Engagement Shoot – Star and Allen

Jan 14th 2010:

Just a few hours ago I wrapped up an engagement shoot with Star and Allen.  A local couple who is getting married VERY soon.  Recently I decided to try a new venue of advertising for my Wedding Photography. Many photographers will give out a free engagement session when a couple books the photographer for their wedding, but I got to thinking why not find couples who are getting married soon and give the free engagement session PRIOR to them booking a wedding?

My thinking is that picking a photographer is hard. Made harder by the large financial investment and the fact that many times doesn’t know what they will get until after they get home from their honeymoon.  So why don’t I find people who will most likely need my services in the next year, and give them a sample for free. If they like how I work and the images I present them, hopefully they schedule their big day with me. If they aren’t impressed with what I can do for them, well then I widen my portfolio. Win-Win.

So last week I listed on Craigslist and a few Wedding websites offering completely free sessions to any couple who is planning on getting married in 2010.  I got an overwhelming response, and already have 10 engagement sessions set up for the next two weeks.  After that I get to wait and see if my marketing plan worked.