I remember the struggle of trying to find the perfect photographer when I was getting married. I spent a full day creating a spreadsheet that listed out price ranges and websites and then ranking each photographer based on his or her photographic style. That day, my fiance (now husband) came home from work to find me crying at the kitchen table over decision anxiety. After all of the effort, I’m sad to admit that I ended up not choosing the best wedding photographer for myself. This is one of the reasons I chose to open Ashley Gerrity Photography and why creating an impeccable client experience is so important to us.
There are so many factors that are involved in the decision to hire a wedding photographer and most of these are almost never mentioned on them at your major websites or written down in the planners. Of course your budget, love of a photographer’s style, and connection with your photographer are critical to making a decision, but what else should you be taking into consideration?
Finding the perfect photographer shouldn’t be just about pricing and style. Some of the best photographers will have a professional studio space where they can host, connect, and work with clients to give them the experience they deserve.
With You From Start to Finish
According to a recent industry survey, fewer than 10% of photographers on the market have any type of physical studio. This is one of the things that makes Ashley Gerrity Photography truly unique. At our conveniently-located studio space in a historic old home in East Norriton, we have a professional place to meet, a variety of wall art samples, and tons of albums that you can browse while we chat about the experience you are looking to have with your wedding photography.
We regularly welcome clients into the studio for initial consults, wedding planning, photo viewing, and album design sessions. Because of our studio space, we’re better able to care for our couples in a personal, relationship-building way, as they prepare for their wedding day and as they make decisions about how to enjoy their wedding photos.
After the wedding, many of our couples will return to the studio for us to capture their newborn or family images. Although we love being able to photograph in-home newborn sessions and on-location family portraits, there is something so classic about a studio cake smash session or family pictures around our stunning Christmas tree! In this gorgeous space, we’re excited to offer a great alternative location for family portraits, branding, and headshots. We also are partnered with Elegance Artistry to provide on-location hair & makeup in the studio’s fully stocked beauty space!
The Studio Experience
We love working with our clients at the studio and we always want to make sure the experience is fun. So we have a few good bottles of wine, coffee, tea or hot chocolate to enjoy while listening to a great playlist. It is our pleasure to make you at home so that we can get to know you and your dream wedding.
Locally Owned, Small Business
When considering a studio, I always recommend working with one that is individually owned, so that you can be in direct contact with the owner. Although you may save money working with a national chain or even a regional conglomerate, your ability to connect with the photographer who will be present on your wedding day and involved in the process both before and after the day itself may be limited.
With an individually-owned studio like ours, you will have the chance to meet and talk with your chosen lead photographer. Even if you are working with our associates, as the business owner, I am still personally involved in the planning process for each of our couples. In fact all of our clients have my direct contact information. This ensures that if any issues arise along the way, I am personally there to help.
Beyond the bespoke experience (which is worth its weight in gold!), working with a locally-owned, small business has other perks. Our whole team lives in greater Philadelphia and loves it with all of our hearts! Working with our studio gives you a chance to support our community with your investment, just as we’ll support you through your experience!
When choosing a photographer, consider the value that a real studio location can offer to you and your overall experience before and after your wedding day, and later in life at times when working on location or in your home may not be right for you.
xo Ashley
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