Checklist. It’s a word that makes many wedding photographers cringe. I’m not talking about the list of family members that clients want portraits with- we love that list! We also love knowing the important details of the wedding day that are “must haves!”. In this post, I’m referring to the dreaded wedding magazine checklist for…
Warning: Photo-less Post on a photography blog- we just can’t bring ourselves to share samples of the culprit images. We love wedding guests. We love to photograph them. We love to dance with them. We love to cut up and have a great time with them. Through the years, we have learned that…
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Would you believe there are still people doing the perspective shot where the bride stands far away and it looks like the groom is holding her in his hand? NO NO NO.
I still get a lot of people wanting the jumping shot, and I have to confess I don’t really mind…they always have fun. The others? Definite no!
Kat Forsyth´s last [type] ..Quick Preview- Karen & Tom
Hahaha! Love this post. Yes, agreed, these poses have gone the way of the dinosaur.
HAHA love it!!
Awesome list Mark!
How about a few more…
All the bridesmaids blowing kisses to the bride.
Rings on hands laid over the bouquet.
Austin Curtis´s last [type] ..Austin- the Hand Model
Anything with spot color
I hate the jumping shot but usually get asked to do it. That’s when I beg of them to just let the groomsman jump, at least they usually don’t end up flashing me undies!
Another one, the groomsman with their pants around their ankles faking like they are peeing. WTF!? I keep seeing this, not funny.
All the bouquets around the bride’s face, bouquets on the train, bride looking in random mirror for no reason. Oh and I know its popular but I am so tired of the bride in the doorway shot. Yawn. Great post!
And the “sunglass” shot where the whole wedding party wears sunglasses at once. This is such standard at Wisconsin weddings, and it’s so outdated it drives my batty.
OH my goodness Mark. You crack me up!!!
Great list, though I get the jumping wedding party request often as well…
Add to the list “bride and groom feeding each other cake while everybody looks on.” Hate that pose. Also, don’t understand it.
Muahahahahah!! Love it!! At my last wedding I just shot, the wedding coordinator suggested I take a shot of the bride and grooms hands with their rings on laying over the brides flowers….. SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!????
Wow! Good post–when I saw the title I immediately thought “oh, this is going to be good!” My favorite because it is oh-so-true part of this post is the comments from guests. I get the “have you gotten any good shots?” and “how many photos have you taken” ALL the time.
I’m with Bethany (above) the all the bouquets around the bride’s face shot has got to be retired. And I get that “suggested” from guests (and bridesmaids) all the time. I’m not a fan!
Aaargh, was at a wedding this past weekend (as a groomsman) and had to do the bloody jump-shot. *sigh*
Only the hooped-dress prevented a retired-pose #4, thankfully.
You post is absolutely correct…..but they make great video 
LOL! Agreed! Please add the ‘everyone in a circle and the photog photographs from the ground up at them’ WHY!!!!!??? (95% of the folks get a double chin… I get ‘interesting’ angles…but..pa–leeeze.
Haha! I LOVE THIS!!! #1 & #3 definitely need to be retired. #4 and #5 I’ve never been asked to do (thank gosh) and #2, I am definitely guilty of. For some reason BIG wedding parties loooove it. Usually they put a “little” twist on it… which makes it fun! BUT… I’ve definitely got something better in mind though for my future brides/wedding parties who want the jumping shot!!! Thank for the laugh.
Aw… the jump shot is one of my favorite shots from our wedding–2009!! You didn’t shoot it, but it was fun and looks greeeat!
Ha ha- like I said, I don’t mind it if the Bride suggests it (because she knows her wedding party better than anyone). I mind when a guest suggests it . And for the record, your wedding party jump may be the only one ever featured on our blog – you guys did great!
I did a wedding a few months ago where the wedding party wanted to do the groomsmen holding the bride thing…ugh! But whatever, I’ll go with the flow.
