Why should you even get published? 6 Tips from Charlotte Wedding Photographer Casey Hendrickson
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With a little over 70 blog and magazine publications, I’ve learned to go into each session I do with a mindset of, “Okay. What are bloggers looking for…” I use that to inspire me, and work to get just that. And then one day I heard it… “I’m over getting published.” So here’s why I think it’s a very important key into your business.
1) Every publication you get is free exposure to not only you, but to the other vendors involved. I can’t tell you how many times I hear vendors thank me for pushing publications for even the smallest of sessions. I use Two Bright Lights, so not only do they get access to the images to use, but they also get notified when a session has been accepted, and can then advertise the publication as well, which in turn gives you yet more free advertisement.
2) It gives you credibility. When I first started trying to get published, it was kind of hard to reach out to vendors and ask for their help for a styled session or something because they only knew me as someone new that didn’t have much experience to prove her value as an asset to their own business. Since getting my name out there, I haven’t had any trouble with vendors willing to help a sister out or even provide referrals because they know their products will also be photographed in a great way that they can advertise with as well. Brides will also know they can trust you with their wedding because they can actually see how many others respect your work, and honestly, they have their own hopes for getting published too.
3) We ALL get excited to see our name in print or shown on Style Me Pretty! All the hard work that we put our heart and souls into pays off when we get that acceptance from a blog, and it’s like a nice pat on the back for a job well done on everyone’s part.
4) It gives you BRIDES and GROOMS – and probably the ones you want to attract! By showcasing what you want, that is what you will attract in return. On my contact page, I have a question about how they found me. I booked a destination wedding for almost a week in Disneyland (Cali, baby!) because the bride saw my session featured in a magazine that she loves. And you know what? She is exactly the bride I want to attract – a kind, loving heart that has a desire for style and an appreciation for photography. She had true love that lit her up every time she saw her groom, and they had a fantastic wedding day with those they love. When you get your name out there, brides will take notice in those they recognize or like, and they can easily contact you.
5) Speaking of recognition, you WANT that in this business. The more popular you are in the industry, the more likely blogs are to say yes to your submission because you’ve built a great name for yourself. Jose Villa? I’m almost positive he could send a photo of just his shoes or a random cat to any blog, and they would post it. Having that recognition ties right back into credibility. If people know you based on your work that you produce, they know they will love whatever you send.
6) It builds relationships with vendors and even editors. Say Joe the cake man down the road knows you will send him the files of his beautiful cake he spent hours on. He’s more likely to refer you to potential brides because you’ve built a bond and trusting relationship with him by providing a great experience to him after every wedding you do together. Even with editors, if you can get your name out to them, just drop them a nice little love note wishing them a great holiday or weekend, they will appreciate that, and you stay in their minds for whenever you submit a session to them.
So there’s that! I hope that is some helpful info to some of you out there, and hope you all remember that every wedding matters, so shoot it like you’re shooting it for the best publication ever. To hear more on this topic, be sure to check out the workshop website at http://forphotographers.caseyhphotos.com/ – This is definitely a topic we will be covering that day!
