The spread of coronavirus is completely disrupting the wedding & photography industries. As photographers, we have to balance adjusting to this new normal with trying to stay afloat. Here are a few ways you can act as a resource for your clients during this time:
Be flexible when rebooking clients.
This is truly an unprecedented time. Because of all the wedding postponements, you may have to juggle back-to-back weddings to accommodate your 2020 brides. If you can afford to, try not to charge for any rescheduled dates and don’t charge your 2020 brides your 2021 prices.
Be transparent with your availability.
You’re probably corresponding with a lot of people right now. Make the rescheduling process a bit easier for everyone by creating a public Google calendar with your availability.
Stay calm for your panicked 2020 bride.
It’s safe to say that those planning a 2020 wedding are feeling overwhelmed. For your 2020 brides, serve as a resource on what to do first. We recommend telling all brides to reach out to their venue first about new dates, getting 3-5 potential new dates, then reaching out to all other vendors with those dates.
Also, if your client is postponing their spring wedding until fall or winter, remind them about changes of the seasons. For example, a different sunset time can adjust the overall wedding timeline (i.e. ceremony time, when you do the first look, bridesmaid & family photos, et cetera).
And, check in with your 2021 brides!
Double check and confirm everything with your 2021 brides. Also, you may want to gently push them to book their other vendors – no matter how far in advance it is – as we’re likely to see a very competitive wedding season in 2021!
Present alternatives for clients who have to cancel.
You may have some clients who – for whatever reason – need to cancel. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost the customer! Offer to do a session with them after “normal life” resumes again, like an anniversary session.
Take care of your newborn session clients.
Unfortunately, there’s going to be a lot of new moms out there without any pictures of their perfect little one. Offer to do a FaceTime session with tips on how to get great snaps themselves – then, edit them for a fee.
Share your expertise.
Since a lot of people (kids included!) are stuck inside, everyone is looking for different activities to spice up their days. Create and teach a Zoom class with something you’re an expert in, like photography, or maybe floral arranging or hand lettering!
Together, we’ll get through this. Looking for ways to bolster your business in the midst of postponed shoots? Check out our tips.