Except, they picked her up and promptly DROPPED her right on the rocks/gravel where they were standing!! Now *that* I took pictures of (insert evil laugh). Needless to say they didn’t try for take 2…
LOVED this
Abigail Todd´s last [type] ..I wont tell em your name
Hahahahahah. I did my first jumping shot, of just the groomsmen, last weekend upon request from the groom. Sure. I think there is simply a huge potential for awkward if the photographer initiates something like that. Or maybe I’m the only person who wouldn’t personally jump for the camera if I were paid… haha.
Kaylynn Marie´s last [type] ..Mary Elizabeth Mount Hope Bridals
Thanks Mark! I love every picture from our wedding. We were so blessed
Why some still insists on a photo with the bride seated on the grass with the bouquet and the flowers of the bridesmaids on the dress.lol
The jumping wedding photography. That is just too funny!
robert voltaire´s last [type] ..Los Angeles Wedding Photographers Guide
Any shot where the wedding dress (or train) has the bouquets laid on them.
Edit: This post is in no way meant to be condescending towards clients. I love my clients, and anyone we’ve worked with will tell you that. This post is simply intended to give couples a peek into the business world of wedding photography so that they are better prepared to secure the right photographer for…
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BAM! You nailed it Mark. I hope you don’t mind, but I will be quoting this entry on my blog and linking to this as a resource for our brides. I wrote something similar called “5 Reasons not to hire us”, but it’s never seen the light of day because it didn’t quite come across in the right way. This however, is exactly what I was trying to say. Way to go, Mark – high five!
Austin Curtis´s last [type] ..Naoise Elissa El Capitan Canyon Wedding
Great article! I am posting this to my Facebook page and hoping prospective clients will read and think about this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you. You always manage to say things without hurting anyones feelings. I have people try to haggle me all the time and it’s insanely insulting. I admire your work and I will be recommending you to my sister who will be engaged soon. <3
Mark, thank you for sharing this! Some brides aren’t aware that it is working relationship. I feel more confident working with brides who are aware that we are in it together for their memories, not just a transaction.
lots of good pointers. If only some brides new “I’m not available” really meant “I’m open, but I refuse to work with you” hahaha
Great, great post Mark! And spot on.
Way to educate your clients.
I need to hire you to come write all my blog posts for me. I feel like I have SOOOO many things like this to say to the world, but I’m not a good writer and don’t want to offend or step on toes. You’re sooooo good at wording your feelings without coming across offensive. Thank you Mark for always saying what all of us photographers think and feel all the time. You seriously rock hardcore.
Mark,
Thanks for sharing this post. I am dealing with 2 potential clients now that are just not a great fit for our studio. A father and a wedding coordinator. They have made things so complicated in our emails to one another, it’s just not worth the headaches for all the work that has already gone into it.
I agree with Courtney and I may have M.E. write my blog post so I don’t offend anyone! Haha.
Beebe
Can I add? Style.
I cannot tell you how many times potential clients say they want something artistic and different and then hand me a list. It’s a little heartbreaking. I am happy to comply, but if you like my style, lose the list. I’ve been doing this a looong time now – I know to take a picture of you with your parents.
Loved this article. Very direct, but not offensive.
Great post Mark!
Beautifully stated! Thank you for this!
Brilliant!!!! So many valid points that brides need to think about – especially the fact that they aren’t the only ones vying for a date!
Corey Ann´s last [type] ..Travel Covered Bridges
Amazing. I will be re-posting this. Exactly what I’ve always wanted to say.
Candice Cossel´s last [type] ..Miami Boudior Photography I Be beautiful!
Brilliant
THANK YOU
Elizabeth Jayne´s last [type] ..Jessica & Trip An English Garden Inspired Wedding
Very well put Mark
You. Just. Get. It.
Thank you!!
I recall a Groom who kept wanting to change our contract and we kept trying nicely to tell him no. He kept consulting with his friend however who was in law school (funny) in order to try to place changes to our tried and true contract. The demands were lame and so was the Groom. We told him that our contract was staying the way it was and that we were not interested in his business.
