The state of photography

We've been hearing SO much about the declining economy lately I thought I'd comment on the state of photography. We attend a lot of conventions and seminars (we're self-proclaimed junkies) and so many photographers are talking about how their business is really slowing to a grinding halt with he economy. I really have a different opinion about the subject. Perhaps I should preface this with stating I believe this so called recession is being completely caused by the media. I really don't think there IS a problem with our economy but once the media shoves it at you from every direction I can see how there might be a panic.
Sure 2008 has been a bit odd. Weddings are booking later than ever. We started out 2008 with only one wedding on the books but we weren't worried. 2007, be it the lucky 7's or whatever booked REALLY early. I kept saying to myself: 'If someone wants to book a wedding in 2007 and waits until it is 2007 they'll be out of luck' and that's exactly how it happened. 2008 however is a different beast. It's booking, just more slowly and last minute than before. Now 2009 is booking up like crazy and seems like it just might surpass 2007!
We now have 21 weddings and are right on track to achieve our goal of 30. We talk to anywhere from 5-10 new brides each week and many are very excited to work with a photographer who cares about their photography and wedding as much as they do.
These photographers who are struggling make me sad. I study a lot of marketing and want to be different from the competition and I think the reason we haven't seen a slow down in our portraits is our differentiation from others. We really try to go the extra mile with what we do...from cookies and drinks at a wedding consult to all the gifts and bonuses we do...we want to be memorable. I think our very best marketing is with our weddings. We love weddings so it stands to reason we would do our very best to achieve high regard in our client's eyes. We love families and children too though so we're always looking for new ideas. We're actually in the process of revamping out gift with purchase program!
I think the biggest reason we feel such success and abundance when others are lacking is our amazing clients. You all stand beside us and cheer us on. You sing our praises when things go especially well and are always rooting for us. We only achieved 3rd on the KCRG A-List because of our loyal and wonderful clients. We are so very grateful and happy to have such wonderful people in our community and in our lives to make our dream a reality. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately as I really want to move somewhere warmer but I don't thing I could ever leave all of my wonderful clients and friends. I think it's the magic we all create that makes us truly successful and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you. Have a wonderful weekend and thank-you for being in our photography family!