Tomorrow night I am hosting another Mastermind with one of my favorite photographers Nancy Tillberg.
[Read more…]How we busted out the Pop Up Wedding business…
“This is fantastic Rob! I love how you simplified the poses toward the end, into 5 easy-to-remember steps…”
A short while ago we had a wedding shoot out series with yours truly and James Hodgins. It was simple. Get a bride and groom, or just a bride…..and go out and shoot, on the fly. Random locations.
See what happens, see what we create and explain the process.
Finding, seeing and using the light you randomly find on location…
When I show up at the brides home for pre-ceremony photos, I look around for creative lighting and posing options. In this example, you can see the light reflecting in my assistant Danielle’s eyes. I spotted that right away, looked to my right and noticed the source. The same light is, in this shot, bouncing off the closet doors to my left.
The main source of this light. I spotted the bannister to the right as a possible option for some creative angles:
I knew I wanted to try some images here with the bride, and planned on shooting from several angles, since the main floor (upper right) would allow me a great place to shoot from. I love finding cool, unusual angles.
Here’s one angle, at eye level…notice the specular highlights in her eyes:
Another example, (the bride is in the exact same place, and this is one of many poses/ expressions) creative angle from up high, shooting just over the bannister:
The thing is, when shooting at a wedding, there’s isn’t a lot of time so I need to work fast, work with what I got and get maximum results.
Yea, yea, I could bring all sorts of studio lighting, or spend hours planning. I want the bride to enjoy the day, not have to sit for too long, and have fun in front of my camera…..
Yours in photography,
Robert Provencher
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”
“I told you to back off….”
True story. It was in the middle of the ceremony. Church was packed, bride and groom anxiously waiting to exchange their vows. And the video dude, yea, that dang video dude. The same one I tried to offer some advice the week before: “Try not to get so close to the bride and groom during the ceremony. Besides, you’re blocking my view, and the guests view too.”
My words fell on deaf ears. Here he goes again, in their face.
Then it happened. My perfect “I told you so” moment.
The priest stopped, looked directly at the video guy with a stare that would scare satan himself, pointed and sternly ordered: “I told you to back off.”
I tried to warn him. I did. And I almost felt bad for him. The embarassement must’ve been brutal.
Whenever I am photographing a wedding, I always, always get to the ceremony early enough to have a quick chat with the officiant. This is especially important when it’s at a traditional religious location, say, in a traditional church. The priests can sometimes be a little ornery, have their ways and rules. Or not. I ain’t taking any chances.
I need to respect them. For the couple too. Who needs an embarrassing moment like the one that video guy tarnished his reputation with?
BUT…there’s always a but….I will sneak onto the altar, or wherever, to “get the shot” when I feel it’s safe to do so.
I don’t like going against the rules. But I will when I feel confident enough I won’t get caught. Makes me feel like a kid again.
In this shot, you can see me clearly trespassing. Over to the left is the back of the priest, busy doling out communion. Stay quiet, get the shot, move on.
No one the wiser. The results….
Yours in photography,
Rob
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”
My first wedding and first near nervous breakdown….(how I got through it)
“Self-belief is the catalyst for spectacular achievement.”
~Robin Sharma~
My heart was pounding.
My legs were like rubber. My brain was exploding in a flurry of stress and fear…all cascading down onto my young fragile and vulnerable soul.
I was freaking out in a big way.
I tried as best I could to keep up the illusion of control while inside me I was like a duck paddling furiously under the water, trying to stay afloat, looking sorta calm on the surface.
All an illusion.
This by the way wasn’t my first wedding. This was my first year. My first 5 years to be honest.
When I started shooting schools, families and especially weddings, and, well, people…. I was so close to having an all out nervous breakdown I have no idea how I got through it all.
But get though it I did. It’s hard to say where the drive, the inner fortitude comes from that keeps one going. I can’t say.
Maybe, just maybe it has something to do with having goals and a vision for something bigger and better for oneself. Yea, let’s go with that one.
In the best self-help business book ever written, Think and Grow Rich, there are 13 key fundamentals.
The first one is “Desire”.
From the book:
“The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.”
I suppose I had two choices. Let the fear dominate and let the chips fall where they may. Or, make a decision as to what I wanted for myself. Desire.
You can get far in any and most endeavors, including a photography business, or photography marketing, or in trying to enhance your photographic skills, by simply asking yourself this one easy question: “What do I want?”
If you have that knowledge, you now have a map, so to speak. And having a map may give you the edge you need to keep going on your journey.
I created some goal setting forms to help others create self-awareness and a strong personal vision. These forms have helped me immensely in my lifetime.
You’re welcome to them. Download HERE
If you’re a member of noBs photosuccess you can also watch/download the video replay HERE.
Either way, download and print out the PDF forms and sit down for 20 minutes.
This is some of THE MOST IMPORTANT work you can ever do in your life.
I guarantee it!
The choice is yours.
