Going into a wedding day, everything you do as a wedding photographer or videographer is in service to your client. That must be your mindset going into the day.

The keyword is service. You must excel as providing optimal service to your clients.

With that mindset, you will give 100% of yourself and then some to making sure your clients have a fantastic day. You are your client’s guide from the moment they accept you into their lives till the moment you deliver their gallery.

Even then, you’re job isn’t done. Hopefully, you’re relationship moves past the wedding and you become a fixture in your client’s lives. They will call on you not just to take great photos, but to provide an experience like the one they had at their wedding with you.

Being in service to your clients will make that happen.

Here’s 3 ways I make sure I am of service to my clients.

1. I build a detailed timeline before their wedding, whether I am the photographer or videographer.

2. I make sure I know how to use light to make them look fantastic.

3. I make sure I’m a friend before a photographer.

I learned the value of time after becoming a father. It is precious and finite.

I have taken that appreciation with me and I now not only appreciate my time, but my client’s time. It is just as valuable as my own.

Taking that into account, I make sure our time together is planned out. A great timeline is a well built railroad track leading the most glamorous train off to a destination we’ve only dreamt of before arrival.

After my client’s inquiry and our first call, I’ll start to build out our timeline with as many details of the day as possible. I create shot lists and make notes that will allow moments like family formals to go as smoothly as possible.

Here’s a sample of a timeline I make for every one of my couples.

Lighting is the most useful wrench in my tool box.

Whether it be light pouring through a large window or light bounced off a white wall from my off camera flash, I’ve learned how to utilize that light in order to accentuate emotion in my photos. I’ve learned how to cast that light on my subjects in order to illuminate love and bring intrigue.

Besides being a photographer, I’m a friend.

When my client is in need, I’m there to make sure even the smallest want is met in order to put my client’s mind back in front of the camera rather than in a dark corner fretting over a detail.

That friendship spills over to their family as well. If they need something and I’m able to, I will put my camera down to aid them, then pick right back up to document.

For my couples, I will go above and beyond for them because this is their moment to shine and love. I want them to remember that fondly.