TLDR

Your wedding. My day. My working environment. My personality. My sense of humour. Don't like it...don't get in touch.

Click here for more details - 15 Reasons NOT to get in touch.

Longer version

Being self-employed is a tough gig, the vast majority of small self-employed businesses don't last longer than three years. And after 23 years or so of being self-employed, I think I'm doing pretty well. 18 years of those as the World's Most Handsome Weak Tea Drinking Bon Jovi Loving Jaffa Cake Eating Pony Tail Wearing Wedding Photographer (that's my official job title by the way)

As the years went by, I got older, the fucks I gave about what other wedding photographers thought of me, and my work, dropped dramatically. That takes time and security in the knowledge that what you are doing is good and that people will book you anyway.

So any newer / younger wedding photographers out there who are struggling... I understand the pain - preserve. Be you, set your path and don't follow the pack. Stand out. Be different. Be authentic and honest and show your personality.

Along with the lack of fucks given was the reality that your wedding is my working environment and I'm entitled, being self-employed, to choose my working environment and, just as importantly, who I want to work with.

BTW a Red Flag for me is when I get an email out of the blue saying stuff like "I love your work and want to book you." - doesn't work like that. We meet and agree to work together. Again, see The Quiz.

I'm a massive out-and-out extrovert who doesn't mind being the centre of attention and who doesn't mind public speaking, and doesn't mind chipping in and helping. BTW, for those introverts out there, don't be worried. I do just as many shy, quiet and introverted weddings as I do louder weddings. I adapt my personality to you. Your wedding, my day.

Your age, gender, sexual preferences, race, colour, religion etc, are of ZERO importance. I don't care where you live, your venue, or your budget. And yes, some wedding photographers choose stuff like that - the wedding venue has to be the higher end, and a few I know are looking for the "best" looking couples - like, how does that even work??!! So objective.

I just want people who can appreciate what I do and why I do it, and I really just want to have a fun wedding day.

The VAST majority of my social media posts are, therefore, about ME. My page - my posts. Yes, I'll post some really fantastic wedding photos, but I want people to know that when you do book me, I'm the third most important person there, after the couple getting married!

I'm THE only supplier who is there from the very start to (almost) the very end. Hence YOU must know what I'm like and that we get on. Again, that's one of the reasons I insist on meeting face-to-face wherever possible. I'll drive from one end of the country to the other to make that happen if I can. And if I don't think I'm the right wedding photographer for you (in other words, I don't like you), I'll let you know professionally.

It's not about the money - it's about my working environment and ensuring your wedding is the best it can be, so if that doesn't include me I'm all ok with that.

I know I'm not THE wedding photographer for everyone; and in reality I don't want to be.

Crafting an Effective Social Media Strategy for Your Business

In the digital age, a well-crafted social media strategy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses. It's the roadmap that guides your online interactions, shapes your online presence, and ultimately helps you build a strong, engaging brand. Here are some key elements to consider when developing your social media strategy.

Understanding Your Audience

The first step in creating an effective social media strategy is understanding your audience. Who are they? What are their interests? Where do they spend their time online? The answers to these questions will help you tailor your content to meet their needs and interests, increasing engagement and fostering a stronger connection with your brand.

Setting Clear Goals

Your social media strategy should be guided by clear, measurable goals. Are you looking to increase brand awareness? Drive traffic to your website? Generate leads or sales? The goals you set will shape your social media activities and provide a benchmark against which you can measure your success.

Choosing the Right Platforms

Not all social media platforms are created equal. Each has its own unique audience and strengths. Your social media strategy should identify the platforms that are most relevant to your audience and best suited to your business goals. Whether it's the professional networking of LinkedIn, the visual storytelling of Instagram, or the real-time engagement of Twitter, choosing the right platforms is crucial to your social media success.

Creating Engaging Content

Content is the heart of your social media strategy. It's what attracts followers, sparks engagement, and drives results. Your content should be relevant, valuable, and engaging, reflecting your brand's personality and values. Whether it's informative blog posts, eye-catching images, or engaging videos, great content can set your brand apart on social media.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy

A successful social media strategy is not set in stone. It's a dynamic plan that evolves with your business, your audience, and the ever-changing social media landscape. Regular monitoring and adjustment of your strategy are essential. Keep an eye on your performance metrics, stay abreast of the latest social media trends, and don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas.

In conclusion, a well-crafted social media strategy is the key to leveraging the power of social media for your business. It helps you connect with your audience, build your brand, and achieve your business goals. So, take the time to develop a solid social media strategy. It's an investment that can deliver significant returns for your business.

Remember, a successful social media strategy doesn't happen overnight. It requires careful planning, consistent execution, and ongoing adjustment. But with the right strategy in place, social media can be a powerful tool for your business. So, start crafting your social media strategy today and unlock the potential of social media for your business.

Finally...

Here is me, having fun.