Is being a wedding photographer the best job in the world?

These beautiful images of LeeAnn were taken at Calderwood Hall, a gorgeous wedding venue near Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Being a photographer can be quite a hard business. I don't want any sympathy or anything, because I wouldnt swap it for all the world, I love it, but I just want to share some of the pain, the anxiety. First there is the whole business of marketing to attract customers, then there is creating a package of products that the customer likes. Not forgetting the bit about being quite a good photographer, and working on those skills to get fresh ideas. Then there is the wedding day - no pressure there, hey?

And after the wedding there is that moment when you review the images and you see that some of them are not too shabby. Then you show the customer, online, and they seem to like them but they are still small and on a screen. After the customer picks the images, the album design. I love designing albums, probably my favourite bit of the whole process. But, just like painting or any other creative art, what I think is fabulous might not appeal to my customer. Thats okay, I just take one for the team and redesign until I make my customer happier.

Then we go to print. And we wait! Right now Graphistudio, the beautiful Italian album that I offer, is taking about 6 weeks to print and deliver. So, by the time the album arrives, I am so nervous. I review for print and build quality, and then when I'm happy I look at the images properly. Did the design translate onto a page? Is it wow? Did I capture the emotions of a special day?

And then the very worst bit; presenting the album to a customer. This is cold sweat, lip biting, nails stuck into palms terror. Ok maybe that's a bit of exaggeration, but I do so want you to be happy. Actually, no, I want more than just happy, I want you to be over the moon. I want you to be absolutely delighted. I want to give you memories of a special day that will last and last, so that you can look back in years to come and remember how you felt that day.

Some people smile, some cry, some laugh and point and tell a story, some people are more private and just say a quiet thank you and go on their way. The feeling I get from making someone else happy is fabulous. Later, sometimes, I get a little thank you card or an email, and that is just the cherry on the top for me.

"Hi Sandy, Just a wee email to say thanks again. We are so happy with our album and prints and can't wait to show them to our friends and family! Steph x"

And then this is just the best job in the world and for a moment I have no stress or hassle or pressure, and I can't wait for my next wedding ...

Sandy

www.sandrakeddiephotography.co.uk

sandrakeddie@btinternet.com

0141 884 2250