One of the best parts of my job are the connections I get to make with so many people. Over the last few weeks I've been meeting with potential clients, listening to their stories and having a wonderful time getting to know everyone. There are some fabulous celebrations being planned - some small and intimate and lovely; some large and filled with friends and family ready to dance the night away.
Peter and I recently went to a talk given by Justin and Mary Marantz called Spread the Love. They're traveling the country for two months talking to photographers and people who are beginning new businesses, or who just want a jump start for themselves and the businesses they have already begun.
Justin and Mary spoke about Clients turned Friends. This has been a goal of mine for a while now. I want to really get to know my clients. I want to like them and I want to spend time with them. And, I hope, they feel the same about me.
My wish is for the photography to seamlessly fit into the wedding day. Even better if it's a part of the day that the bride and groom look forward to! Being truly comfortable with your photographer makes the experience that much more fun and special. Wedding days go by too quickly - so every moment counts.
In fact, every day goes by quickly - every moment counts. I want clients, no matter what kind of work I'm doing for them, to enjoy our time together - and the same for me. Connecting with people is what makes my life, my everyday, worthwhile.
Here is a letter I received recently from one of my Clients turned Friend. Before her wedding, Kelly Jo and I went out a few times to chat and share some wine. We really connected. After their wedding, KJ and Brian offered to take Peter and I out for dinner, to thank us for photographing their wedding (!), and in her words (thanks for permission, Kelly),
I want to thank you and Peter for both being so amazing and getting the pictures
that we wanted and endangering life and limb out on those rocks and being such
troopers with the chuckleheads* at our wedding!
*the chuckleheads were actually great sports as well, going out in the freezing ocean wind - but it was all worthwhile because the photographs turned out great!
Another message from Kelly Jo:
I just wanted to pass along again how fabulous your photos are --- we saw the
second installment on your blog/ facebook! I can't get over the water shots and the
vividness (is that a word?!) of all the colors and the way you captured our large group!
And love DJ Greg's plug too! And the shadows while we are dancing....ah, but my
favorites are the last two of just us. I can't thank you enough already for these amazing
moments captured so beautifully.
And we got your lovely thank you - totally unnecessary but so nice. And we are both so
glad to have made two wonderful new friends from this "business deal" as well!
Getting letters like these makes me feel wonderful, of course, but it also affirms my belief that this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Not only do I have the privileged opportunity to document peoples' lives and help them pass memories on to other generations, but I also have the opportunity to make connections, meet amazing people and create memories of my own.
I'm very much looking forward to the friendships to come.
