After viewing another's website, I wanted to see how some of you felt about this question. When a bride is viewing websites and looking for a photographer, do you think she will make a judgement on our personal pictures?
Let's say that we are in the prime of life (a few short years from retiring), and she can tell the the photographer is in their upper 40's to upper 50's. Do you think that she will make a judgement to pass on this photographer when seeing their pictures on their personal website becasue of age or even because the guy is bald and looks older...
I know that some will say no and believe that their decision will be based solely on the work. I agree that will be true in hopefully most cases. However I do believe there will be some or even many that will judge us by our age or other factors based in our personal image online. That's why mine is the same from 5 years ago....
I would tend to think that the "more experienced" image if you will would also benefit you in some cases. I would hope that they would balance each other out. Of course the work would be the main thing.
I have often wondered if I lost 25 lbs if I would book more people as well!
Certainly potential clients make judgments of us based on our photos. That's human nature. But don't assume the judgments would all be negative if you looked more mature. In fact the opposite may be true in some cases. But the reason why I have my photo on my website is because I don't want any potential client to be disappointed when they meet me in person!
Some clients cannot cope with some images. Some woman was here the other night and she did not take off her scarf - so, she and her betrothed are among the throng. Scarfs and sweaters around the waist make the wise run quickly.
Okay, I have to put myself out there on this even though I normally lurk. I'm a recent bride, 26, and just starting to do weddings myself.
SO... some of you might not want to hear it, but yes, I'd be careful about putting up a picture of yourself. On one hand, more experience is a plus.
But on the other hand, the idea of someone more experienced can also bring memories of those really formal, dated shots from the 80's. I saw tons of website with pictures in a formal style or even wearing dated clothes. Game over. Next site. And I'm not just talking the portfolio- many self-portraits were extremely dated! And if it was a "mature" photographer, I definitely made sure to take note of the style of photography he or she used.
When I saw a younger photographer, I'd equate that with a more modern style of shooting- which was definitely a requirement for my own photographer.
And for the mention of losing 25 lbs: If you are overweight, will they think you can't keep up with a full day of work? Don't get me wrong, I know it probably isn't true if you are already established in the field, but how do they know that? A picture is worth a thousand words... just make sure it's the right picture and the right words you are conveying!
So what I'd suggest? (For what it's worth...)
Let your work do the talking. Then you KNOW that a bride isn't judging you on your looks. Obviously, they'll see you when you meet face-to-face, but at least then you know that you have something they like- your work!
Edit: I forgot to mention that I put a picture on my blog, but not my site. When they are interested enough in my work to visit my blog and get to know my personality, then they can put a face with the name.
I got married four years ago and back then I knew noting about photography. My wife was in charge of finding a photographer. I remember her turning down on some photographers after meeting them because they were young and my wife was 25 then.The guy that ended up doing our wedding was around 50. It depends on individual. I know sometimes looks play an important role. I think the most important thing is for them to like you. I wouldn't mind giving a discount to good looking couples just to do their wedding but I don't know if I would do the same for an okay looking couples. Who knows some brides might be thinking along that line.
IMHO if you put your face on your site you have to know you're selling your image, so that picture have to send a strong and immediate visual message, you have to choose what it is, your selling strategy: wise man, young postmodern, radical chic, you name it.
When you see Denis Reggie site (in his own words, the team) is extremely clear what his target is.
Choose your market and profile you for it.
When I got married, my better half and I were looking around at photographers and we interviewed this one who was on the young side, but had a good eye. Only prob was that she was an incredibly attractive six foot tall blond. Knowing my crowd, I was thinking half the photos would be pictures of guys hitting on her and the other half would be girls smacking their dates who had become distracted. In the end we went with a more average looking photog who thankfully had a better portfolio.
I think a really modern picture of you can be cool, but otherwise it's unneccessary. I had my wedding 6 months ago, and the photo of the photograper meant little to me. I was picking photographers based on their images. Age can be associated with more experience and more maturity, but it can also be associated with being outdated. I'd say, don't post the picture unless it really shows something about your personality that your site doesn't show. Otherwise, stick it on the blog, if you have one. That's an excellent idea!
I wish that I could say it weren't true; however, I believe that with those who aren't "photography savvy" or know a little at the least, then perhaps looks/age/appearance probably plays a roll in booking.
Of course I'm paranoid as I'm one of those fellas who eats damn healthy, and works out, yet can't lose the weight. It's hard to not be self conscious when you are on the large side, and you would hope that a b/g would simply select you based on your ability, but I think in the MTV era you need to be looking your best. It's quite sad.
