TTLKurtis wrote:
If I work with a DJ who is actually organized and does a good job handling timeline and not jumping into events without me there at the ready (in addition to being good at his job and personable), then I will certainly offer to send them photos and I often recommend a couple of great local DJs who are very professional and awesome to work with.
This. I always offer the great DJ's some of my shots of their work for their website, press kit, etc.
I think some very good points have been brought up in this thread by both sides.... DJ vs. photographer. My experience as a wedding DJ is what eventually led me to the desire of being a wedding photographer being that photography has been a huge part of my life since 1987, but one thing I can add here is that being a wedding photographer has also made me a better DJ too and vice versa. I don't know if that makes any sense, it might be to those who have filled both roles. As I learned more about what photographers needs are in regard to lighting and other details... I have relayed that info to my husband who is still a wedding DJ. I am blessed to work with him on most of my weddings which of course provides us with more consistent results in regard to our photo and video coverage and has been a selling point to our couples since teamwork and vendor cohesion really does make the day flow better. Most importantly making the bride & groom the obvious VIP's of the day and not thinking any one of us (vendors) are more important than any other. I can also add that even though I have always gone out of my way to network and be friendly with wedding photographers when I have been in the DJ role, only one photographer team ever followed up with us and provided us with images that we were able to use on our website with credits of course. I have to say the disappointing part of photographers not following up is as someone who knows the final product is really super important, if I never see the images from the wedding, it doesn't matter how nice or accommodating a photographer was at the wedding, if their images didn't turn out well or the client wasn't satisfied, etc. I could never refer business to those people since they didn't follow up. Of course now the age of facebook and blogs, it is easier to see the end results... but a little follow up can lead to more business and referrals. I see it this way, my reputation is on the line with referrals, so I won't refer someone if I can't vouch for their finished product since that could poorly reflect on me as a business person. I hope that helps someone in seeing value in vendor networking and following up.
TTLKurtis wrote:
If I work with a DJ who is actually organized and does a good job handling timeline and not jumping into events without me there at the ready (in addition to being good at his job and personable), then I will certainly offer to send them photos and I often recommend a couple of great local DJs who are very professional and awesome to work with.
I agree as well....i will add, that i have YET to have a DJ (or florist) proactively offer to PAY for photos for their website/business use.....they always just assume they're available for free, on the assumption that if i give them photos, they're going to recommend me to clients......they very well might recommend me....but it's nice when a vendor OFFERS to pay for photos, rather than just assuming that i need to give them away, b/c i need the work, or need the referrals....generally if a DJ or florist offers to buy some photos, i'll end up giving them low res photos FOR FREE.....just b/c i know they at least offered....and generally, the DJ's that i've worked with, who are absolutely STELLAR, don't go around asking for free photos.....it's generally the ones who dont have their stuff together as much as they should....
Also, to the OP....i dont mind if DJ's bring along a camera to shoot photos of their setup, or shots of the party, etc......that's fine by me....even a DSLR, who cares...it's just a camera....as long as they're for your own use, go for it.......
If great aunt Milly NEEDS a shot and i'm not immediately available, and you want to take one out of the kindness of your heart, then just kindly let me know, and I'LL deliver it with the rest of the photos...i generally have a computer with me, and can upload the photo before i leave....