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”
Does your photo booth display look more like a yard sale rather than a professional showing? 25 essential tips for bridal show success
Two years ago in the noBs forum, Marian, our resident “Howard Cosell” replied to a wedding display booth post and started a meandering, info rich thread based on his observations, critiques and rants on photo displays at wedding shows. Good stuff.
Marian attended many wedding shows since then, and has posted many, many on going samples, ideas, strategies, tips, what to do, what NOT to do…..
1. Tables- Are yours “bare” or skirted already? Some places don’t provide skirts. It looks “cheesy” if the table is not skirted. Bring something or call ahead of time.
2. Do you have separators between you and the next vendor? I have seen photographers put up extra walls, so it’s more of an an enclosed area, for their own booth.
3. Can you swap tables if you find that you are next to another photographer? You will find it hard to “compete” with 2 side by side photographers. People will think you are all one company and you will be passed by.
4. If your table can be “pulled in,” this will create an area that customers can “walk into” and you can devote your attention.
5. Electricity- If you need it for your table for anything, is it included? Yes, we have been “whacked” with $100 fees right on convention floors, if you want power! Attendants with IPads walk around and check to see if you have power and/or “stealing” from someone else. (YES!) At the same time, if the hall is smaller, check to see if your table has a WORKING outlet near you. Worst case scenario, bring an extension cord with a strip outlet. It has saved us many times!
6. Your display- Show products that you produced and can sell! If a couple wants to see a parent’s album, have one there so they can look at. People who browse albums with liquids in their hand need to politely told to be very careful. We have had people spill things on the table. Bring paper towels, rags, etc. Obviosuly, tuck these things under the table.
7. Your give away material. – Price lists, flyers, etc. Do your homework and produce something that easy to read just for the tradeshow. There is NO time for them to be reading an extensive price list/flyer, etc. It confuses them and you want to (important here) make eye contact and speak with them briefly. Let them take additional material and place it in their bags or a member of their “posse.”
8. Talk to the people who are PAYING FOR THE WEDDING. – If a bride & groom are there and parents are there, quickly (jokingly) include the folks in your 2-3 min “sales pitch.” Mom and Dad are paying, so make sure they hear the information.
9. Depending on traffic flow, don’t waste a lot of time on a couple that you feel you will “lose.” Ask quickly, where/when is the wedding. If it’s a “losing” situation for you then abandon the conversation. There will be others walking by also.
10. Your enemy is your friend. (The competition will be there!) So when you set up in a hall, get there early to set up and walk around see what are photographers are there. You could strike up a conversation, you could possibly get a price list, you could possibly get work from them down the road. Extend your hand and meet people!
11. Questions- You will be asked these…
a. What is the coverage? 6-7-xx hours?
b. What about a 2nd photographer?
c. Do I get all the digital files?
d. Are they watermarked?
12. Freebies- Does the bridal show give away prizes? They have raffles at the end for services that the vendors provide. In another words, someone wins a free engagement session from Ben’s Photography. The bride will go to your booth for the specifics. Do your homework on where/when and how much this will cost you personally for the session, to get them to book you. Keep in mind that other vendors will do this also.
13. Table placement – (I just remembered this.) Try NOT to be next to someone (bakery) that gives away free samples. Girls will plug the walking aisle while they are sampling and will walk past your booth while eating.
14. Breath! – Yours and the customers. (I’m not joking here.) So help me,I have almost been bowled over by some people. So, bring some breath mints, breath drops for yourself as you talk to clients. We often put out a small bowl of those chewable sugar candies. Girls (like bees) have walked straight into our booth first for the candy and then we start talking to them.
15. Gather names somehow! Some bridal shows automatically give the names of all the participants who show up. If yours doesn’t, put some index cards out and offer someone a free “whatever” that you will choose after the wedding day. Make sure you get their EMAIL ADDRESS. You could send flyers, specials to them later…
16. Sample images– Can you put up a small computer screen/LCD panel with a USB Stick to show a slide show? During some shows I have purposely advanced the pictures to show pictures of black weddings, oriental weddings, etc as the individuals approached. Why? Because they take an interest in you, knowing that you have done these weddings.
17. DON’T sit down at all! You may have chairs, but suck it up. It may be tiring on your feet but be active with people as they walk by. “Engage” these brides by giving them a compliment on their hair, clothing, virtually anyhting that they can smile and head over your way.
18. Have pens in your pocket to write with. Some bridal shows want you to to initial a form that the bride gives to you. That way, the vendor knows that she has stopped at each booth.
19. Your booth setup. Are you bringing large prints, 16×20 and above ? Where do you hang or place these? We have used lights stand with a horizontal bar (Covered with a large white or black background) to hold the prints up. Make sure they are at just above your head, when when someone is speaking with you, so they can SEE your work. If they are lower, then you are physically obstructing, your own images. SHOW your work!
20. Thought process– What is it that YOU do better than your competition? (The competition WILL be there!) You have to relay this to the bride somehow. Your objective is (no more than 5 minutes per prospective bride) to get her to come back to your studio, for a full presentation.
a. Is your personality?
b. Your artistic talents? (better have samples of it)
c. Why should someone hire YOU, instead of the photographer who has a booth, the next row over?
