Steph & Tom's wedding

Another Saturday, another amazingly fun wedding.  My assistant Collette and I had an absolute blast capturing all the moments.  It was rainy and cold all week, but the sun decided to shine through and spread some warmth yesterday, thank the lord.  It was a great day, and a phenomenal wedding!

Kathleen & Connor

I had the pleasure of photographing Kathleen & Connor O'Donnell's wedding yesterday.  The whole thing was put together in just three week; yet everything came out wonderful.  It was one of those weddings when you forget you're actually working, instead of just hanging out- it was that much fun.  Here are some images from the event.

Congrats!

And have a great day,

Matt

Your Network

Something many of us photographers don't take advantage of enough is to have a network, or a group of photographer friends for when you need them.  Have you ever received a phone call or email about a date that you are unavailable?  Wouldn't it be nice to be able to send the referral to a friend?  This concept works both ways.  If you have a close-knit group of friends who can send us potential jobs, and vice versa- it's a win/win situation.  I have had numerous opportunities brought to me due to the fact that someone in my group was already booked.  Another example which I have experienced as well, is when you need a second shooter or assistant.   Some use a second shooter every wedding, some are always solo.  I try and have my assistant with my for every wedding, but when something comes up (sickness, emergency, or you just can't get anyone for that day), it's much easier (and less stressful) to give a friend a call, then to run in circles desperately searching for help.

    When it comes to getting a group together, try and keep it small- around 4 people- give or take.  If the group is too large it can become unmanageable and complete chaos.  Their needs to be trust; you don't want to send clients someone's way if they'll never give you anything in return.  I know some photographers who will have a contract, stating who pays whom what.  In my opinion that's up to you.  The most important aspect besides the trust, is to lay out a mutual agreement, on who gets which job.  You can try just going in rotation, or keeping track on who received what. 

    So what are you waiting for?  Do you have your network?

Get out and experiment...

...with your camera, that is.  As I was sitting around during this monsoon we're getting on the east coast, I was thinking how I haven't been shooting at leisure as much as I used to.  So I picked up my weather-sealed Nikon and went outside and played in the buckets of rain falling from the sky.  Although I didn't get anything exceptionally profound, I did remember that it's better to pick up and shoot crap, than to not shoot at all.

My little marketing tip

Marketing is crucial for any business, and you don't always need to fork over hundreds or thousands to promote your brand.  Forget SEO (search engine optimization) that these companies are repetitively ramming at you, or Google and Facebook ads.  As cliche as it sounds- the best marketing is word of mouth.  For every wedding or engagement shoot or portrait session you photograph, you are widening your audience to newer clients automatically.  The key part is leaving an impression.  If you go out there and are professional, yet easy to get along with, and have great work- you should be set.  You want your clients to rave about you.  If they truly love your work, they will tell their friends, and those friends become clients who will refer you to their friends. 

iPhone Sunday

Today's iPhone Sunday shot is in celebration of my good friend Beth's birthday.  Beth is the owner of B.Side Photography in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  She has a wonderful way to make vintage feel new, and new feel classic.  If you're in the Bucks County area and looking for an exceptional wedding or portrait photographer, definitely check her out.  Even if you're not, go over and "Like" her Facebook page, and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Website Preview

So like I promised. Here is a small, albeit light preview for the new MattGruberPhotography.com

Still a work in progress, but I'm definitely happy with how it's turning out.  I am using David Jay's Showit Fast Site and I'm pleased so far.  It's a great program tool for photographers looking for a clean, easy to use site builder with flash (if you choose).  The only downside that I have come across in the past is their support.  They off no phone support- only email or live chat (in which you need to be a subscriber to have access to).  All-in-all, I definitely recommend checking it out if you're looking for a new home for your business.

-Matt