Everyone is a potential client

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This entire issue could be just the title, but I'll go a bit deeper because I like you.

When you shoot weddings, you're in front of a LOT of people. It's the role you take on. It might sound like you're behind the scenes because you're behind the camera, but the truth is, you're in front of everyone.

You cannot and should not underestimate the power of each and every person at your event.

Whether you know it or not, people watch you at the wedding. I might have mentioned this before, but it's worth mentioning again.

When you're moving and hunting for a great angle, you're in the zone. You're doing what you do best behind the camera. For many, watching this tactical and strategic execution is like watching an artist paint or a musician perform.

When people see you working with a joy for the art and a flair in the craft, it's attractive. People look for artisans like you - creating beautiful things for their clients. But that's just one part of it.

Unless you're a complete hermit behind the lens, you're in the middle of a fantastic party. Folks are eating good food, perhaps indulging in some spirits, and most everyone is happy (except those that used to date the bride or the groom).

This a great opportunity to be a photographer for those happy folks.

They're all dressed up, and you have a camera! You don't have to be a party-pic-pest - just meet and greet and share your gift with others.

I stopped counting the number of couples I've shot at someone else's wedding and ultimately ended up shooting their wedding.

This opportunity happens in almost any service-based business, but it's especially powerful with wedding photographers because you get to show off your skills and your personality and produce something for someone who is not your client…at least not yet.

It's important to have a process in place for the guests to see the photos you're taking.

I used to get business cards printed with a photo of the couple from their engagement session on one side and a direct link to see the photos with a thank you message on the other. It's comforting to see a few dozen or more guests PRE-registering to see the photos an hour after the wedding.

In business terms, this is a WARM LEAD. Don't be afraid to sell yourself. You won't be in business very long if you don't.

Again, it's important to handle this with both tact and class.

You're not selling your services at another client's wedding. You're there taking photos of people who were invited to this happy event and who are special to the couple. These photos belong to the bride and groom.

They will admire their wedding photos and see their friends and family members having fun at THEIR wedding for the rest of their lives. That's why you're there, after all.

Of course, one of the guests might be wearing their necktie on their head like a bandana. Some might have traded their four-inch heels for sneakers, but this is an amazing day, and you get to shoot everyone and everything.

When you present the photos to the couple, they can now share them with everyone. This makes them look good because they are sharing something they invested in with everyone else. And who shot these photo treasures? You, of course! If you're keeping score at home, that's called a win-win.

So, if you look at it that way, it's your DUTY to take photos of everyone at the wedding.

Don't be shy! Hop in the middle of the dance floor, shake it up a bit and take some great photos. Then hop out, make your way around the room and get the non-dancers smiling and laughing and indulging in a second piece of cake. It's a party, and you've been invited…with your camera.

A couple of quick notes and these are more logistical things.

• Shoot the smaller kids early in case they have a bedtime.

• Shoot the couples right before or right after dinner if you can, especially the bridal party. Once the music gets pumpin' and the crowd gets jumpin', they won't look as attractive when they're hot and sweaty.

• Don't forget about the more mature members of the party. No one has enough photos of Grandma or Grandpa. Plus, they get married too (or get married again), and they have kids who might be getting married or have friends with kids (Referrals abound at every wedding!)

• As you're "working the room," always keep an eye on the couple. They are the center of your attention on this day, and everyone they meet (especially grandparents) is a great opportunity for an unforgettable moment.

I honestly think taking photos at a wedding reception is the most enjoyable part of the day. You get to bounce around and snap photos that will make people smile for generations.

Everyone remembers a wedding day, but your photos bring back those crazy, emotional, hilarious and genuinely priceless snippets of the day. And EACH ONE is a referral piece with your name on it that says, "I'm capable, I'm confident, I'm creative and I care about this moment."

Didn't think your photos were important? Think again.

The WHY of being a wedding photographer is one small part of the “inner game of wedding photography. THIS is what I write about each week in this newsletter. If you want to be notified each Sunday morning when the new issue is posted, pop your email in and subscribe for free.

If you're interested in becoming a wedding photographer but don't know where to start, I can help.

Shoot me an email at [email protected]