooting.

My female assistant will also be dressed up although she will not be wearing a dress.  She will be asked to stand on a ladder on occasion as well as lug equipment and get low to the ground as well as hold light reflectors over her head, etc.  We will accommodate if you ask, but this is the usual modus operandi.  

I'm interested in possibly hiring you, now what do I do? 

We should set up a meeting ASAP so you can have an opportunity to get to know me as well as see samples of my work.  When you are ready to book, I require a 50% deposit to hold the date.  I start working for you immediately by scouting locations, jotting down ideas, etc.

Do we see you next on our wedding day?

I request that we meet one or more times after we book the photography for your wedding.  I hope we will be doing engagement shots together as we can chat then and get comfortable with each other.  Either way, I like for you can fill out the Wedding Shot List I gave you and we can discuss those needs.  I'd also like to meet you at some of the locations we discussed for your formal pictures.  This is also a good time to find out any restrictions your Pastor or Priest might have during the ceremony.  We can also settle on a Plan B in case of bad weather.

How do we review the images?

I do post the images online, but I like to meet with the bride and groom in person so i can see their reactions, offer them prints specials and discuss what to leave out of the wedding album (if anything)and the general design scheme of the album as well.  After that, an online gallery will be published for family and friends to view and order images.

I'm always available for any of your questions.  Just fill out the Contact Form if you are too shy or too busy to call.