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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Ideas for First Photography Bookings?

gosswald
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Aug 30, 2005, 7:20 PM

Post #1 of 5 (950 views)
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Ideas for First Photography Bookings?	Can't Post

Hi,
We are another video company looking to jump on the photography bandwagon. We are looking at adding photography packages that can be done with or without video. I am looking for some ideas how to get started.

I am hoping to find a wedding or two in the near future we use to "cut our teeth on" and to use to start building a portfolio. I am hoping to keep my initial bookings "low profile" before we start advertising for the following reasons. We belong to a network group that is run mostly by photographers that is a "wedding professional group" This has actually been our best advertising and business resource and I am concerned once we start advertising photography we will loose a good portion of our referrals and may even loose our membership. (long story). We get about 1/3 of our bookings from this.

I am willing to accept whatever happens long term but I want to be covert for a few weddings to build a portfolio before we change our web site, literature, business cards, etc. I am looking for ideas how to find a couple of weddings (hopefully this year) or so without advertising. We are hoping to make the official changes around the beginning of 2006. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks
-Chuck

LeeReeves
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Aug 31, 2005, 12:42 PM

Post #2 of 5 (929 views)
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Re: [gosswald] Ideas for First Photography Bookings? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Chuck,

Why don't you hire some models, dress two of them up like a bride and groom, then shoot some great wedding style photographs? There are several advantages to doing this:
1. You'll be in control of your shots.
2. You'll be more relaxed. It's not a real wedding.
3. You'll build your portfolio.
4. It will be our "little secret". Wink

Lee

(This post was edited by LeeReeves on Aug 31, 2005, 12:49 PM)

Jeko
Enthusiast

Aug 31, 2005, 3:30 PM

Post #3 of 5 (912 views)
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Re: [gosswald] Ideas for First Photography Bookings? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had some demo materials from all the weddings I had already done (I routinely take/use stills for the video). Thus, when I was launching it I did already have something to show.

I offered the first packages as freebies to prospects with "soon upcoming" off-season wedding dates (ie those for whom I was already doing video). I shot 2 from there within 8 weeks, and then had real demo material to build from...

Interest in combo has been good ever since. Now I think many are more interested in photo first....

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Beverly
User

Sep 4, 2005, 2:17 AM

Post #4 of 5 (822 views)
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Re: [gosswald] Ideas for First Photography Bookings? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you advertise with any publications that send out bridal leads. If so pick some that have upcoming weddings and mail out or email those specific brides what you are wanting to offer.

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Sep 4, 2005, 2:34 PM

Post #5 of 5 (810 views)
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Re: [gosswald] Ideas for First Photography Bookings? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would attempt to contact the ministers of a few local churches and let them know that you're just starting out and are available to provide either free or low cost photography coverage for couples that might not have the funds to hire a working professional. There are almost always couples that just plain can't afford it.

Granted, it might not be the best venue or the cutest couple you'll ever shoot ... but it's a start and that's what you need.

Keep in mind that the bridal show season will be here soon and it would be extremely benefitial to have something in place by that time. Otherwise it could be a full year before you can get the photography side jump-started.

Good luck

Scott Brooks