Jenn M
Veteran
Nov 18, 2006, 1:27 PM
Post #11 of 11
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The reason the statement is included is so there is absolutely NO miscommunication about what will and will not be done. My guess is that miscommunication in the service industry is at the top of the list for causing problems. I'm just doing this to cover my butt.
Sparky,
I like the way you think. You are soooo right. I'm very much the same way - nip it in the bud, I always say. It's the "can-do" guys ("I can do that. Sure, I can do that..." no matter what it is) and the ones who don't take the time to talk to their Client that have the most problems.
Maybe it comes from doing video for so many years and having to be on the ball and organized, planning ahead that we realize the importance of these things. I've worked with many a-photographer who tried to figure it out on the day of the wedding. Oh boy, what chaos. And they almost always end up missing basic formal shots, like the grandparents or something obvious.
I've only shot one full wedding on my own but I think I handled the formals pretty well, and this was with a bride that conjured up every possible variation of family and bridal party. She didn't have a full reception, so she wanted a lot of formals and she brought everybody to the park - from extended family to spouses of bridal party members. I knew the list of must-haves b/c I asked her this ahead of time. But one thing I did to minimize any anomosity towards me (b/c she had so many different combos and it was chilly and the bmaids were wearing sleeveless dresses) was my strategy of making her responsible. I would say, "Now, did you still want blah blah...?" And right on cue, she would say, "Oh yeah, hey you and you and you, get over here." So I basically left the dirty work up to her, calling people over and they grumbled at her instead of me. 
For the weddings I have booked next year (photo), I already had the formals discussion with them when we met, stressing the issues regarding time management. Basically saying what you put into writing, but it's a good idea to send it to them on paper closer to the wedding b/c we know how they tend to forget things. Also, I think many photogs tend to take waaaay more photos than they need. For example, one or two variations of the bridal party is sufficient - I've seen them do 4 or 5 and not only does it not go over well - it wastes time.
So far all the couples we've booked claim they don't want a lot of formals, but their parents weren't sitting in the room at the time. I'm no dummy - I know things change on the wedding day, but I think it's wise to employ the b&g in your strategy so they talk mom and dad down and so they remember when it comes time. One way to accomplish that is to address it in advance.
I, too, think it's wise to start large and work your way down to the b&g, b/c they often have the most stamina since it is their wedding, though you can lose grooms pretty quick. But at least the groom has the bride to contend with - so she'll get him in line. Then you can let the deadweight, I mean, the bridal party go do their thing. The only downside is you have to be diligent about the time management b/c you can run out of time pretty quickly and those b&g portraits are often the most important later and you don't want to run out of time and/or rush through them haphazardly. I've considered buying a watch with an alarm and setting it to go off 10 mins before I know we have to leave - to make sure there is enough time for the couple. It's easy to lose track of time when you have 2 sets of family coming at your with requests.
As far as backdrops and lighting... we're making a conscious effort to not get too involved in supplimental equipment, though that could change, I suppose. With photo, I want to travel light. I don't see many photogs setting up lights anymore. Maybe one flash on a pole, but that's about it. There's just no time. It's more likely to happen in the winter months, b/c they can't shoot outside. But I would much rather use the time to take photos rather than setting up for one. That's how I plan to address it.
It's funny b/c several photogs turned to me, exasperated at a wedding (after they knew we were going to start offering photography) and said, "See what you're going to have to deal with?"
I just laughed and said, "If this is the hardest part of your day, I'll take it."
They've never had to mic a groom, an officiant and a podium with 5 minutes to spare and no cooperation, and so on...
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