EDIT: I'll be 26 in May and am balding. It kills me that I need to buzz my head just to hide it. I do it though because I am paranoid of what clients think.
I think its all relative, Ive been looking at this site daily for months and checking out websites from various posters here. From the images posted on the websites you dont know if they are recent or not. Choosing a photog I would first go by how much effort is put into the website, the style of photo's on the site and the overal look that the photog goes for. After this I would shortlist a few and go on personality. I worked with my father for 15 years doing weddings, to be honest he is not the best looking bloke in the world, he is overwieght and usually quite rude. But every bride that came to our house left a deposit and I mean 100% of them in 15 years. Why, because my dad has a knack of making people feel special and making them smile and is totally genuine. So IMHO dont even put one on the site, be judged on who you are and what you do, as after 20 years they wont look back and say hey that photo guy, man he was old bald and ugly !!!
Based on what I have read thus far, I just removed our pictures from the website. I even removed our last name so that there were no question about nationality as well. Who knows what brides think? I was told by one bride that she didn't want to think about anything. When she saw what she wanted she would know it and book it. So, I just gave them less to think about..Y
hahahaha..I have to add..Recently at the bridal shows, we have noticed a decrease in bookings. Maybe it's not the prices that has scared them away. I could be the extra 10 lbs that we both put on since last year.
In a modern age, a modern bride pretty much has her mind made up before she meets you (from the marketing studies I've done). When you meet, you're selling product, not so much yourself. I have a pic on my site, I'm 27 and decent looking (according to my wife). I want people to know they've got a clean cut, cool guy at their service. But then again, you can look like John Michael Cooper and rock out for that segment!
IMHO, if you've got it flaunt it. If not, let your images show it off for you!
I think image overall will have a huge impact. Age is only one factor and i know a lot of photographers in their late 40's early fifties who have been able to maintain a youthful and cool presentation of their business through branding and the perception they have created within their community.
I tell myself that is how i fit. Then again you never know the power of denial.
dennisyvette wrote:
Based on what I have read thus far, I just removed our pictures from the website. I even removed our last name so that there were no question about nationality as well. Who knows what brides think? I was told by one bride that she didn't want to think about anything. When she saw what she wanted she would know it and book it. So, I just gave them less to think about..Y
hahahaha..I have to add..Recently at the bridal shows, we have noticed a decrease in bookings. Maybe it's not the prices that has scared them away. I could be the extra 10 lbs that we both put on since last year. ...Show more →
If a bride is so concerned about your age or nationality as to not book you because of it, then post your photo on your website to save yourself the trouble of scheduling a meeting with them only to get passed up after your presentation without explanation.
Most people make an immediate assessment of you based on how you look .. regardless if that is in person or in a photograph. So always look your best.
There is nothing wrong with being a wedding shooter in your 40's or 50's, just look at the Top Ten lists.
I can't think for a moment that a rational bride would book someone on their appearance and not their portfolio .. "Look at our album .. the pictures suck but the photographer was gorgeous"
I wish this wasn't the way but as far as american society is concerned.....I think a lot of people tend to be superficial and would ignorantly judge a person by what they look instead of there inner qualities.
My wife just barged in and said she would judge by pictures in a portfolio as I would also.
From a photographers perspective who has only done a couple weddings, I think clients obviously like a photographer who is clean, well groomed, has a professional look, and positive attitude/energy. You are who you are. I would post an image, it makes it more personable.
just my five cents
My sister lives in Greenville. Nice part of the country.
Researchers have noted over and over that many judgments people believe are for good,, logical reasons, are actually made instinctively because of our first impression of people's looks, and their other outward characteristics.
So if you do include a photo of yourself on a site, it should really appeal. If you are not sure, ask several people who will be honest.
I agree it's draw as to whether young/modern, or older/experienced is more impressive to prospective clients.
Edited to add, I am a full figured 50 YO lady, I can't be anything else, so I am limited to those clients who are comfortable with that. Many brides prefer me to a man, and have told me so, while glad that my second shooter is a man. As far as I know I haven't lost a job because they worried I couldn't keep up with the work, probably because most people do not know what a tough job this is . But I would NEVER put a picture on a site that highlighted that I was overweight, as I know that is an instant turn-off for the majority of Americans.
? I was told by one bride that she didn't want to think about anything. When she saw what she wanted she would know it and book it. So, I just gave them less to think about..Y