In this instance we were dealing with an individual who for some reason or another did not know how to deal with people using common sense. The implications of his bringing up legal issues gave the impression that he would sue anyone for any small reason at the drop of the hat. Believe it or not he was so clueless of his actions that he was shocked when we turned down his wedding. I was left wondering what the poor Bride had to sign in order to marry this guy.
Great article!
Well put and you have some great pointers that will help me with my clients.
WOW!!! So well written!! And so very true.:)
Excellent post! Thanks for sharing this info. Great job!
Mark, great article! I think that staying true to yourself in the end will keep both you and your clients happy!
Wow Mark, you said what I’ve never been able to put into words. I have a hard time telling a client (and the paycheck) ‘no.’ But in the end its really for the best. I love this!
As always, your wise words are so well spoken! You make sharing the cold harsh truth… not so cold and harsh
Nice job Mark, I always enjoy reading your thought and post. Your always spot on. Great Job
Great blog post, and spot on, for the most part. I did feel that your decision to not book with the cranky clients was a bit hasty, but maybe their bad day wasn’t the only instinct you had about them. I probably would have at least met with them, but maybe you did, and knew right away that they weren’t a good fit. Thanks for sharing a good post!
This was an extremely well written article! Kudos to you for being able to put this up! It makes me proud to be amoung such a great group of talented photographers that stand up for what they believe in!
Perfectly written. I could not agree more.
Well written. I totally agree. Perfect fit for me is just as important…after all, I want to enjoy shooting my brides! Love your article
Much of this blog applies to other wedding vendors. Thank you for putting many of my thoughts down on “paper”.
Thank you for such an excellent post. Many of us are going through hard times and it’s easy just to accept the next booking because we are grateful for the work as opposed to making sure that the client is going to suit us and we are going to suit the client. The above just reminds us that we do need to be smart about our business and our clients.
As a portrait photographer and recent bride, I could not agree more! This was a great post full of insight for clients and photographers. Thanks for sharing!
Mark, I think topics like this should be discussed and brought up… I also think it’s good for bride’s to hear these things. I think you said it in a very tasteful way and I couldn’t have agreed more!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!
I love this article – every bullet is right on-point. I will never understand those that ask for a cheaper price – would they work for less?! Many wedding professionals have similar issues. The one thing I disagree with is the wedding show comment. I am not a photographer so I could be incorrect here, but I’ve chatted with some great couples at shows that say they are looking for a photographer. They come to a show to look at work and meet the photographer one-on-one to see if there is a connection. It avoids committing to a consultation where they might feel obligated to hire.
So elequently put! I have wrestled with these same issues for years as a makeup artist. I think it is safe to say your words ring true for artistic wedding vendors across the board.
Thank you for posting!
Fantastic post – ver well put!
I loved this, I did not find it condescending at all. I’d love to repost it or link to it on my blog.
I think you addressed some very key points!
How many times can I hit the “Like” button for this post ?
David D´s last [type] ..Cassandra & Regeis
Well put, sir!
good article, but you mention; People don’t go to the cashier at Macy’s and offer $100 for a jacket listed at $250.
Services are ALWAYS negotiable, whether you choose to negotiate is something different. I recently had to undergo surgery, the Dr’s fee was $11,000 after a discussion and informing him what my insurance would cover he accepted just over $8,000. Even with what insurance would cover it was still $2k less than what it would have been had I not asked. It’s human nature to bargin
I love this, and I really think it needed to be said. I am not a photographer, but my fiance and I are both self-employed writers. When I hear about people asking for discounts or to have their date held without a deposit, I cringe. We knew which photographer we wanted to work with, so I got his pricing and started budgeting for him as soon as we decided to get married. I expect my clients to pay me promptly, without haggling or dragging their feet, and I respect the work of my fellow self-employed professionals too much to do that to them.
I think more people need to realize that you will actually get a better end result (and everyone will have more fun) if you are pleasant, respectful and polite. Really, that rule applies to pretty much every situation in life.
