Wedding talk on the Radio

[pbyd]

For those that might want to hear two “older” studio owners and wedding photographers talk about wedding photography, tune in to CNN650 AM Straight talk with Dan Parsons on Monday the 17th at 1PM. Alvin Gee ( Houston Family Portrait Photographer - Alvin Gee Photography) and myself Wayne Sandlin ( Photography by Design) will be interviewed by Dan Parsons on the subject of wedding photography. We have only been given the subject of the program and not any questions, so it should be a fun and informative time. The more we as wedding photographers reach out to the community the more we will show our professional side, so many times the only time we hear about wedding photographers is on the news because they have made some big mistake or they have not been profession in their business. I am really excited about this opportunity to share with the public more about this subject. For those that have been to my studio, you know I believe in this business and love to share what I have learned with everyone, from beginners to old pros so give us a listen.

You can listen on the web by going to www.bbbhouston.org and clicking on the CNN650 News logo.

Wayne
Photography by Design

[PhotoByLeal]

It's today @ 1pm, I'm going to try to be in the car to check it out!

[PhotoByLeal]

wedding photogs, a must listen to on the radio or online!

[Chantal]

I'm listening to you now :-)

[Tom]

How did it go? I kept getting phone calls I had to take and missed most of it.

I like that you said that there are plenty of good photographers that aren't in the guild. It seems like some members of various guilds/clubs/whatever seem to go crazy overboard on implying that if you don't belong to their club or a similar club, that they aren't worth hiring/aren't trustworthy/aren't professional.

Anyway, I wish I could have caught more. Hope someone can give a run down.

[Howard Barlow]

It started out great, then it tanked. Wayne said something that upset Alvin. Alvin punched Wayne in the mouth. Wayne got Alvin in a headlock, and accidently kicked the host. They went off the air after about 5 minutes.

.............................
Actually, it was quite interesting.

One point I will mention, in response to Wayne encouraging prospective clients check photographers through BBB, check yourself. NOW!

I am not a member, though now you do not become a 'member'. They have another system. But, a couple of weeks ago, I looked to see if they had any info on me. YIKES! They still rate local businesses, even if not associated with them. I had a 'C-' rating. Say WHAT!?! There were no customer complaints.

I called them to see why I had that rating. Get this, they 'did not have updated info on me'. You gotta be kidding me. I told the lady they had two choices, raise the rating, or get ready for things to get real expensive for them.

I said, "Do you think there may have been people who saw that and chose not to bother calling me? Heck, I wouldn't call me." She said she realized it could be a problem.

You know how I got my rating raised from C- to A-, in one easy phone call? "We don't have a start date for your business." When I told he I opened in '78, she said, "Oh, let me update that. That will likely raise you to an 'A'." It did.

So, I go from a 'C-' to 'A-' because of my length of time in business. They have no other info on me.

She handed me off to sales. I voiced the same complaint to this one. "Oh, heck, I know who you are. You've been around forever." Yeah, well, thanks for all the help.

Check it out, folks. They may well be costing you business, without cause.

[PhotoByLeal]

Howard, that was funny.....
I thought it was a great show.....

[tertius]

The BBB is a bunch of bull. You can buy whatever grade you want for enough money (a company i use to work for did this at least once a year)!

[pbyd]

Kyle,
To the people that want to stay small and play at business, I guess you can think that the BBB is “a Bunch of Bull”, but just in the Houston area the BBB has over 8000 members and this includes most of the larger more successful business and over 3 million members in 212 BBB’s across the U.S. and Canada and in 2012 they will have their 100th year in operation. The BBB board of directors are business people that do care about the image a business should want to have. I will agree the BBB is not for those that do not plan on staying in business, or those that do not want to take their business to the next level. Most photographers know I have been a wedding and portrait photographer for over 40 years now, and done well enough to put two children through college (one a nurse and one with masters in computer science). I say these things not to brag (oh, maybe a little) but to let you know where I come from. I am not a hobbyist or a part-time want-to-be, I really have a full time studio and make a living from it.
The BBB is not in business for businesses it is there for the client. It is there to keep up with scams and let people know about them. I am so sorry if some people get bad ratings from the BBB, but all a business has to do is contact the BBB and work with the client that has complained. I know of many photographers that have well deserved bad ratings because they do not take care of their clients. If complaining clients are a problem with a business, then it would seem that they are not doing business in a proper way. For many people that claim the title of Professional Photographer, the BBB would not be for them because they may not make enough money to pay the membership, or maybe they do not want to be concerned with doing business in an honest open way, I really don’t know peoples personal reasons but I for one believe that our studio will follow a higher business model than others.
This is a link to just some of the FAQ on the BBB site:

The Better Business Bureau FAQs and Information - Houston and S. Texas BBB are BBB standards

I say these things not to condemn but to try to give information that you may not understand. I for one try to help both clients and other photographers so our profession can improve the reputation received because of so many claiming to the public to be in the profession and not acting like a professional. Please do not take what I say as condemnation, and if you would like to disagree with what I have said please feel free to call me at the studio or even come by for a visit and let me know were I am wrong. I must say that being involved in business organizations such as the BBB and Chamber of Commerce I have taken my operation to levels that many would like to reach.

Thanks for letting me have my say,
Wayne
Photography by Design

[tertius]

Wayne,

While I seem to have struck a bone with you, I will do what I can to stay civil and respectful.

You must think I want to go into business as a photographer, I do not. BTW, your pointed comments are noted. The company I worked for was not in photography or anywhere near it. The company was the largest in the US in it's industry and is also international (or is that small time in you opinion?).

While I do agree on some points, I do not on others. Just as Howard Barlow posted, they were hurting his business. And for what? Their lack of information!?!? Nice how they passed him onto "sales" to resolve the issue!

Don't fool yourself, they are a BUSINESS in business for THEMSELVES. Their client is the one paying for membership, complaints can be viewed as up sells if you would like. "...image a business should want to have." is right, the one they "want" to have, but not really necessary TO have.

From the BBB website: "BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’ products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business’ product quality or competency in performing services." So if the business owner takes care of EVERY client and NEVER gets a complaint, they can be rated C- or worse because they, the BBB, lack information?

You are very right about community involvement, it is very important to a successful business!!! While obviously you have been successful and I respect that, I also don't want people to be blind sheep.

I would love to go by your studio one day! I am in Dallas but go to Houston every now and again, I will call to see if you are available next time I go down.

Respectfully,

Kyle

[pbyd]

Kyle,
I will look forward to a visit.
Wayne
Photography by Design