When I’m working with rochester ny wedding photographers, the first thing I inquire about is their shooting style. How do they approach subjects, anticipate shots, and maneuver while shooting? Most reply with a blank look, because it’s something we don’t really think about—we just do it. The wedding photojournalist’s subject matter is momentary and highly unpredictable, so it’s important to become aware of how you ready yourself for those decisive moments. In some regards, it’s like shooting clay pigeons; one must have quick reflexes and be prepared. I tell photographers to treat their cameras like video cameras, meaning that they should observe each scene without ever lowering the camera from their eye.

For example, I notice a lot of photographers lower their cameras when speaking with subjects or being spoken to by their subjects. This is a bad habit you must break. TALKING THROUGH IT I’m not sure what strange phenomenon takes place when I’m shooting, but I often find myself struggling to form recognizable words or any sense at all when I speak. I think it’s the arresting effect of having all of your faculties focused on what’s in the viewfinder. It has taken me many years to perfect the feat of being able to converse with subjects while shooting them—and unlike riding a bike, it requires practice, practice, practice. Personally, I like talking to my subjects and some of my best photographs have been taken during my discourse with clients. Subjects will resume a more natural demeanor when the camera comes away from your eye.

My strategy is to not give in, knowing that they will eventually retire their inhibitions, relax, and return to a more natural state in front of the camera. It reminds me of children who protest their parents by holding their breath. Eventually, they just have to give in, and they do—always!

Paul D. Van Hoy II (2011). Wedding Photojournalism: The Business of Aesthetics: A Guide for Professional Digital Photographers Amherst Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Offering blog previews and a quick turnaround time are perhaps two of my most effective marketing strategies. The majority of wedding photographers take anywhere from eight weeks to six months to deliver images to their clients. Not only does this fail to capitalize on the lingering elation of newlyweds, it creates a climate of discord. I can’t tell you how many times a member of the bridal party has made disparaging remarks to me about his or her own wedding photographer specifically for this reason.

Immediately following each wedding event (after I have downloaded all of my memory cards and backed up all my image files), I edit three to five photographs from my bride and groom’s day and upload these “sneak peeks” to my blog. Then, I send an e-mail containing the blog link to the couple and kindly thank them for sharing their special day with me. What this accomplishes is threefold: It alleviates any concern that I might have crashed my car or been abducted by aliens. Sending a few of my best captures reassures the couple that the beauty and emotion their day has been preserved.

It conveys to my clients that I am excited about their images. Aware that I have put in a full day documenting their wedding, couples are flattered and impressed by my continued commitment to providing them with peace of mind. It drives traffic to my web site. It’s not unusual for my site’s traffic to spike by 200–300 additional visitors on the Sunday following a wedding. In addition to sending out a mass e-mail, most brides are members of Facebook or other online communities where they will post your blog link to share with others.

Paul D. Van Hoy II (2011). Wedding Photojournalism: The Business of Aesthetics: A Guide for Professional Digital Photographers. Amherst Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.