Happy Friday, friends! Today’s topic wasn’t necessarily a question that I got from clients, but it is rather a topic that I realized I haven’t yet chatted about on the blog! How in the world does my booking process work? Today, we are diving into the nitty gritty of how to book a session, wedding or event with me!
Before we get started, please note that this is my current booking process for 2017 and 2018. It is subject to change without notice or update to this post.
Starting from the very top of the booking process, my first step after receiving any inquiry is celebrating your sweet note with a little happy dance. Seriously, y’all…it is a little bit embarrassing, but this little dance seems to happen every time! I am so unbelievably thankful for each inquiry and potential client that makes its way into my inbox. Once the dance party is over, I’m back to business and will send you a note to confirm dates and availability on my calendar. From there, I will follow up to get all of the information I need to create your custom investment proposal.
Shot while second shooting with Savannah Smith Photography | savannahsmithphotography.com
Custom investment proposal? What in the world is that, you ask? Each of my packages, whether it is for a portrait session, wedding or other event, receives is custom quoted. I have worked out a bare bones structure on my back end and then work with the desires of each inquiry’s to generate a custom quote. Why have I moved towards a custom investment structure? Well, simply put, each wedding and portrait session is different, and it is so hard to fit the needs of each bride with just one generic package! Each bride is unique, and each couple has their own vision. In addition, my custom investment structure allows to factor in travel costs, additional coverage you would like to add , and other a la carte options that interest you.
After I send out my custom quotes, I love to chat with my couples or portrait clients about their vision, their story, and any questions that they may have! It is so important to me that I know as much as possible about you and your plans from the very start so that I am able to serve you to the best of my ability. This conversation typically happens via video chat or over the phone, but I love even more when it happens in person, over a cup of tea!
Shot while second shooting with Savannah Smith Photography | savannahsmithphotography.com
So the consultation was great, we are a perfect fit, and we’re ready to get this party started! What next? I’ll send you a quick survey that will help me record contact, address, and some fun get-to-know-you details. After that, I will send you an email with your contract and invoice information!
Until a signed contract is received, your date is not set in Sharpie on my calendar. To officially book you date, I require a signed contract and 25% retainer for weddings. For portrait sessions, I require a signed contract and fulfillment of the invoice 24 hours prior to the date of our session together. Deposits are able to be paid online, directly through your invoice, or via check. Wedding payments are broken into 4 even payments, due at signing and then 180, 120, and 60 days prior to your event date. My favorite part about taking care of payment before we meet for your session or wedding is that, by the time our time together rolls around, there is no need to worry about remembering a check or payment! You simply just need to show up, and we get to hang out! So much better than searching for a check and pen while you have so many other things on your mind.
Shot while second shooting with Erika Brown | erikabrownphoto.net
After all of the technical things are taken care of, the fun begins! For weddings, we will get your engagement session on the books and will start diving into timeline while chatting about all of the amazing wedding details you have been working on! For portrait sessions, I will send you some wardrobe preparation emails, and will start planning the logistics of your session on my end. Getting to know my clients and all of their visions during this process is one of my favorite parts of the job!
So there you have it! Simple, easy, and the start of a whole lot of fun!
On the note of bookings, I am scheduling for the remainder of 2017, 2018 and beyond. {What?!} Looking your very own wedding or portrait session? Send me a note right here!
