I am often asked for advice when it comes to beginning a career as wedding photographer. However, being a wedding photographer is full of so many dynamics – lens preference, editing style, gear and location to name a few. But one thing that is universal across the board is this. Customer service. It’s something you can start working on today to strengthen your client relationships and serve them well. To help you out, I’ve created this list of five ways to go above and beyond for your clients. Check it out!

1. Respond Quickly

These days, brides and grooms are balancing more than ever! Receiving a quick and friendly response lets them know that you value their time! I make it a point to respond to every email within 48 hours – 24 hours if possible!

2. Have a Plan B.. and C

No matter how hard we might try to make a timeline and stick to it on wedding days, things are bound to get a little squirrelly at some point. I’ve run into surprise rain showers, parades, a blockade for the President, festivals – you name it! All of these things have potential to ruin our portrait plans. So I always have a couple of backup plans in my back pocket. Make a list of alternate portrait locations and discuss it in advance with your couple.  That way on the day of the wedding, you won’t be put in a jam! Just note that in some cases you might even call in advance to make sure that you are able to use that location.

Bonus Tip: Do a quick google search for activities in the area where you will be before the big day! Most cities have a website dedicated to events.

3. Gather as Much Information as Possible Before the Wedding

Prior to the wedding day, I send out a questionnaire that covers all kinds of wedding details – especially family dynamics! Knowing if there are any divorces in the family or family members with mobility issues allows to me plan ahead when creating my list for family portraits. I also like to gather the information for the other vendors that will be present on the wedding day so that we can work together to provide an amazing experience for our couple! I use Honeybook to send the questionnaires to my clients and I cannot recommend it enough! Honeybook changed the game for my business and I am such a fan! Click here to get 50% off of your first year with Honeybook!

4. Come Prepared

Wedding days are hectic and so many unexpected things happen behind the scenes! Because of this, I carry an emergency bag with me full of all kinds of helpful items for my couples. Here are some of the things I have on hand at almost every wedding:

• Safety Pins (These are used at almost every wedding)
• Extra Boutonnière Pins
• Tape (All kinds)
• Sewing Kit
• Clear Umbrellas
• Clear Shower Curtain (Tuck it under the bride if it’s muddy)
• Zip Ties
• Wipes
• Tide to Go Pen
• Extra Bobby Pins
• Tissues
• Fashion Tape
• Granola Bars
• Ginger Chews
• Pretty Hanger

5. Love them Like Family

This is my biggest and best tip of all.

Love. Your. People.

I adore each of my clients past and present and genuinely want them to have the wedding of their dreams. Sometimes it means stepping outside of the traditional role of wedding photographer. Have I driven a dog around on a wedding day because he wasn’t allowed in the limo but the bride and groom wanted photos with him? Yes. (And I loved every second of it for the record) Have I danced with grandma at a reception because she really wanted someone to do the twist and shout with her? Oh yes! Part of serving your clients well is also serving their friends and family well! This will help everyone feel relaxed and comfortable with you, and it will show in the wedding photos!

 Click here for more tips on becoming a wedding photographer!