Gratitude is in the air and thankfulness is everywhere this season. It’s a busy time of year with celebrations and sales all around. It’s easy to get lost in the commotion of the fourth quarter, but don’t let the opportunity to say thank you slip by!

Those in the retail and service industries are hustling more than ever as the year comes to a close. Professional photographers definitely have their plates full as holiday deadlines and last-minute requests flood their inboxes. Finishing up album designs just in the nick of time, and delivering professional wedding albums to clients before the holidays is a juggling act! This time of year is magical and money-making, so be sure to acknowledge all that is good with a mighty TY!

If you’re living the busy season dream, here are some easy ways to express how grateful you are for those you work with and for. 

Thank Your Vendor Friends (Friendors)

Have you worked with a florist, or an event planner whose design and insight help make your images even better? Be sure to tap them for a special thank you. Send a personal note via email with a link to images that you created that show off their work.

Know a butcher, a baker, or a cupcake maker, who creates tasty spreads and stunning treats? Again, go through an event or two and send over a few images that put their delicious dishes front and center, along with a message of thanks!

A nice professional pat on the back will certainly get you tagged in posts and keep you top of mind for referrals. Gratitude is a win-win. 

Thank Your Assistants 

Do you work with second shooters, interns, photo assistants, hair and make-up artists, or graphic designers? Teamwork makes the dream work and serving up thank yous can be as simple as compliments and coffee.

Share an experience that you had together and how great it was to be a team. “Thank you so much for your assistance during the Smith/Jones wedding. Your insight and ability to work with the small kiddos were really impressive! Couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you so much for your dedication. Have a cuppa Joe on me.”

Thank Your Clients

You wouldn’t be where you are today without your customers from the past and present. Sending an email or handwritten card can really make an impression. It can also potentially get you referrals and new business, but right now we’re just being grateful so…

Reaching out to current clients and wishing them a happy holiday, and taking a moment to thank them for making your 2022 amazing – is really that simple. Gratitude is easy.

Contact past clients and remark on special moments that occurred during their celebrations. People love being remembered. Note that you appreciate the trust they put in you to capture their special day. 

For past clients who did NOT  order an album, sharing a simple brochure, like the one in Zookbinders turnkey S.M.A.R.T. program can be a nice add-on to the message. 

“Ken and Lisa, I was honored to photograph your wedding in 2021. The Palace of Fountains was such a beautiful place for a celebration. Your wedding day was really spectacular and I just wanted to thank you for hiring my team to capture your day.

I was curious, did you ever create a wedding album? I’d be happy to help you with that. I’ve attached a brochure with more details.” 

Is that sales-y, yes, but selling is helping and you are there for it.

At Zookbinders we want to say thank you to all our customers, past and present. Without your time and talent, there wouldn’t be professional wedding albums.