Trust me, these boundaries can be tricky to navigate, both in our personal lives and our businesses, especially when starting out. It’s tempting to let them slide in the pursuit of success. But don’t worry bb, I’m here to share my three boundary secrets that will revolutionize your approach for your wedding photography business! Whether you’re just beginning your career or you’re already several years in, these are the boundaries you need to implement ASAP. Stick with me, because I guarantee you haven’t heard of these before – let’s dive in!
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I know it might sound cliché, but trust me, this is crucial! Even though we don’t operate as a brick-and-mortar business, setting specific working hours is essential. Of course, there will be exceptions now and then, but it’s important to strive for consistency. Incorporate your working hours into your contracts and use an email autoresponder to notify your clients that they’ll receive a response within 24 to 48 hours (my fav is 72 hours). Remember, there’s rarely an urgent matter that demands immediate attention! This approach frees you from being tethered to your inbox and allows you to focus on delivering exceptional work.
Here’s a personal favorite of mine — specify the best way to contact you in your contracts. We all have communication preferences, and it’s essential to align them with your business operations. For instance, I’m not a fan of texting (I know…) so within my contracts, I make it clear that all communication related to contracts, events, or any important details should be directed through email. This clarity ensures that clients understand the preferred mode of contact and helps you provide the best service possible. By setting this boundary, you can avoid the anxiety of managing multiple communication channels.
The art of discussing money… never the most comfortable topic, especially during a couple’s joyous wedding reception! That’s why it’s crucial to broach the subject of hourly coverage rates during your initial client consultation. By doing so, you eliminate the awkwardness of approaching clients mid-event to discuss extra charges. Instead, be proactive and ask whether they would like you to plan on staying if things go over the agreed time or if they prefer you to check in with them.
This open conversation allows both parties to make informed decisions and ensures a smoother flow on the wedding day. Whether they opt for additional coverage or decline due to budget constraints, having this boundary in place will save you from last-minute negotiations and keep everyone on the same page!
Don’t know where to start with this? No worries we got you! Grab our free 9-page wedding questionnaire to send to your couples – this questionnaire will help you gather essential information about the couple’s preferences, important moments, and cultural nuances, allowing you to tailor your photography approach to their unique vision AND set a clear communication between both parties!
Implementing them from the start, regardless of where you are in your career, will set you up for success. Remember, consistency in setting working hours, establishing preferred communication channels, and discussing hourly coverage rates in advance will enhance your professionalism, strengthen client relationships, and allow you to focus on capturing those precious moments. And..
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I’M EDEN - A DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TURNED BUSINESS COACH, NOW LEADING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS IN BUILDING A LIFE OF ARTISTIC GROWTH, WEALTH, AND FREEDOM.
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