Another collection of random wedding moments, captured across some of Italy's most wonderful venues.
One thing I have always appreciated about my couples is that they choose me for reasons that go beyond a price tag. They connect with the photographs they see, whether on my website, here on the blog or across social media. They recognise something in the way I see things, in the way I document a wedding and in the stories I choose to tell.
And that, to me, is what matters.
I have never been particularly interested in bargains, price wars or offering discounts simply because another photographer is willing to provide a similar service for less. Over the years, I have watched an increasingly competitive market where some photographers seem willing to lower their prices just to secure one more booking.
I understand the business behind it. Weddings are a competitive industry, and everyone is entitled to establish their own pricing, business model and sales strategy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being affordable, positioning yourself differently or adjusting your prices to suit your market.
But there is something rather amusing about the conversations that occasionally happen behind the scenes.
You sit down with fellow photographers, the subject of pricing comes up, and suddenly everyone seems to share the same philosophy:
"I never lower my prices. That's what I charge. If they want me, great. If not, they can find someone else."
Fair enough. I respect that position.
Except that, every now and then, you discover that some of the very same people who proudly preach this philosophy are quietly doing exactly the opposite. Offering substantial discounts, negotiating behind closed doors and accepting bookings at prices they would never publicly admit to.
Now, let's be clear: there is absolutely no shame in changing your prices or negotiating a deal. Business is business. What I find difficult to respect is the hypocrisy. There is no need to pretend to stand by principles you abandon the moment another booking becomes available.
You don't have to convince your peers that your pricing strategy is something it isn't. You don't have to justify your business decisions to anyone. Just be honest about what you do.
Not everyone will appreciate this entry, and that's perfectly fine. I'm not here to make everyone comfortable, nor am I particularly interested in winning a popularity contest among fellow photographers.
I know what I offer, I know how I approach my work, and I know the kind of couples I want to work with.
My work has a value. Whether someone agrees with that value is entirely up to them.
After all, this is my little corner of the wedding industry. My wheelhouse, my rules.
