vision & values
our mission:
Our Niche:
to celebrate marriage & relationships.
chic, fun wedding photography that lives in the moment with you.
our values
what it means
We care deeply about each and every client and always give our 100% best effort. Even when the situation (or people) are difficult, we always have an attitude that says “I want to give this client my very best work.” We are excited and passionate about the work we are doing and the people we are serving - never lacking in joyfulness or a positive attitude.
what it looks like
IN YOUR CLIENT WORK & WEDDING PREP:
- Researching the venue thoroughly. Looking up what other photographers have done there, searching Instagram for other vendors who have posted at that venue to get ideas and inspiration, using Google Street View and Sun Earth Tools to consider where the sun will be, making a plan for where would be the prettiest spots to shoot, being aware of any potential difficulties or distracting backgrounds, and generally getting excited and dreaming of creating specific photos at that location.
- Planning to try something new. Searching on Instagram and Pinterest to get new ideas for specific shots (like a new way to style a flatlay or photograph shoes), looking at your past work and thinking about what you want to do differently at the next wedding, making a note or taking a screenshot of a new idea on your phone so you don't forget, considering what type of new ideas match the style of the couple & wedding.
- Choosing unique styling materials and styling boards according to the couple's style and bringing these on the wedding day.
- Arriving 30-60 minutes early to walk around the venue's property, make a clear plan for where you want to shoot to get the most beautiful photos possible that reflect the unique beauty and character of that venue.
IN YOUR ART:
- Having excitement to simply create photos and finding opportunities to practice and have fun with your camera outside of work.
- Regularly browsing other photographers' work (or the instagram feeds of planners & photographers you admire), considering "I wonder how they created that image" and figuring out how to try it out/replicate the look in your own work. For example, if you see a flatlay photo that used speckles of direct sunlight that you think is beautiful, considering exactly how and where you'd need to set up your own board to achieve the look and practicing this before a wedding day.
- Taking time to retouch images without being asked by client first, just because you know the final product will look better that way. For example, if there is a traffic cone in the background of several photos, retouching that out of each photo to give a better final product.
- Being proud/taking joy in the final styling of a Pic-time gallery. Being super-selective in the way you style the rows, re-arranging more than just the preview gallery. Double and triple checking how it looks on both mobile and desktop.
- Having humility and personal awareness that there are always ways to improve and try new things.
IN GENERAL: Developing a desire to always produce better and better work, truly enjoying the art of photography. Envisioning types of images and styles of shots in advance, and having foresight to prepare and plan so that you have every opportunity to create that image.
what it means
We always strive to be the kindest person in the room. Whether we’re working with clients, with vendors or even with fellow team members, the goal is always to outdo others with kindest. This includes being humble, offering to help, giving genuine compliments and making everyone feel welcomed and accepted. It also means completely avoiding gossip, eye-rolling, or shortness in interacting with others, even when other people are difficult. We give grace lavishly (to others and ourselves) and always assume the best of others.
what it looks like
what it means
WITH CLIENTS & THEIR GUESTS:
- Introducing yourself to the group at the beginning of the day (usually bride + friends/family) and saying you're so excited to be a part of their day and that you are here for them, to take whatever photos they'd like! Encourage them to pull you aside any time for a photo.
- Giving your full attention to a person when they pull you aside to ask a question or make a request and respond positively. If you can't fulfill the request in that moment, assure them that their request is important to you and that you'll do everything you can do make it happen!
- Following up with a person who has made a request later on in the day. For example, if the MOB wants a photo of her and her sisters, find her during the reception and remind her about the photo, saying you'd love to take that now!
- Remaining kind and smiling when a guest gets in your way or creates difficulty. Being polite and apologetic when requesting that they change what they are doing. For example, when a family member is standing right where you need to be when taking family photos, saying, "I am SO sorry, would you mind stepping just over here? I need a little more room to take this family photo and I don't want to accidentally run into you! Thank you SO so much, I really appreciate it!"
- Not making the bride and groom feel rushed if they are running late. Encouraging them to relax and enjoy themselves, and that you've built in a little buffer time for this reason.
