WORKFLOW

It is so fun being a wedding photographer and I love my job, but a consistent thing that I hear from people when I tell them what I do is “Oh my how cool is that, you only work on Saturday for 8 hours”

Well this blog post is inspired by the misconception people have about wedding photographers. YES IT IS FUN, anyone who knows me knows that I love what I do, but I still have to work in order to insure that my clients get the highest quality product.

I have outlined for you what a typical workflow is for ONE WEDDING so as you read this keep in mind that in order to get a full picture of what I do multiple that by however many weddings per year (20-25).

You want to make sure when you are hiring someone that you are confident not only in their skills as a photographer, but also knows how to run and organize a business! It is important to have someone who is organized, efficient, and quick to respond to your needs on the wedding day as well as manage your files happily ever after!

WORK FLOW FOR ONE WEDDING

BOOKING PROCESS
Initial meeting with couple
Type information into a contract, scan contract, email it to clients
Sign returned contract and scan and send to client
Go to bank to deposit retainers

PRE WEDDING DAY PREP
Type up itineraries from Wedding Planning Worksheet
Email exchanges from bride and groom to finalize details
Charge batteries
Clean cameras and lenses (a trip to the camera store) prep and pack equipment
Print directions to all venues

WEDDING DAY
Drive time-leave early to factor in any traffic
Day of coverage (my average package is 8-10 hours)
Drive time home
BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP-download images when I get home to be sure I have 2 copies of everything before I go to bed, so in the wee hours of the am I am at my computer

EDITING PROCESS (after the wedding)
Organize into folders about 800 images
Delete images with eyes closed or out of focus shots
Photoshop, edit, rename files and burn to disc as well as backup on hard drive
Choose photos for a slideshow, download and host up on website
Upload images onto Collages.net

DEVELOPING PHOTOS
Upload to Printing company
Order proofs
Go through proofs once in house and organize into packaging
Package up images write a thank you card
Go to post office to mail and insure

ALBUM DESIGN
Design mock album (several hours)
Upload to host for viewing
Email back and forth with Bride and Groom re edits
Edit any changes to be made to layout
Order-upload to album printing company
Drop ship to client once completed

THE END ☺

The outline just shows the workflow for one wedding, it does not include the other things that I have to do like, return email inquiries, send out information packets, marketing, reprint orders, ordering supplies, keeping up my quickbooks accounting system, engagement sessions, children and family sessions and all the fun stuff that comes with each job.

The joy in all this is that the majority of my job I can do from home. Where I can take care of my 2 little bundles of joy that God has blessed us with! I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I also get to exercise the art of photography which is WHAT I LOVE. I get to practice my artistic expression on a weekly basis. It is kind of like a painter, getting to paint all the time, or a song writer writing for a living. I love this gift that I have been given… the ability to capture moments in time, in peoples lives, memories that are forever captured on film is priceless. For this I am THANKFUL!

I look forward to my “Season” starting at the end of March. Until then, its back to all the 5 albums I have in line to design…

Check it out...

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This is my husband and his brother and sister...hilarious...

Hat Head

Our sweet friend bought this for Abigail from Highland county VA. (The farm we went to last 4th of July) It is so sweet and has kept her little head very warm these past few cold days.
On a side note, I am thankful to say we are all feeling better :) Abby did NOT get sick...that in and of itself is a miracle! We are so thankful!

The Flu

Please pray for my sweet little Grace. She is sick with the Flu and has had very high temps all week. Please pray that my 3 month old does not get it! Mama is already starting to feel sick!
I may not respond to emails as quickly as I normally do. Hopefully we will be back in full swing soon! I HOPE!
Stacy

Happy Valentines Day

To my favorite person in the whole wide world! This man is #1 in my book. He is my best friend and I love living life along side of him. He has a heart of gold, is all the things I had ever hoped for in a husband an more. He is genuine, loving, giving, devoted, faithful, kind and most of all my very best friend. He encourages me in my photography and has been my number 1 fan. I could not have the business that I have today if he didn't believe in me and encourage me to pursue what brings me joy in life. I love you dearly sweetheart and look forward to many "ValentiMes" with you :)

I AM LIVE

Check out my new website! I am pretty excited! Ok so I need my faithful blog readers to email any concerns you may have, images, text sections (I am a horible speller) whatever.
I am really excited about this!

I have a client proofing section (which is not live yet), shopping cart so people can order right off line (not up yet due to not having an event to proof at this time) and a calendar section so people can check my availability~ LOVE IT!

Stacy

www.stacyrichardsonphotography.com

3 months old

Happy 4th Birthday Garrison

Click here for your birthday slideshow!
We love you and miss you!

Alabama

We just got back from a relaxing trip to Alabama to visit family. We had a great time!

One of their dogs had puppies that was fun!

My Dad taught Grace how to play tic-tac-toe

Shelby is growing up!

Aunt Mamie

My Dad and Grace