21. Dress for the occasion. I have seen guys in sloppy clothes, jeans, etc. The old role of “first impression” makes a lasting impression, still hold true.
22. When dealing with parents, be courteous and give them their respect! A polite No sir or yes maam, goes a long way. If you want their money, then “pull out all the stops!”
23. Consider a bridal show like being on stage. If you are shy and not confident with people, you will lose clients. Be friendly, be assertive and have a postive attitude. Have fun too!
24. This is “Marketing 101” at its’ best. Do it, have fun and learn from it.
25. Your images! Show color, black and white, sepia tone, if you can. Bottom line, a variety of images goes very well.
Thanks Marian….some great tips and useful information here. If you’re a member, GO HERE and check out the entire thread. It’s massive.
Rob
Rise and become the dominant star in your industry…
Yesterday I attended a webinar with Sandy Puc. It was on publicity and gaining market dominance.
Something like that.
And Sandy did not let us down. One thing I always loved about her is her value for the marketing game. She’s one of the few, and one of the only few in my oh so humble opinion that really gets it.
And she plays the game like a star. And shares so many valuable strategies.
If you’re not thinking and acting like the dominant star of your industry,
your performance will never rise to match that expectation.
If you do not have goals, a vision and the DESIRE to truly rise above and beyond the norm, there is a very high likely hood that you won’t.
Your photography skills, your success in your photography marketing and ultimately your overall financial and prosperity are, for the most part, dependent on your ability to THINK and on how you ACT.
This is NOT an ego trip. It’s much more. No matter what level you shoot at, high end, low volume…high volume, mass produced…or somewhere in between. It’s best to stand out and simply be the best in YOUR category. Or shoot for dominance.
Too many photographers get distracted do achieve success for the wrong reasons. And they stay stuck in those reasons. The key is to keep growing, keep thinking, keep expanding and challenging yourself.
NO matter your age or station in your photographic adventure.
History is littered with has-beens and almost made-its.
If you’re not convinced that you can achieve massive dreams, your behavior will never be sufficient to get giant goals done.
It’s that simple really. And it all starts with YOU.
I somehow always knew and understood this at some level. If even in a vague subconscious way.
(must have been all those self-help business books I read over the years…)
Yet, we have to dream the impossible. Or else the impossible will never, ever become possible.
If you’re not thinking like someone who’s the rockstar in his or her field, financially free, healthy as an athlete and happier than you could ever imagine, then there’s no way you’ll get there.
Why? Because your outcomes always reflect your self-identity.
Your psychology.
It’s called: “the power of your self-fulfilling prophecy”.
Bottom line: your psychology and expectations for your performance determine your results.
You absolutely have to learn to think like the very best do to experience the rewards and lifestyle that the VERY best have.
Most photographers won’t do this. Most people in any business won’t do this.
We get trapped in whatever success we may already have.
(I call this the golden handcuffs syndrome)
Or we simply don’t feel we can do it. We stay Stuck.
Want to get “unstuck”? JOIN ME HERE
Whatever the reasons are, it doesn’t MATTER.
The only thing that does matter are your thoughts and your actions
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”
“No one’s breaking their neck on my watch…”
It would have been awful. A wedding day gone horribly wrong. The ultimate in wedding day disasters.
Here’s what happened. We were shooting the formals after the ceremony. The 88 year old grandma took one step backwards, then lost her balance.
She started an uncontrollable slow jog backwards. Towards the edge of the lawn in the front of the lodge where we were shooting the family portraits.
She would have gone over a ten foot drop. Seriously bad.
After she took three steps however, her 52 year old son, father of the groom, smoothly stepped in and caught her.
Close. Very, very close. Think about it. What could have happened.
Had he been a few feet too far?
Can you see it? The tears, the pain, the catastrophic wait for the ambulance to show, way out in the middle of nowhere.
Some people wonder why I stress over details when shooting weddings. I do. This scenario from a few days ago haunts me, and will for months.
I’ll rack it up to experience. Learn from it: “If I am photographing grandmas in dress shoes, on a slight sloping lawn and a dangerous drop nearby, I will pre-empt the situation.
No one’s breaking their neck on my watch.
I like weddings. I don’t like disasters at them however. Especially not this kind.
I teach, preach, nag and cajole on what it takes to be a true professional when shooting weddings.
A few years ago I gave a full day presentation on how I shoot weddings. It was very detailed. And I recorded the entire gig.
I also ran a four part series with Vanessa Joy on “The Business of Wedding Photography.”
Let’s not forget notables like Sam Sciarinno, Jaco Fourie, Genevive Trudel and one of the most popular presentations by yours truly, The Five Essential Poses.
All this and more in the forum.
I know, I know. Some things happen, and you’re wondering what this has to do with being a professional.
It has EVERYTHING to do with being a professional. It not only is about lighting, posing, capturing moments and all that.
It’s your attention to details, situations and the ability to avert disaster.
Be a pro.
Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher