We (James & Louise) live In Bristol with our 2 year old son (expecting our 2nd baby any day now). We run a website called Wonderland Avenue an online directory promoting the very best UK wedding
photographers.
How did you end up doing this?
When we got engaged back in 2006, James, a commercial photographer, was sent off to ‘find the perfect wedding photographer’. He thought a couple of hours on the web would do the trick but he was very wrong!! It took months of scouring websites, magazines and directories to find a photographer who could offer what we were looking for, and just as we thought we had it cracked, he would stumble upon another… What we really needed was a site that brought brilliant photographers together and had already done all the research for us, so finding a wedding photographer could be as painless as possible. And so Wonderland Avenue was born!
What inspires you?
When we started the research for WA we didn't really know what we'd find, however when I came across photographers like Steven Gerrard, Emma Case, David McNeil & Ed Peers I was absolutely blown away with the quality of their work & it's talented photographers like these that provide the inspiration for our site.
If you weren’t running your business ,what would you be
Along side WA I run my own business (james king photographer).. photography is all I know & is all I've ever done.
When you’re not running your business, where can we find you?
With my family, or at a motocross track or when I can persuade Louise, both!
How can photographers get listed on your site?
Photographers can apply for membership via the form on our website [http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/photographers-area]. If after having a look at their work I feel our site is right for them they will be invited to upload information & images. Our members can either pay Monthly £22.00 or annually £220.00.
We are looking for talented photographers, some may have been in the business for years, some may be just beginning to establish themselves but the bottom line is quality. We like to see clearly designed & well presented websites with galleries showcasing full weddings not just a dozen 'best of' shots. Sensitive application of post production techniques is also very important to us.
Why would they want to be listed on your site?
There are literally dozens of photographers directories online today all vying for a piece of the action, ours is different. Our members are hand-picked, you cannot simply pay & join. A Google search of 'wedding photographer London' returns over 3 million results, couples are overwhelmed by choice. We aim to make that selection process much easier, instead of having to wade through thousands of websites wondering 'is this wedding photographer any good?' visitors to our site can simply browse a concise list of quality wedding photographers in their area and trust that we strive to include the very best the UK has to offer.
What tips can you give readers?
It's well worth making sure your own website really showcases your work to its full potential. There is so much choice out there for engaged couples and a well designed website can really make the difference.
Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
Because we were developing a website we looked at other successful online businesses, We really liked sites like Baby Friendly Boltholes and Mr and Mrs Smith who provide directories with a twist. Well designed, clearly laid out sites coupled with expertly researched options. We always felt reassured booking through them & I think that’s the kind of experience we want couples to have when they visit us.
Best marketing idea?
We identified very early on the influence of blogs like Rock'n'Roll bride & Love my Dress who were promoting talented & creative wedding photographers, by advertising on these blogs we can get our message to ten's of thousands of couples at a fraction of the cost of print media. Twitter & Facebook are also excellent marketing tools.
Worst marketing idea?
The hard sell.
What do you think makes a photographer successful?
When I think of successful wedding photographers Allister Freeman always springs to mind. Allister is a real storyteller. When looking through his photographs you understand why each one was taken, he isn't just going through a mental check list of shots or snapping away until he has the 600 images he promised the bride, every frame is considered. His website & blog are also excellent, superb image galleries alongside useful advice & information for his visitors.
What’s your weakness in business?
I'm too thinned skinned.
Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a business
It's an old one but it's true... do your research.
.
Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
I think seeing the site go live was pretty special, having spent so long with it in our heads we were thrilled to see the real thing.
Here is where you can find Wonderland Avenue
twitter @Wonderland_Buzz
Facebook Wonderland Avenue
Website http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/
Blog http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/blog
think i just found my wedding photographer!
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