We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jalisse Bechtel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jalisse below.
Jalisse, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
I had a couple that booked at Heritage Park in Calgary for her wedding venue. She was notified after booking that her date would fall on ‘Alberta Day’ , meaning the wedding location would be opening its doors to a mass amount of people. Originally the couple was told it would be a private event since the park didn’t open until after the time of their ceremony, however there was 20,000 people that flooded the park that day! I could sense the couple (who I didn’t meet until the day of), were feeling stressed. The parking alone took approximately an hour to get into for parking, which resulted in guests being late. I always arrive a few hours before any wedding to ensure I take into consideration any possible hiccups such as parking like this day and the crowds.
With them only hiring me for half day coverage, the timeline was tight as is. The ceremony ran 30 minutes behind and the mass crowds made it difficult to find private areas for photos. I was able to scout out two spots for photos that were off the main roads prior to starting my coverage.
After the ceremony, I officially introduced myself and assured them that the photos of the two of them {and their family and friends} are my top priority. I could sense that the more positive I was and relaxed, the more they could feel at ease as well. I brought the family photo list, handed it to a family member that would organize the groupings and we ran through the list quickly. I set alarms on my phone to know how much time I had with each location for the couple and confirmed with the reception coordinator that we could arrive 15 minutes late to get all the photos we needed.
After the wedding was over and I was in the editing process, I made sure to edit out any stranger in their wedding photos to make it feel like they had the park to themselves as originally planned when they booked with the park. I feel like when a client has unexpected problems that arise, the best thing a vendor can do is to be realistic but also positive. Yes, the day was going to run behind that was inevitable, but our ability to navigate the hurdles is our job. To offer solutions where we can and let the clients still feel that they have some form of control for what unfolds.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Jalisse (like “Feliz Navidad’ with a J)! I got into photography during high school when I second shot a wedding for a friend. I slowly took on a few shoots to pay for my student loans while I was studying to become a Social Worker. I graduated from university and after two years working as a counselor, I decided to prioritize photography. In 2013 I left my Social Work position and went all in with photography!
My main service I offer is wedding photography which keeps me busy from spring to fall. I also enjoy family and lifestyle newborn sessions which I sprinkle in through my season. I think what makes me stand apart in this industry would be my outgoing personality. I love to give direction with my clients and make them feel confident during the process. Having photographed over 180 weddings, I understand how it all unfolds and how to work with my clients to create a timeline that works best for them.
My shooting style is a mix of candid and posed. I love capturing the in – between moments that are unplanned and having fun with my couples, while also getting those romantic and more serious bits too. Having grown up in small towns, I love simplicity and being outdoors which reflects into my work as well. I get most excited when I am in the mountains or at country weddings.. they forever have my heart!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
From my experience, successful social media presence doesn’t necessarily mean how many are following you, but what you are putting out there for your current followers to see. You could have 10k followers with little to no business and you can also have 100 followers with plenty of business.
The key is to assess which platforms are most beneficial for your type of business. For photography, Instagram was initially photo based and really helped boost my business. However, you will notice any platform will plateau and a new company will arise. When it comes to Instagram, I have found success in sharing more personal aspects of me because I do feel your personality is what will set you apart. Sharing behind the scenes videos or my side passions (chickens, renovations, camping) can always warm up your audience.
Overall the most beneficial platform for my business is simply my website. How I navigate SEO, blogging regularly, maintaining reviews, is what keeps more inquiries coming in. At the end of the day, your website will be key to connecting your viewers from your social media platform to your work.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
WORD. OF. MOUTH. Your clients sell you best!
I know that is an old school mentality, but I strongly stand by that. And perhaps a newer form of ‘word of mouth’ would be online reviews. When strangers read other reviews and can get a feel of what they may experience when hiring you, it gives them that confidence to book! After most gallery deliveries for my clients, I will request in the email for a review on their experience.
Most clients don’t know the best way to say ‘thank you’ with photographers, and I personally think a review goes a long way. And if you do get a referral, do your best to thank the person that referred you! Repeating clients carry so much value in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jalissephotography.com/
- Instagram: @jalissephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JalissePhotography/