During these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for the photography industry to band together! If you have any shareable tips to navigate the rapidly-changing world, send us your ideas at Suggestions@StudioPlusSoftware.com
To facilitate positivity in these uncertain times, we want to be an outlet of support for our Photographers around the world. Over the next week, we’ll be publishing content on our blogs to create a channel of suggestions on how to get through a time no one expected and allow for discussion so we can all join together. We know it’s weird to call a situation “good”, but it’s important to never waste the opportunities offered by a “good” crisis.
To get us started, here’s an uplifting story from a photographer, in the same position as you:
“What do you do when your brides start calling in tears because the most important day of their lives is going to be cancelled because of something none of us could have ever imagined? First, take a deep breath, and then be a shoulder for them to cry on. Seriously let them vent. Most likely, they have been planning their wedding for a year or more and suddenly the rug is literally torn out from under them. They need to be able to express their emotions. Just listen – and really hear what they are saying. Then, get creative and come up with a solution. Here are a couple of examples that have two different outcomes.
For one bride, the date has significant meaning, but her guest list was over 200 which is not allowed by law at this time. Just changing the date was not an option. The solution – a split wedding. We’ll still have the wedding ceremony with just the bride, groom and honor attendants on the set date. Then, when things return to normal, we’ll have the reception. This goes against studio policy since it’s clearly stated in our contract that the coverage is for consecutive hours. Under normal circumstances, allowing the couple to split up the hours would be a nightmare. But since this anything BUT normal circumstances, making the exception was definitely the right thing to do. Going one step further, I contacted the venue to discuss the idea with their wedding coordinator. They were very happy to help out, and the couple had one less vendor to start the discussion with. I also contacted the videographer who came up with a brilliant plan to do a “virtual wedding”. He has the ability to put the wedding ceremony live online! He’ll also play the wedding ceremony again at the reception before the bride and groom make their entrance.
For another bride, changing the date is an option, but she was distressed that her family (brothers and sisters from all over the country), had already flown in. So on their “wedding day” they would all be sitting around in a rather depressed state thinking of “what might have been”. The solution – a beach family session. I offered them a complimentary family session. It’s doubtful I will book any sessions on such short notice anyway so why not have some fun and build an even better relationship with my client? (I did mention what I normally charge so they understand the value of the offer). So instead of tears of pain, I was hearing tears of joy. My bride was absolutely thrilled with the idea and since there is only a total of 8 of them (9 including myself), we won’t be breaking any rules. We’ve been going back and forth with excited texts of planning what to wear, where to meet, when to meet etc. Now, not only do I have a wedding (next year), I have a family session too!
It would be so easy to just throw in the towel in a time like this. But with just a little thinking outside the box (ok and maybe bending the rules just a bit), you can turn adversity into opportunity.”
-BEL Portraits, United States
During these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for the photography industry to band together! If you have any tips to navigate the rapidly-changing world, send us your ideas at Suggestions@StudioPlusSoftware.com