With the onset of Facebook, Twitter and blogs, we have to keep in mind that everything we post as photographers WILL BE READ. Over time I have noticed that with these outlets it is so easy to get too comfortable with what we put out there. Regardless of our true feelings about any situation especially when it comes to clients, both past, current and potential, we must always come across as positive.
Case in point, I had a wedding that I was so looking forward to as it was an out of town location with great scenery. I was particularly looking forward to capturing some shots with my clients at some of the local attractions. But the entire day was a complete wash out and I pretty much ended up with nothing. Truth be told, the day was a wreck. My hair got wet, a guest knocked my Lightsphere off of my flash in the rush to get out of the rain and the videographer was a total nuisance!
Regardless of the current situation not going the way I would have liked, I kept it positive via Twitter and Facebook. I later found out that the wedding coordinator did the opposite and the bride emailed me thanking me for my positive comments, adding that she was hurt by what she read on the coordinator’s blog. With that said, don’t think that just because the wedding day has long passed and the album has been delivered, that your clients have forgotten you and wouldn’t think to keep up with you online.
Additionally, let’s consider the possible potential clients who may have also read that same post while searching for a coordinator. That bride would have to ask herself, “If this vendor is talking trash about this wedding, what will they say about mine?” It’s a complete turn off, not to mention unprofessional.
Our blogs, FB, etc. should be utilized as extensions of our marketing efforts. Positivity should always be the objective when posting any comments. So, if you have clients as FB friends, or followers on your blog/Twitter, keep this in mind. Don’t get too comfortable by losing sight of your social networking objectives as a business tool. Keep it classy!
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Throughout her career, Tracey has focused on people and what they do. Whether she is photographing musical icons or weddings, her goal is to show her vision through photography.
Inspired by creativity, quality and an unquenchable passion for style, Tracey’s passion for photography is always without compromise. With her dynamic approach to wedding photography, Tracey captures both timeless traditional imagery and contemporary candids. Tracey works closely with all clients to ensure that no detail is overlooked.
After receiving her BFA in Professional Photographic Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology, Tracey headed to Atlanta, where her work has appeared in Upscale and Jezebel Magazine. Her client list has also included Warner Bros. Records, So So Def Recordings and Soft-Sheen Carson.
- Named one of The Knot’s Best Of Weddings Pick in 2008 and 2009
- Member: Professional Photographers of America
Company: Tracey Brown Photography
Phone: 404-932-6917
Email: tracey@traceybrownphoto.com
Website: http://www.traceybrownphoto.com
Blog: http://www.traceybrownblog.com
Twitter: @traceybrownfoto
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey-Brown-Photography/58827378335
Photo Credit: © 2011 Tracey Brown
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Such a great post!
A local business owner didn’t get paid by a client. She took her frustration to FB and asked what she should do; she got loads of responses that ranged from helpful advice to suggestions to TP the client’s house and a few not so nice comments.
What was forgotten was that the business owner had friended her client on FB so the client got to witness the attacks. And potential clients (friends of the client) witnessed this too.
I learned a big lesson and I was just a witness.
Great post Tracey! Glad to see you guest writing. 🙂
I agree with your sentiments regarding what occurs in the business, good or bad, shouldn’t be reported as bad via social media because (some) clients do watch. I never discuss what occurs with a client that way via social media, or rarely even discuss when I am shooting or not. I do blog it and discuss the experience at times.
As far as negativity and positivity goes on other topics, I am my real self on social media. A client hires a person, not a camera operating robot. Thus, if I have intellectual discussions on other topics, and my views do not match a client’s and they feel that now they cannot hire me, it is their choice. However, I won’t mask who I am in the “hopes” of being hired.
I do agree that badmouthing clients and experiences is a BAD idea. I also feel that conversations about the industry, other forms of arts, culture and society will not always reflect common views across the boards between people in general, let alone clients and photographers. And, if such views are used as hiring guidelines it is their choice. But as photographers and other artists, we “hire” too. Clients aren’t the only ones making decisions.
Great article, I hope to see other articles from you soon. 🙂
Great post! All too often I see photographer friends or other businesses who seem to forget that their professional pages should be kept professional, and they end up complaining about daily musings. Another great tip to avoid awkwardness if you add clients to your personal Facebook page is to create a list for clients only, and to have special rules to apply to those people, such as hide photos/posts you’re tagged in from others (maybe that drunken college picture your friend posted is a horrible one). Keep the happy/perky you visible to your clients and hide political or controversial topics. Just an added thought!