This post is really great! It brings an interesting perspective that as a new photographer I hadn’t really considered. Right now my partner and I are still new enough that we accept whatever comes our way and make the best of it because we need the business. We are growing slowly but growing nonetheless and I get a happy, tingly feeling inside imagining the day when people come to us based on our portfolio and reputation and we can take those clients rather than taking anything that comes our way. Thank for your words. =)
Very well thought out and equally well written. I can’t imagine for a moment why you would get negative feedback about this post.
Jim Hilgedick´s last [type] ..Bemidji MN Bridal Show – January 22- 2011
Dear Mark,
I have loved you for a long time. Now I will love you for forever. Thank you so much! Now to get the WORLD to read and understand…
Great article and I definitely feel the 5 points you make definitely saves us our sanity and time.
Robert Bromfield´s last [type] ..Portrait of a Gentleman- Stanley St-Fleur
even opened my eyes a little bit as a photographer and I realized what’s ok to not accept; i never really thought of it as being a choice until now. thanks mark.
[...] a Photographers Perspective” and all of his posts have been dead on. His most recent post is “5 things that could cause a photographer to turn down your wedding” and I thought it was worth reposting. You can click here to check out his gorgeous blog and the [...]
Right after reading this I had an inquiry that started off with “I would like you to cut me a deal because….” And then “here is what five other photographers are willing to do for me….” And I felt empowered to say no instead of getting caught up in a bidding war. So..thank YOU!! So very insightful!
How beautifully put Mark! Thank you
As a wedding planner and a bride-to-be, I applaud you for gracefully articulating the dance between potential client and vendor. This can actually apply to catering, venue, make-up, etc as well. But I think many people can take photographers for granted and I will use this article with my clients AND potential clients. Sometimes, it can also come down to chemistry too. . . the chemistry/energy I feel with the clients really lays the foundation for our working relationship. Thanks again. . .
Completely agree! Everyone I choose to work with is fabulous, because I choose to work with them. If I have a consult with someone who is overly negative or has strange demands that don’t match with my personality, I suggest another photographer. It’s very important that everyone is on the same page.
I recently had a potential client ask for a discount if they only wanted a “shoot & burn” wedding package. It seems that clients honesty do not understand that a shoot & burn package should cost more since there will be NO after sales to help keep our doors open. The DVD of images is practically EVERYTHING and the kitchen sink.
Great bit of writing.
jb
1. Lattice is not to be placed any where near a wedding cake. Not even the Groom’s cake. 2. Save the candles for the birthday cakes. (Candles around the cake are great! Candles on the cake- not so great.) 3. Fire extinguishers are important, but put them next to the drunk guests with sparklers (not…
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#11 – Do not place directly in front of an exit sign so that just about every shot of the happy couple (and those of just the cakes) includes the exit sign.
Hahahaha, I love you Mark. ‘Nuff said.
Haha!! Great post, Mark!!
BEAUTIFUL cake photos, Mark! I second the lattice objection
Another good one for Southern Brides: Don’t forget to do the Charm Pulls BEFORE you cut the cake. We don’t wont anyone swallowing a bean charm or something!
WOW! Whose cake is that in the last picture??? It’s seriously the most gorgeous cake I’ve ever laid my eyes on!
Thanks Amanda- that cake was from Terrica and Tony’s wedding in Lafayette (you can use the search bar up top to find the blog post- beautiful wedding)
Hahaha! I’m a baker in RIchmond VA, and I’m going to link to this article. Unfortunately, your points are all very true…
Thanks Kara!
Great tips, its a shame that people actually need you to point out the obvious though! Thanks Mark, and thanks Kara for sharing!
Nice write up….lol.
We get this question every now and then for a variety of reasons: *The couple is on a budget that doesn’t allow for our wedding package. *The couple is having a wedding elsewhere, and they want images made while they are in our area. *The couple doesn’t think their photographer can do a good enough…
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Excellent post Mark. I love that you always talk about subjects like this and post them for people to be educated about. You are RIGHT on about this yet again and I completely agree with you. I have had others work on display at a wedding I was shooting and it was extremely uncomfortable for me, knowing that people were most likely assuming that they were shot by me.
