Guide to Writing a Great Review for Your Photographer
Hey there!
If you've found your way to this page, it's likely because a) I sent you the link, and you're being incredibly kind by checking it out, or b) you're on the lookout for tips on how to craft a stellar review for your wedding photographer! Whichever it is, I'm thrilled you're here.
I've put together a bunch of helpful information to guide you through the process of writing a glowing review for your photographer. From why it's so important to leave reviews for your vendors to what exactly you should include in your review, I've got you covered.
But before we dive in, let me just say that great reviews are all about being specific, informative, and personal. Feel free to let your own voice shine through! And if brevity is more your style, that's totally cool too.
Now, onto the good stuff! Here's what you can expect:
A set of questions to help you structure your review.
A sample review template to get your creative juices flowing.
Tips on where to post your review to make the biggest impact.
And of course, a gentle reminder of what to do if a 5-star review just isn't in the cards.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), get comfy, and let's make some magic happen with your review!
Where to post your reviews for me (in order of priority)
In an industry where every photographer worth their salt is already dominating Instagram, churning out blog posts like there's no tomorrow, and pouring thousands into advertising, there's one thing that truly sets us apart. And surprisingly, it's not something we can achieve on our own.
It's something we rely on you, our cherished clients, for. This is where your help becomes invaluable.
YOUR voice has the power to sway those lovebirds teetering on the edge of a decision.
YOUR words have the ability to uplift others grappling with similar uncertainties, hesitations, or anxieties.
YOU, in your own distinct manner, are the ones who truly showcase our worth.
So, as we embark on this journey together, let your voice be the guiding light that illuminates the path for others. Together, let's create moments that transcend time and capture the essence of love in its purest form.
Questions to answer in your review
Consider these questions as stepping stones to guide your thoughts. You may not address every single point, but they're here to provide some direction if you're feeling stuck in front of a blank screen. Let them spark your creativity and lead you towards sharing your unique perspective.
1) How did you find your wedding photographer?
Sharing how you discovered your wedding photographer can offer insights into where they're most engaged and highlight the platforms they prioritize. Here are a couple of examples:
"We stumbled upon Aniyah's captivating work while scrolling through Instagram. Her vibrant feed, boasting an engaged community of over 50,000 followers, instantly caught our eye and sparked our admiration."
"Aniyah made a lasting impression on us when we met her at the WeddingExpo Show in San Francisco. Her warm smile and down-to-earth demeanor immediately eased our nerves, leaving us confident that she was the perfect fit to capture our special day."
2)What did you book them for exactly?
This is fantastic because it incorporates keywords into the review, which Google "reads" to understand the content. When multiple people use the same keywords, it signals to Google that those terms are significant, ultimately boosting our search ranking. So, by weaving in relevant keywords naturally, you're not just sharing your experience—you're also helping us shine brighter in search results.
As you'll notice, certain words that I value and want to be associated with appear frequently in client reviews. For instance, phrases like "candid," "communication," "planning," "light," "elopement," "intimate," and "feel" are not only descriptors of our work but also keywords that help improve our visibility on Google. Huge thanks to my incredible clients for spotlighting these words and contributing to our online presence!
3) How was my communication with you throughout the process?
This is a crucial insight that many couples are eager to learn about. In the world of wedding photography, where creativity reigns supreme, some photographers have gained a reputation for being a tad elusive and slow to respond. So, emphasize how effortlessly reachable and responsive your photographer was! Highlight their availability and promptness in communication, painting a picture of reliability and professionalism.
"Hakim was incredibly responsive to all my questions and concerns. I could always count on a reply from him within 24 hours, often even sooner!"
"Rae made sure to outline clear next steps in every email, leaving us feeling confident and guided by a true pro through the entire process. It was like having a trusted expert leading us every step of the way!"
4) What unique concerns did your photographer manage to address?
Once again, let's delve even deeper into the personal side of things. Here are a few examples:
"Planning our wedding in just three weeks felt like a daunting task, but Macy's unwavering attention and open communication made the process surprisingly smooth. With her guidance, we navigated every step with confidence, and our special day turned out even more magical than we imagined."
"Struggling with self-consciousness about my weight has always been a challenge, but Ayomide's talent for capturing natural beauty and her knack for posing made me feel like a radiant bride. She not only captured stunning images but also helped me embrace my true self with confidence."
"At first, the idea of investing in a photographer for our elopement gave me pause due to the cost. However, looking back now, I realize that the priceless memories captured by our photographer are worth every penny and more. Their guidance and expertise transformed our elopement into a cherished story we'll proudly share with future generations."
5) What stood out to you the most about the experience?
This is an important point to address, as it dispels any preconceived notions that wedding photography is rigid, dull, or uncomfortable. Many individuals worry about feeling awkward or stiff during the photo sessions, so it's crucial to highlight how your photographer made the experience enjoyable and natural. Here are a couple of examples:
"Working with Tenayah was an absolute joy. She went above and beyond to make us feel empowered and at ease, guiding us to simply be ourselves. Despite our tendency to be a bit goofy, Tenayah's encouragement and coaching made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. It was truly miraculous how natural and relaxed we felt throughout the entire process."