WITH VENDORS:
- Actively seeking ways to be helpful to other vendors, especially when there is down time. For example, if a planner is trying to carry a bunch of things quickly, offering to carry one of the items for her as you are transitioning from one spot to another (when you're able).
- Keeping a smile and being patient and friendly to vendors when they are being difficult. For example, if a planner is being rude and pushy about something, staying friendly, smiling, and reassuring her that that thing is also important to you, and you're grateful for her oversight and help!
- Noticing what a vendor does really well and complimenting them on that.
- Making a planner look good in front of her clients by complimenting, supporting, and being a team player. For example, if a planner suggests a photo in front of a couple (even if you don't love the idea), saying "what a great idea!" and then making the photo happen, even if it's a quick shot or you have to do something slightly different to make it a great shot.
- Avoiding and/or not engaging in negative conversation about other vendors, while also having enough tact to not make that vendor feel embarrassed or awkward about being gossip-y.
WITH TEAM MEMBERS:
- As a second photographer, being helpful, supportive and doing whatever it takes or is asked of you to get the job done. For example, if the primary's heavy bag has been left far from the photo site, proactively offering to go and get it for them.
- As a primary photographer, being patient and gentle with your second, even if she makes a mistake.
- Being direct but kind, rather than passive aggressive OR not asking for what you need, but then being resentful later. For example, if a second is shooting when you actually need them to just be assisting, kindly saying, "I actually need you to stop shooting and help me with ______." Saying it kindly and gently, and also not hesitating or being unclear.
- Being honest if a team member has frustrated or hurt you, and approaching them about it privately in a kind, loving manner that assumes the best. For example, if a team member says something that offends you during a team meeting or gathering, talking to them privately later on and saying, "When you said ____, it actually really hurt my feelings. I am sure you weren't meaning it that way, but I did want to tell you how it came off to me so you can know for the future that that kind of comment can be hurtful!" Offering forgiveness as a follow-up, when appropriate.
- If you've offended another team member (even when accidental), being fast to apologize genuinely. Also, being honest about your intentions.
IN GENERAL: Assuming the best, not the worst of people. Always giving the benefit of the doubt. Looking for what you could have done better first, before criticizing the other person.
Our goal is always to exceed our clients (and fellow vendors) expectations in every way. This includes the way we interact with others, our delivery and response times, our knowledge and preparedness, and, of course, the final product! With every single client, there should be at least one clear, tangible way that expectations were exceeded.
what it looks like
what it means
what it looks like
WITH CLIENTS:
- Responding to emails within 24 hours on Monday-Thursdays, and answering weekends that came in over the weekend on Monday morning.
- Sending out emails when they are due and anticipating their response so you can also respond back to them quickly.
- Taking lots of notes about the client(s) and recording all of those notes within their Honeybook project to keep them in one place.
- Preparing thoroughly for any calls or meetings by reviewing past notes about the couple, remembering details about who they are, and being able to ask about these things (or at least be aware, if they're brought up again) during conversations. For example, if the couple mentioned they were in the middle of a move when you first talked with them 6 months ago, asking how they are liking their new home to break the ice during the pre-wedding consult.
- Thinking of unique ways to delight your customer throughout the wedding planning process and sending a gift that is personal to them.
- Always, always, always delivering galleries well in advance of when we tell clients they'll recieve them.
- Including a blog post link with a thoughtful post.
- Offer new or unusual ways to delight clients when you see an opportunity. For example, if a couple is really nervous about the venue and where photos will be and also invites you to their venue walkthrough, then go to the walkthrough. Be generous with your excitement and suggestions when you're there, and prep in advance if needed.
WITH VENDORS:
- Offering to take photos of vendors at work on a wedding day, and then sending those photos to them quickly in a private gallery and thanking them for being amazing to work with.
- Sticking to the timeline on a wedding day without having to be told by a planner or other vendor that it's time to move on. Arriving extra early, when needed, in order to not run behind.
