There must be as many business policies as there are photographers in business. Through the years I have learned by my mistakes and by observing other successful photography business. Here are some policies that have added to the success of my business.

Concerning weddings, require the full payment for the basic package that the bride and groom order. Extras must be paid at the time of the final order. The argument that no goods are in the hands of the buyer must be politely put aside.

If actual proofs are supplied for perusal, one successful photographer I know actually supplies these proofs (over 300 3x5s) to the bride and groom free of charge. The theory is (and it works) that more people over a longer period of time will see the pictures and place more orders. These proofs are too small to use as gifts or for display and their gratitude for the free gift is wonderful for word-of-mouth advertising. I suggest that the proofs be heavily textured to prevent illegal digital scanning.

I believe that a full guarantee of customer satisfaction be a major policy of the professional photographer. The consumer is entitled to be happy with their purchase, even though some criterions are subjective and not the fault of the photographer. No customer should be left with a bad taste in their mouth when they leave the studio. You will reap the rewards in additional referrals and increased orders.

Offer as many free retakes of sessions that have gone wrong for one reason or another. I know that this policy represents additional costs to the studio but the clients have no fault when the two year old won