Bridal Shows. If you are a bride reading this, you’re probably intrigued. Free cake, lots of vendors in one place, deals and discounts. All good, right?
If you’re a photographer, you’re probably thinking, “yuck! I’m way too cool for bridal shows.”
I used to be one of those photographers. I thought that everyone who went to a bridal show was only looking for the free cake and deals/discounts. Right? WRONG. Last year, I decided to move my business from Boston to the DC metro area. Whereas in Boston you couldn’t swing a bouquet without a bride knowing who I was, I had absolutely zero word of mouth in DC. No one knew I even existed. So I thought about it and I weighed my options. I could wallow in pity, crying about the fact that I had no business OR I could get out there and meet brides face to face.
I did my first bridal show last April and was pleasantly surprised by the brides stopping by my booth. They were actually interested in my work! They didn’t care that I wasn’t handing out coupons or that I didn’t have a giveaway. The first words out of their mouths weren’t “how much do you charge?” They really wanted to talk to me and find out what I could bring to the most special day of their entire lives. As a bonus, I got to showcase my personality as much as I did my photography, which as I’ll always say time and time again is JUST AS IMPORTANT as how spectacular your photographs are. If the couple isn’t comfortable around their photographer, it’s going to show in the photos.
The reason I’m sharing this is because all too often I hear photographers snub bridal shows. I’ve even heard photographers berate one another for participating in them. It’s ridiculous and I wanted to share my experience with shows to give another perspective out there to photographers considering it. Bridal shows CAN work for you if approach them with the right attitude. Yes, you will encounter the uber budget bride who is looking for the best deal, but you’ll also talk to many brides who have made photography their number one wedding priority (and budgetary expensive after the venue and food/drink). They are genuinely interested in finding the right photographer for their day.
p.s. Some of my favorite clients found me at a bridal show…
Here’s my 2010 booth display from Sunday’s Washington Bridal show – a very special thanks to my sister who is amazing and spent her Sunday morning helping me set up. And of course, THANK YOU TO ALL THE BRIDES WHO STOPPED BY TO SAY HELLO! I enjoyed meeting and chatting with each and every one of you. I have about 5 spots left in my 2010 wedding season so if you are interested, email me now to schedule a consult.
In a few weeks, I’m launching a brand new Boudoir brand for my company. I am SO excited about it and I did a mini debut at the bridal show. If you didn’t attend the show but are interested in learning more about boudoir, email me and I’ll send you a gift towards a boudoir package!!!
ooh lovely lovely!! so glad you posted!
Oh Michelle! This looks amazing! You guys did such a great job. I LOVE the boudoir book. It looks really good on the outside and I am intrigued to see what the inside looks like :) Your work is amazing and I am so glad you wrote this blog. Bowie and I are trying so hard to do a show in Atlanta towards the end of the season! So, I am totally going to see you at the end of April. I would love for you to be apart of the shoot, and hope so badly that you and everyone else will be there! As we get closer I am going to give exact dates, but it looks like Sunday April 25th we may be in your area! Talk to you soon.