If you’re a black wedding photographer looking to get the word out about your wedding photography services, the job of marketing yourself can seem daunting. Wedding photography is a highly competitive field. With so many talented photographers out there, it's important to make sure you stand out.
Here are some tips to help you make a lasting impression and establish yourself as a leading wedding photographer.
1. Take High-Quality Photos
Your most important asset as a wedding photographer is your portfolio, so be sure to display only your best work. To take beautiful wedding photos, start by familiarizing yourself with professional-grade photography equipment, such as lenses, natural and artificial lighting techniques, and editing software.
PORTFOLIO-BUILDING QUICK TIP:
Aim for recognizable consistency in your pictures. This helps potential clients identify your style and quality. For couple's photos, learn and master 8 simple, yet beautiful go-to poses that best reflect your style and present your couple in their best light. Perfect these poses and then build on them once you've perfected your workflow.
The main goal for building a high-quality portfolio is to aim for clarity and crispness in each image, and more importantly, don’t forget the moments that are genuine and authentic. Instead of contrived shots, try to capture meaningful moments that tell the story of the couple’s wedding day.
2. Stay up to Date on Trends
In order to stay relevant in the wedding photography world, it’s important to take note of the latest trends that couples might want to capture in their photos. For example, many couples are looking for photography that centers on the couples’ individual personalities, as well as more posed, naturally lit shots surrounding wedding theme elements like the couple walking down the aisle together or the cake cutting. Many couples are opting for First-looks, so display these types of images in your portfolio.
FOR SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING, Keep an eye on popular wedding photography hashtags and websites to stay in the loop.
POPULAR WEDDING HASHTAGS:
#weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddingphotos #weddingphoto #couplesportraits #weddingcouple #bride #groom #brideandgroom #bridalparty #bridesmaids #groomsmen #girltribe #tribe
Always use “your couple's official hashtag” if they have one.
OTHER HASHTAGS TO CONSIDER
Vendor hashtags: using hashtags from vendors can help you connect with them and often, they’ll share your work too! Great for passive networking and increased visibility.
Wedding details: These are great for attracting potential brides, as they’re often searching these hashtags. #weddingcake #weddingdress #weddingshoes
Wedding inspirations: #weddingideas #weddinginspo #receptionideas
Descriptive hashtags: #beautiful #love #stunning #gorgeous
Location hashtags: Don’t forget to tag your locations! Wedding venues and your city, state, and other surrounding locations should be included!
3. Utilize Social Media for Black Wedding photographers
When it comes to marketing your services, social media is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Create business profiles on the main social media networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn), as well as more selective niche sites. Display the best of the best images from your wedding portfolio, and be sure to tag the newlyweds, venues, florists, and other wedding elements in those photos as well. Post consistent and engaging content and be sure to connect with popular vendors, wedding planners, and others working in your field.
Write a variety of informative and entertaining blog posts on each platform discussing weddings you've photographed, venues you've visited, and the vendors you've worked with. Be sure to tag each and also link your services and contact information in each post as well. you will establish yourself as an authority in your community and help build networking opportunities.
To learn more about Social Media Marketing for Wedding Photographers, CLICK HERE!
One popular way to harvest this information is to deliver a questionnaire to your couple asking for all the vendors and venues included in the wedding day. This helps build and grow your network and to show potential clients your familiarity with working with each vendor and venue.
Ask for the following social media information from your clients or directly from the vendors themselves:
Venues for Getting ready, Ceremony and Reception
Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
Caterers, DJ, Band, Florists, and other food and entertainment vendors
Dress Brand, Shoes, Suits and other apparel designers.
Wedding planner/coordinator(s) and other photographers/videographers
4. Focus on Word of Mouth
At the end of the day, you know that good word of mouth travels fast in the wedding photography world. Take the time to follow up with all your previous couples and ask them to fill out a review of their experience with you. Wedding Wire and The Knot are two great websites where you can get potential customers to read your reviews and see the professional credentials you possess.
5. Don’t be Afraid to Devote Time to your Relationship with Your Clients
As a wedding photographer, it’s important to create relationships with your clients–not just as potential customers, but as future fans and referrals. Take the time to do consultations, shoot engagement pictures, and attend wedding planning meetings. Attending or speaking at events related to the wedding industry can be a great way to create lasting relationships and gain more visibility.
By following these tips, marketing yourself should become much less of a challenge. As a wedding photographer, you’re uniquely qualified to capture special moments that couples will cherish forever. Be sure to showcase your best work, stay up to date on industry trends, and never forget to take the time to create meaningful relationships with your clients. And, of course, never forget to flaunt your creativity – you never know who’s in your corner and willing to be an advocate for your skills.