I was talking to a potential, out-of-town, client last week and she asked a really interesting question. "What about the details? Do you take pictures of the details?" Now, this question surprised me a bit. Not because the details aren't important, but because I thought that I did a decent job of showing details on my website. What is missing? After all, details are subjective since everyone has a different point of view when it comes to what little things are important to them.
So, as our conversation continued, she listed some of the details she was concerned about. Specifically, her maid of honor, the flower girls, her brother, etc. Now, I do understand the importance of those people and other details in every wedding. However, I also know that most people look at websites to overall photography and how the bride and groom are shown. But how do you show things like that on a website. Unless you were there, how do you identify anyone other than the bride and groom? (Okay, the flower girl and ring bearer are fairly easy to identify).
Now I have a quandary. What should I do to my website to better demonstrate what we do? Do I add a bunch of new pictures that show some of the smaller details from ceremonies, receptions and preparation? And, if I do add new pictures, what do people want to see? Well??? What is the answer?
The average person glances at a photographer's website to see something appealing to them. Once the see something of interest, the take more time to look around. If I show too many detail shots, some people may wonder if I spend all of my time looking for little things instead of catching the important moments of the bride and groom. We already know what some folk may think if I leave it as is.
The problem is that details are subjective as there are many things that should be captured at every wedding. The basics are the flowers, the brides dress, the rings, the ceremony location, the reception venue and more.
I have included a few details in this post and will add some more to my website as well. They range from the beautiful (flowers and engagement ring) to the funny (the ring-bearer who needs a restroom). Remember that EVERYTHING about a wedding is important. We try to capture as much as is humanly possible. From the design aspects of the ceremony decorations to the emotions of the ceremony itself. This continues through the rest of the day
Of course, there is no substitute for communication. Make sure that all of your important details are known before your day begins and you should see all of them when you get your pictures back.