"I had anticipated a tedious and uninspiring photography session, resigned to the idea of simply enduring it with a forced smile. However, the experience turned out to be anything but dull. It was an incredibly intimate and wonderful experience, and I found myself feeling even closer and more connected to my fiancé than ever before. Our photographer helped us create genuine moments of joy and love, capturing the essence of our relationship beautifully."
6) How do you feel about the final photos?
Let's infuse some heartfelt personal touches into our review. Here are a few examples to get us started:
"The moment my husband and I laid eyes on our wedding photos, we were utterly captivated! We turned it into a cozy date night, snuggling on the couch and gazing at the images on our big screen. Witnessing my husband tear up at our first look photos was just as heartwarming as seeing him react to me in my wedding dress for the first time!"
"Our small, intimate wedding exceeded all our expectations, thanks in large part to Pilar's incredible talent behind the lens. The finished photos exude sophistication and elegance, capturing every moment with a touch of refinement and fun. Pilar truly elevated our backyard celebration, transforming it into a scene straight out of a fairy tale!"
"As someone who tends to be a bit of a perfectionist, I had high hopes for our wedding photos. That's why we spared no expense in hiring Shantanu, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny! Shantanu's photos surpassed even my wildest expectations, capturing the most intimate and candid moments with an artistry that left me in awe. Each image is filled with an abundance of love and light, exceeding all our dreams for our special day."
With these heartfelt reflections, let's craft a review that truly reflects our gratitude and appreciation for our photographer's exceptional work.
7) Would you recommend your photographer to friends and family?
A sample photography review template
Nia photographed our June 2023 wedding at Bellavista in Sintra, and I would totally recommend her!
We first contacted Niaafter seeing her work on Instagram. The quality and style of her images stood out in a crowd of wedding photographers. We were looking for a candid-style wedding photographer with a relaxed style that’s both modern and timeless.
Nia’s vibe aligned exactly with what we were seeking. After meeting with her over Google Meet, it became clear that we had found a great match, both in terms of style and personality.
The connection and ease we found with her shows through in the final product. We are generally very awkward and have a tendency to pull silly faces the minute a camera is in our vicinity. Nia knew exactly how to make us feel like we were just hanging out with a friend.
We also did an engagement shoot, which at first I was doubtful about. At Nia’s suggestion, we went ahead with it. I’m so glad we did. It was useful to practice posing and working together ahead of our wedding. We have the most beautiful and unrushed photos from that magical time right before the big day.
On the wedding day, things ran late and we had little time for pictures. But we managed to hit the ground running having had ample experience during the engagement session. Also the pics are stunning, filled with that glowy, flattering light. On a practical note, Jane was consistently communicative, agile, and punctual throughout the entire process. She would often check in with us and offered a wealth of planning resources from her popular YouTube channel.
Nia’s eye for detail is astounding, and beyond her technical expertise, she is a joy to work with. On the day she deftly navigated complex family dynamics, moved swiftly through the portrait session, and knew when to blend into the background and when to assert herself to get the best pictures.
Our family members assumed Jane must be a friend, because of how well she was able to connect with our group.
If you value photography and want someone who is a master of their craft and a true professional all-round, look no further.
We will treasure these photos forever. Thank you, Nia!
A great review brings the transaction to a close
A stellar review serves as the perfect conclusion to our journey together. As wedding photographers, we often experience a mix of excitement and nerves when sending out the final gallery to our clients. After the whirlwind of the wedding day, followed by hours of editing and anticipation, it can feel a bit disheartening to not hear back after hitting that 'send' button.
Truth be told, it's not uncommon for clients to go silent once they receive their photos. Weddings are busy, emotions run high, and decompressing after the festivities takes precedence. But as much as we understand the need for space and time to soak in the memories, hearing your thoughts and feedback means the world to us.
So, whether it's a heartfelt thank you, a detailed review, or even constructive criticism, your words help us understand how we've captured your special day and how we can continue to improve. Your feedback closes the loop on our journey together and ensures that we're always striving to exceed your expectations.
Receiving that incredible review (or even private feedback—both are invaluable!) allows us to mentally wrap up the entire process. It's not just about the warm fuzzies of appreciation; it's also about tying up loose ends on the backend. You see, there's a bit of housekeeping to be done, like finally tidying up and deleting the thousands of outtake photos we know won't be needed—because a happy client means a job well done!
What to do if you can’t give your photographer a 5* review?
Due to the significant weight 5-star reviews carry, it's essential to consider how a lower rating might impact our overall reputation. In our line of work, 5-star ratings are the gold standard, and maintaining this level of excellence is both expected and reasonable.
However, your honest feedback is incredibly valuable to us, especially when it comes to areas where we can improve. Whether there were aspects of the process that didn't meet your expectations, or if there were any discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered, we genuinely want to hear about it. Your insights are not only helpful for us but also for future clients who deserve nothing but the best experience.
Please feel free to share any constructive feedback with us privately, either via email or phone call. We're eager to learn from both the positive and negative aspects of your experience.
Rest assured, your candid feedback won't hurt our feelings—in fact, it's quite the opposite. Knowing where we can improve allows us to make necessary adjustments and ensure a better experience for future clients. So please, don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns or suggestions. We're here to listen and grow.
To wrap up, your voice matters more than you think—it can sway potential clients who are on the fence and inspire others facing similar doubts or fears.
Thank you for reading!