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
The bride looks stunning!!! ❤
Thank you Minakshi. Isn’t she gorgeous? ❤
I found your blog on Daily Prompt and was intrigued because I used the same Coco Chanel quote for very different reasons…you have a beautiful blog and anyone who recognized the beauty of all women and their personal choices regardless of their effect on ‘business’ is classy and fabulous to me! regards, Cathy
Thank you Cathy ❤
And that is a very classy and fabulous response. This was both interesting and wonderful. And the bride is beautiful.
Well, Thank you! I feel humbled ❤
Wow, what a beautiful click ! It seems the bride will turn her head and blink at any moment – who needs colour if you can create a poetry like this in Black & White !
I take this opportunity to invite you to visit my blog at
http://idlesunday.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/approximate-life/ and leave your feedback there.
Thanks !
Yes even when you photograph at events you should really be careful of taking pictures. Even asking if you can take a picture of the them instead of just taking pictures. That is a lovely photo.
Only one word comes out whenever I see your talented work and that is Wow! I admire your respect confidentiality, respect and privacy of your clients at the seemingly cost of your own benefit. You will always have plenty of work based only on the word of mouth and your beautiful work. Keep up the great work!
Thank You Nasir bhai!
I can’t find the right words to express how much these words and your support mean to me. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
I absolutely love the photo. She looks gorgeous!
Thank You 🙂
Rima, such a wonderful click. The bride is stunning and looks even more beautiful with the way you have clicked her photo.
Thank you Norma. Your kind words mean a lot to me ❤
What a stunning photo and a lovely lady. Thanks to you and her for sharing such beauty.
Thank You 🙂