I’m Worried About The Lack Of Enquiries: Dear Devlin
I’m Worried About The Lack Of Enquiries
Dear Devlin,
Hi, I am a 63 year old male wedding photographer and been in the business for over 40 years, using film and gunpowder flash!! I am very worried at the lack of enquiries coming through. I have been use to doing between 35 and 40 weddings a year. Mostly with a fee of less than £1k. I attended 4 wedding fayres in 4 weeks and got no interest at all. I have 5 booked in for 2026 and now decided it is time to try and seek some help/guidance from industry experts.
Best wishes Quiet From Quietland
“Not every couple is looking for someone who is constantly updating their Instagram with trends or who is focused on creating social media content. Many couples are seeking someone who can deliver timeless, classic, and understated photography, someone who truly understands the gravity and significance of their wedding day. ”
Dear Quiet from Quietland,
Thank you for reaching out, and first off, congratulations on your remarkable career. Forty years of photography, particularly in the wedding industry, is something to be incredibly proud of, and your experience is invaluable.
I completely understand your concerns about the lack of enquiries recently, especially considering how well you’ve been doing with around 35-40 weddings a year. You’ve been doing this for a long time, and it’s only natural to feel uneasy when things slow down.
The wedding industry has changed a lot, and yes, there’s no doubt that many younger photographers market themselves in ways that often seem geared to social media and the latest trends. However, I want to suggest something a little different: instead of trying to compete in that space, I encourage you to lean into your unique selling point (USP) and focus on what sets you apart.
The Power of Experience and Gravitas:
You’ve got something that many younger photographers don’t: decades of experience and a deep understanding of the craft. Not every couple is looking for someone who is constantly updating their Instagram with trends or who is focused on creating social media content. Many couples are seeking someone who can deliver timeless, classic, and understated photography, someone who truly understands the gravity and significance of their wedding day.
The Mistake of the Middle Ground:
There’s a common mistake I see both newer photographers and those further along in their careers making: trying to market themselves as if they’re in the middle of their careers. New photographers often try to appear as though they’ve been around longer than they have, and photographers like you, who have decades of experience, sometimes hesitate to emphasise how much expertise they’ve accumulated over the years. This middle part of the market is the busiest so it makes sense to not try to show up there.
Instead, I recommend embracing your distinct position. Younger photographers should promote the fact that they’re “on the way up”, they have fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a hunger to prove themselves. They can build on that sense of newness and energy to attract couples who are looking for something new and exciting.
On the flip side, you should be marketing yourself as an experienced, seasoned professional, offering a level of expertise that younger photographers simply can’t match. Your wealth of knowledge and experience is a huge selling point, it’s a legacy element that many couples will appreciate. Not every couple is interested in someone who is obsessed with trends or social media – some couples want someone who can provide timeless, high-quality photography. This might be on mediums that are challenging for newer photographers, like medium format film which is in demand again.
The Advantage of Experience:
People who have been around as long as you have witnessed and adapted to changes in the industry, and this is a strength. You’re a safe bet – clients know that when they book you, they’re getting someone who’s been through all sorts of situations, who knows how to handle challenges, and who is reliable and trustworthy. Get this language into your marketing and point out the advantages of an experienced photographer, educate people on it.
Make the Most of Your Market Position:
The middle ground of the wedding photography market is crowded, but by embracing your place in the industry, you can carve out a clear and distinct niche for yourself.
- For New Photographers: Embrace your fresh perspective and energy. Play on the fact that you’re “on the way up.” Position yourself as someone eager to capture new and exciting styles, while still offering solid technical skills. Newness is an asset, so own it!
- For Experienced Photographers (like you): Harness your experience as a selling point. Highlight your years of refining your craft, your understanding of the timelessness of wedding photography, and your calm confidence in delivering exceptional work. This is what sets you apart from younger photographers who may still be finding their footing.
A Personalised Approach:
The key is to market yourself in a way that speaks directly to the couples who will value your style, approach, and experience. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend taking our online class with John Dolan, a New York-based photographer with your level of experience who has successfully built a reputation with clients and planners alike through his extensive experience. John is a fantastic example of how someone with your background can still thrive by embracing their years and gravitas in an ever-changing industry.
Final Thoughts:
The wedding industry is indeed evolving, but the demand for experienced professionals who understand the craft remains strong. By clearly positioning yourself as a seasoned, reliable, and expert photographer, you’ll attract couples who are looking for quality and timelessness – traits that younger photographers might not yet be able to offer.
If you’re still passionate about your career and feel the desire to keep going, there’s no reason to stop – in fact, now is the perfect time to embrace your position and confidently redefine your place in the industry.
My final piece of advice is this – what you feel is what you project. What I mean by that is if inside you are feeling done with the industry or that the industry is done with you, then that will come across. But if you feel excited by the industry, that there is still more to learn and you have a place in it, then that will show. Listen to John’s class and you will hear someone who is both a master and a student.
CAN I HELP WITH YOUR
PROBLEM?
Drop me a note with any industry issue that you might have and I will do my best to offer up some advice.
After a couple of decades as a wedding photographer, the chances are high that I will have some experience that might be relevant or have some insight into what your best course of action could be
The process is 100% anonymous, so feel free to share whatever is on your mind currently and know that this is a safe place.
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