What if I told you the first thing most brides & couples ask me right from the start is "How much do you charge?"
Does that sound about right? What if I also told you, it isn't the most important question from a bride or couples. Would you believe me? Let's keep reading (while enjoying this couples Engagement photos).
I do believe "How much do you charge" is the first thing asked because Newly Engaged couples are just starting to plan and often can get overwhelmed with the amount of information and services available for weddings. That is where I can help, ready to capture their wedding day.
It's fair for brides to not know what else to ask, so the importance of their wallet comes out first.
But...What do brides and couples want MOST from their photographers?
Is it how many weddings I have photographed?
Is it the amount of products each couple gets included in their wedding package?
Is it based on if I provide a limited number of images or the USB with unlimited amounts of photos?
What about my website, do I have the BEST photos?
Maybe, it's what's in my camera bag.
I think all of these are very important to talk about of course, but I think what's most important is my emotional contribution to their wedding day.
You'll notice when we meet, the fist thing I ask you will not be about your wallet, it will be somewhere along the lines of "Hi, I'm Nicole! What are your names? When is the big day? What are you most excited about? Have you thought about what photography you want included on your wedding day, if not, I would love to talk with you and get to know you a little to make sure we are a great fit to work together". I want you to be happy, like I will be when I show up cameras in hand as I stand at your side throughout your wedding day.
I believe what every bride wants most is to hear from me, a hired professional photographer, is that I am just emotionally invested in her wedding day as she is. I think if she hears that from me FIRST, that the other important questions will be answered as we get to know each other and knowing how invested I am will help her feel secure in her decision to hire a photographer like me.
I met Shelby's mom before Shelby even knew she was getting Engaged. Lucas had big plans for her!
In fact, after Shelby's mom and I talked a little about her and her soon-to-be fiancé, I was so high up on the call list she called me the day after he proposed! Already, I felt like friends of this growing family.
I soon met Shelby, her mom, and her grandma at their house. Everyone sat around in the kitchen talking about wedding plans and when they would get married and all the fun and excitement. I saw her ring, her smile, her families adoration for the newly engaged couple. It was fun.
I didn't get to meet Lucas just yet because he was at work - "He is always working" they told me.
When I heard how Lucas has been farming on his own, successfully, since he was 16 and having them invite me to where he farms for an Engagement session, I thought wow, these two are still young and just so ambitious, AWESOME!
Lucas proposed on the foundation of the home the he and Shelby are building together - Shelby's sister shared the proposal video with me, and yes, I just wanted to cry! It was so romantic!
It is exciting to have this family share in their joyful year of Engagement and tag along with my camera for all the important moments that will be happening. That is priceless to me!
Your photographer,
Nicole