A prospective client called me to ask why she can’t find photos of any ‘actual brides’ on my blog and website?     

This wasn’t the first time someone asked me that question.    
Can you imagine marketing a product/service without showing it to people? I mean, seriously, think about it….”I can show you the sample albums and some real weddings but in person. Oh, and only to ladies” is my reply to pretty much all the inquiries. I do this for living. Gotta work it somehow….

First it was heart-wrenching to be unable to share my clients’ photos.  A very wise photographer once said “…..you gotta see the world through your clients’ eyes” and it all made sense to me. I mostly work in Dubai, UAE where 95% of my clients are Arabs. I respect their culture, privacy of their ladies, and take care of the confidentiality of each wedding and every album.

I am very well aware that as a photography business, sharing of the photos is key to bringing in more clients. So I ask permission from my wonderful brides if I can share their kosha (wedding stage), accessories, dress photos to showcase at least the style and quality of my work. Yes, the business growth might be slow but it is steady because I keep my promises. I only share photos that they allowed me to share….and you know what I have experienced in the past years: Happy Clients Bring in More Clients!

“A Girl Should be 2 Things: Classy & Fabulous!”
– Coco Chanel –

The above photo is of a stunning bride with a heart of gold. She’s from Pakistani origin but brought up in Britain, and got married in Dubai. She kindly allowed me to share her photos on my blog & Facebook. I was honored to document her colorful henna party, wedding day, and share the joyous moments with her wonderful family and can’t wait to share more photos from her wedding.

As far as business growth goes, I’m happy with what I offer my clients [even if it promising their confidentiality] and my heart feels fabulous & satisfied that I keep my promises. I’m marketing just fine and my wedding photography business is doing great [Alhamdullilah] even if the marketing tactics are completely opposite of what I learned in business school.

Sorry Professor So&So – People come first on my list. Money follows 🙂

Stay Classy & Fabulous,
– Rima