An ongoing eWedNews story involving the statement Why does there seem to be more wedding planners than weddings? continues to gather statements and comments from every vendor category. From event planners to photographers, the growing discussions that have been brewing for years are becoming more concerning to professionals that say they’re finding it harder than ever to run a successful business.
In the photography category, eWN has been speaking with photographers, agreeing they’re competing with a growing number of unemployed amateurs, able to hang a camera around their neck, sync their Iphone to a laptop and place an ad in Craig’s list. “Here I am with decades of experience and I am competing with a twenty-year old that is willing to undercut my price by 75-90 percent. The shame of it is, when the couple comes back from their honeymoon, they are so disappointed by the quality of the work and there is just no way to correct it. How can the day and setting ever be recreated again?” say photographers.
In a gathering of Wedding professionals this week in Baltimore, interviews with all segments of planning and service categories agreed with the theme of the event; technology and its use. But in subsequent discussions it is felt no clear solution was brought into focus, as the discussions turned into the usual lamenting session that we’ve all experienced at some point in our careers. Some told eWN, “We understand the problems but so far, no one has stepped up and clearly stated what can be done to correct the issues.”
It is felt that the use of technology remains at the top of discussions only because it offers part of the solution; streamlining and containing costs. But in the end, discussions conclude it will take a proper balance of equipment, technology and skill to create real value in the market place.
John Drew of Professional Image in Maryland agrees and gave his views on technology this week. Drew discussed the current situation with eWN, telling us how he feels it may all play out. The thirty year photography veteran commented on the story yesterday saying, ”I don't know that I fully agree that as professionals, we will be reduced to the emerging Mobile technology. To me, it is better described as non-personal customer contact. Having done business in a way that allows for the customer to sit down and have an informative and engaging dialog about their needs and wants gives me and them the assurance that what they are contracting is what they will receive on delivery.
I would certainly hope that the days of providing great customer service and relationship building are not being lost to the quick microwave climate that has permeated our society. Am I not willing to embrace change? That’s not what I am saying. Change can be a good thing but change for the sake of change is where I have to question where the benefit is? I am looking forward to continued discussions.”
Others commenting in private discussions in other categories agree, saying the elusiveness of technology and where it will stabilize remains the unanswered question. “It’s not the latest and greatest that matters, it’s how you leverage technology to produce a product that the customer will love; that’s what the end result is all about. Will customers really care that you have the best possible equipment if the final product is a dud? That is the question we all should be asking ourselves and our clients,” say professionals.
eWedNews wants to hear your views. If you are a Professional, part-time professional, consumer or curious reader, please join in the discussion.
eWedNews
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2010
Posted on 02/04/2010
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