Candid chat about ethics in the photography industry and our personal pet peeves (juicy gossip!!!)
What to expect on this episode of the Hey, Thriver Podcast:
Candid chat about ethics in the photography industry and our personal pet peeves (juicy gossip!!!)
In this episode of the Hey, Thriver podcast, Devin + Shay chat about:
Upselling Ethically
Misrepresenting Style and Personality
Consistent Communication and Personality
Gear Choices and Professionalism
And moreeee!
Upselling Ethically:
Shay and Devin dove into the ethical realm of upselling within the wedding industry, shedding light on the importance of offering clients only what they genuinely need. They stressed that while upselling isn’t wrong — in fact, they love a good upsell — it becomes an ethical concern when it's driven solely by the desire for increased profits rather than serving the client's best interests. They advocated for a client-focused approach, where upselling aligns with fulfilling the client's vision and needs, rather than being pushed for monetary gain. Shay and Devin highlighted that ethical upselling isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about enhancing the client’s experience and ensuring that the added services or products genuinely contribute to making their day extraordinary.
Misrepresenting Style and Personality:
Shay and Devin stressed the significance of clarity when it comes to showcasing your shooting style in your brand materials. They highlighted the pitfalls of misrepresenting one's shooting style, cautioning against labeling oneself as 'documentary-style' while favoring static posing. They emphasized the need for honesty in communicating shooting approaches to clients, ensuring alignment between what's promised and what's delivered. Being transparent about shooting styles in brand materials not only sets realistic expectations but also builds trust with clients. Shay and Devin advocated for vendors to authentically represent their shooting style, as this transparency forms the basis for a fruitful and satisfying client-vendor relationship.
Consistent Communication and Personality:
Shay and Devin really hammered home the idea that your marketing should be all about being you. They stressed how crucial it is to stay true to yourself in how you present your brand. It’s not just about having a cool logo or catchy tagline—it’s about being genuine. They talked about how misrepresenting yourself in your marketing can totally throw off your clients. Imagine meeting someone who's totally different from their online profile—that's how clients might feel if your marketing doesn’t match who you really are. So, they urged vendors to be real in their branding and messaging. Being authentic builds trust, and that trust? That’s what makes the whole wedding journey smoother and more meaningful for everyone involved.
Gear Choices and Professionalism:
Selecting the right gear isn't merely about personal preferences; it's a strategic choice that impacts the entire photo/video team's efficiency and the client's comfort. Shay and Devin underscored the importance of gear selection that ensures optimal performance without invading the client's personal space. They advocated for equipment that strikes a balance between delivering high-quality results and maintaining a respectful distance, allowing the client to enjoy their special day without feeling overwhelmed by the constant presence of cameras. A thoughtful gear choice enables the team to capture stunning moments seamlessly while preserving the intimacy and authenticity of the event.
Ethical Photo/Video Industry Practices and Client Experience
The impact of unethical practices reaches beyond the overall client experience and goes into your relationship with other vendors. Bby, basically…you’re never going to get very far in the industry by engaging in asshole behavior.
COME HANG OUT ON FACEBOOK
We’re super big on the importance of ethical practices in the wedding industry and we want to encourage discussions within the community for better standards!! Come join us on Facebook to chat allll about your perspective on the points we brought up and don’t be shy about making a post about your own — andddd don’t be shy about DMing us on Instagram too.