grab your free posing guide

Get Inspired & Explore Our Blog!

Education

Weddings

High school sweethearts, photographers, and educators based in Minneapolis, MN

meet cameron & Tia

Make an Impact by Learning Names

It’s simple right? Just learning names. But what an impact it makes. We’re breaking down how we focus on learning names and serving our clients.

100% Reason to Remember the Name

Who else has that circa 2000’s Fort Minor BANNNNGER playing in their head now? Heck, I brought it up on Spotify to satisfy my craving after that subject line. But let’s get down to business (“to defeat the huns” — I’m sorry, I’m sorry, no more songs!).

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

Last December, a bride’s brother reached out for a Christmas card photo (to which of course, we felt the initial irritation of “NOOO!” there’s no way we can squeeze you in in time to print Xmas cards, UGH! Reach out two months earlier!). But our initial response answered his first question: “OF COURSE we remember you!! We hope that Grace and Jaxson are well!” Two Septembers ago, he was a groomsman in his now brother-in-law’s bridal party. His wife was a bridesmaid and his son the ring bearer in a cute red wagon. Was this just a simple response to an initial inquiry? Yes.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

BUT! We immediately got a reply back expressing how FLOORED he was that we not only remembered him, but knew the names of his family. He was candid in expressing how bummed he was that we couldn’t sneak them in. He was crossing his fingers before reaching out because he had loved his experience with us at his sister’s wedding, but now, he was so impressed with this tiny touch of remembering their names that he was bummed he couldn’t give us his business.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

It’s simple right? Just learning names. But what an impact it makes!!

How We Focus on Learning Names

So here’s what we do on wedding days to make this happen:

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

1. We ask for all family members’ and bridal parties’ names in advance in our wedding questionnaire. On the drive to the venue, we recite them to each other over and over. Obviously you’re not going to walk in and know who’s name goes with what face. But it gives us a leg up if later on in the day we know 4/5 of the bridesmaids and can’t remember the last – but if we go through our memorized list, we’ll know that the fifth is Cassie.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

2. After photographing details, we each casually go around our respective getting ready rooms (Cam with the guys and me with the girls) and introduce ourselves, “Hi my name is Tia, my husband Cameron and I will be photographing you guys today! Eeeeek! So excited!” They of course respond and you can slowly start matching names with faces. It’s a simple way to make a personal impact with each person before you start photographing them. The great thing about this time of the day is that often it moves a bit slower, so as you’re documenting makeup finishing touches or guys hanging out, you can practice your names with faces.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

3. Repeat the names over and over throughout the day. There is nothing sweeter than hearing your own name. So while mom is putting on the bride’s dress, I infuse her name over and over in my feedback: “Stop Sandy, that is just absolutely adorable.” Give direct feedback during bridal party to get the shot how you want it. Not only will we adjust poses with names (“Tess, let’s squeeze in a step closer – YES! Love it!”) but also reward amazing things going on. Maybe you have them scream and shout and the guys feel kinda bland. Make a HUUUUUGE deal about one particular person that went full out (“DANG, Will, that was SO good!”). Not only is Will feeling on top of the world after this praise, but the rest of the guys are going to strive for that too. It becomes competitive.

You need names to be able to do these things quickly! You save so much time adjusting a body angle with a name versus saying “the blonde guy over there” and everyone looking around to see which blonde guy. So not only are you being more efficient, but you’re constantly reinforcing your care in that you clearly know their name and are ready to use it.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

By the end of the night, those names will feel like second nature to you because you’ve chatted with them during cocktail hour and cheered them on on the dance floor (“DAAAHHH get it, Kendra!”). After that, it’s really easy for those names to stick with us and often, a year or so later, we can still name most of our 2018 bride’s bridesmaids.

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

Again, is it freakin’ simple?! Heck yeah! But how many times have you been in a bridal party and been called by name (not including when you already knew the photographer, you sly dog you!)? Cameron and I never have. In fact, we’ve never been asked by the photographer our names when we’ve been in bridal parties. Crazy, right?! And what kind of impact could that have made if you felt known and cared for? So y’all, start memorizing some names – LET’S GO!

Photographer Education on Marketing from Bavaria Downs Wedding

Loving this content? Hold up! We’ve got more for ya! Grab this totally FREE guide by clicking below!

Want to see more of this gorgeous Bavaria Downs wedding? We gotchu, boo!

© Cameron & Tia 

Terms of use

privacy Policy

disclaimer

all rights reserved