We recently connected with Brittany Sordyl and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittany, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
It’s pretty easy to burnout in the wedding industry. The days are long and there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes leading up to the big day. As a wedding photographer for over a decade I have learned when to step back and set boundaries. Between stricter office hours, only offering sessions one to two days a week and limiting myself to one wedding a weekend I have created a healthy work-life balance that not only keeps me feeling my best for myself and my clients but also my family. I also found using a CRM system to keep myself organized is key and use automated emails and prompts where I can. I can’t forget to mention my private editor who keeps us on schedule with our galleries. Years ago I took everything myself but having a team and system in place has allowed me to off-set some of those responsibilities without disrupting my overall client experience.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi there my name is Britt and I am a Wedding Photographer based on Long Island.
My passion for photography started back in High School. I became obsessed with the dark room and the whole creative and tedious process of developing your own photographs and printing your own images. I gave up my free periods to study digital photography and that is when it hit me – I knew I wanted to become a professional photographer.
Right before my first semester of college at LIU Post I switched my major from Art Education to photography and never looked back. I began working in the wedding photography field my second semester of college. I worked my way through college as a wedding photographer and editor, and started my own business shortly after receiving my BFA in Photography.
12 years later I am still running my photography business. Not only do I capture love stories all over Long Island but I also watch my couples grow from fiances to spouses to parents.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Besides the technical side of photography there are so many important things you need to do to run a successful business.
During 2020 when the world shut down obviously weddings were put on hold, canceled or postponed. That was when I realized how important it was to have a contract in place than not only protects the client but also yourself as a business owner. We were dealing with scenarios we had never dreamed of in such a high volume that it was important to make changes and fast.
Communication is key. Setting realistic boundaries and lines of communication from day one is huge. Clients are pouring a lot of time and money into planning their wedding day. Trying to get in touch with their contracted vendors should not be a cause of stress. I always take the time to ease any concerns or answer any questions that may arise between the first inquiry and fulfillment of my contract so we are all on the same page.
Know your market and be humble enough to adapt when needed. With any small business it is exciting when you can increase your pricing, especially if you are sought out months to years in advance. With the current state of the economy the wedding industry is noticing a shift in how far out clients are booking their vendors and reevaluating their budget more so now than in the last decade. I think it is important to leave your ego at the door and be willing to change with the tides to keep your business strong through the tough times.
No matter what you do I think it is important to remember your client comes first. People remember how you make them feel and that is what really matters.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client all starts with trust. Not to brag but I have been to over 500 weddings in my wedding photography career. I have seen what timelines and situations work, and which ones could use some extra attention. Clients that inquire or book with me that trust all of my recommendations really are the best and easiest to work with. I love to share my wedding knowledge with clients to help them have the best day ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://britt-lee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britt_lee_photo/
Image Credits
Britt Lee Wedding Photography
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