WITH TEAM/INTERNALLY:
- Proactively offering up ways that we could do something better and taking the initiative to do the research and present your findings/proposed solutions at a team meeting.
- Following through on assignments and projects ahead of schedule, without having to be reminded or asked if they've been completed. For example, if you're asked to make a template for everyone at a team meeting, completing that template, emailing to the person who assigned it to you before the next team meeting (with notes), and then adding it to the agenda during the team meeting so that the whole team can review and give feedback. Afterwards, making final updates and making sure the template is stored in the correct place where everyone can access it.
IN GENERAL: Thinking 20 steps ahead and being prepared so that you always have the opportunity to go above-and-beyond. Taking an attitude that always makes "personal" due dates ahead of actual due dates. Being organized and disciplined so that you can follow through on what has been asked of you (and then some!).
what it means
Whatever the task, client or responsibility, we take ownership over what we have been assigned. In any situation, we do our best to figure it out and learn. We fail fast and learn quickly, always being honest and owning up to mistakes. When given an assignment or client to manage, we take 100% ownership over it and understand that it is up to us to serve that client or complete that project to the very best of our abilities (with passion, at 100%!). We never take the "back seat" in our career, assuming someone else will get us where we want to go, but instead, forge our own way with the support of team leaders.
what it looks like
what it means
what it looks like
IN PHOTOGRAPHY WORK:
IN WEDDING INDUSTRY:
- Constantly examine your photography work, considering what you want to change or improve. Have an attitude of humility that says "I'm not perfect, how could I get better?" For example, look through the full Pic-time gallery of your most recent wedding and consider - Which photos are the best and why? What images are missing that would have made this truly unique?
- Take initiative in seeking out what exactly you need to improve or create the images you are dreaming of. Ask for help or for the opinion of another team member.
- Listening to constructive feedback and applying it immediately. If you're struggling to apply the feedback or do something correctly, quickly asking for help and taking the initiative to give your leader clear directions about what you think would help you.
IN WEDDING INDUSTRY:
- Taking genuine interest in trends, popular styles and big names in the wedding industry regularly in order to be able to participate and be "in the loop" when talking to other vendors and considering what kind of images you want to create.
- Taking initiative to build relationships and have real curiosity and interest in getting to know the people you work with on a wedding day. Making these moments and relationships your own. For example, remembering the face of a wedding planner you've seen before, quickly considering if you've worked together before (or how you know them), and taking the step to acknowledge you know them.
- Paying attention to what you may have in common with others and jumping on the opportunity to enjoy this commonality. For example, if a planner is talking.
- Being active on your social media platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes + every day life, and engaging with other vendors to build relationships and a following.
WHEN YOU MAKE A MISTAKE:
- Own your mistake. Fail fast and learn from it. Don't make the same mistake again. Ask lots of questions when you need to.
- Having humility to assume consequences for a mistake and then going above and beyond in every way to make it right, even when it's really inconvenient for you.
IN GENERAL: Be acutely aware of what's going on - with your work, in our wedding industry, in your clients' lives, and in the world. Don't take that backseat. Don't be caught unaware. Never assume someone else is going to do the work for you - growing in your career is up to you!
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2023 STRATEGIC VISION
(Stretch)
gross income goal
stretch goal
2023 weddings goal
$410,000
56
new bookings goal
74
gross income goal
$390,000
2022: $314,000
Increase: $76,000
2022: 63
Decrease: -7
2022: 48
Increase: 26
2022: $314,000
Increase: $96,000
big three
critical to our success
Increase total leads from 217 to 300 and consults from 109 to 150 by:
- Building 2 planner relationships per team member
- Building 2 venue relationships per team member
- Increasing client referrals to 50/year
- Increasing overall brand awareness & engagement
Increase conversion rate of pre-booking calls to 50% BY:
- Strengthening vendor & venue relationships
- improving pre-booking consult process
- improving each individual photographer's online presence and recognizability
enable team to manage client's projects from start to finish By:
- training each team member to edit and/or manage editing of their projects entirely
- Training and equipping team members to lead client management and photography advancement