Thank you for this Mark! I always love the way you word your blog posts and most of them are issues I have as well. I haven’t really been in the situation where someone has asked me to do their portraits when I wasn’t the wedding photographer, but I very often have brides who have others take their engagements and it really is frustrating when they display them at the reception and people assume they are mine, even if the work is good! Your insight is always appreciated and I adore your work
I completely agree! Couldn’t have put it better myself!
Such a great and needed post Mark! Thank you, as that will help so much with explaining it to clients
I can totally relate to this, especially when I find a very large poster or a wall full of pictures of the couple that aren’t mine at the reception. And the worst part is that almost always the images had been taken by a “friend” and they look awful!! I recently saw a guestbook filled with photos that a “friend” took and I wanted to cry! The quality (of the photos and the book) was so low and it looked really, really, rEAlly cheap. Hello!! I do custom guestbooks and they are not so expensive! Arg! It’s just so frustrating 
Nice post Mark, every now and then I do get this inquiry from brides too. I normally encourage them to stick with their wedding photographer.
Mark, a great message – and one that I completely agree with. I don’t shoot weddings, except as 2nd camera, but do get a few engagement and bridal session requests. I urge them to work with their wedding photographer, and mention most all the points that you do. I usually refuse to shoot, unless like recently, the couple was doing a beach wedding, and wouldn’t have time for their destination photographer to do engagements. Keep these great posts coming – you are doing a lot of good with these!
Excellent advice for a wedding photographer. Thanks for sharing.
by Mark Eric
11 comments
Soo true!!!.. I agree with you 100% !..I mean, you can be inspired with new ideas with each wedding that goes by. Why read off a checklist??…I think you should ask the bride and groom what specific kind of pictures they would like to have no matter what, but make it your own style with a splash of creativity!! This coming from a amateur photographer. . .
God Bless!
Katey´s last [type] ..{ Departure Day }
I make fun of shot lists. http://chrislinphoto.com/2010/08/the-shot-list/
Something like that? HATE it! So stiff!
Too funny, I think I like #7 the best! LOL
I love when a bride and groom let me now their MUST HAVES, what is really important on their wedding day that doesnt happen at every other wedding. But, since I take the time to get to know my clients before the wedding day I have have a good feel for what they want and as a WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, we know how to watch the day unfold naturally and capture THOSE moments, not the posey, posey . Like you said, the list of those family members, yes.. the rest is capturing memories! Great post!
Great article! I met with a bride recently that had a similar checklist & was reading it off to me. I was dying to ask her where she got the list…now I know! lol Seriously, I don’t have time to look at a list when I’m shooting a wedding…besides, I really don’t want all my weddings to look the same…and truly, I imagine my brides don’t either.
Stephanie HIckerty´s last [type] ..Maria and Kevin’s Elegant Beach Wedding {Ft. Lauderdale, FL}
So true! I ask for the “must have shots” like Bride with her Grandmother but I don’t like the script. I normally tell my brides that all of those shots on those lists are covered by good coverage or something that is old and outdated. (Prom pose anyone???)
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, that list takes away from the natural shots of the wedding. When you have to stop for those you miss others. Your pictures are always awesome, really like your photography.
Hate, hate lists!!! I had a MOB give me a THREE PAGE list once, including (and I kid you not) mother crying.
What’s the point of spending time and energy looking for the right photographer, going through hundreds of photos, when you have to tell him/her what to photographs!!
If you don’t trust the guy to be capable of doing a good job at your wedding, you should not hire him/her then.
I have been following your blog for a long time now and I don’t think I have ever commented .. sorry !! I HAD to on this post. THANK YOU !! I could not agree more with everything you said and point #6 made me crack up! Keep up the amazing work
Thanks Kim!