Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or, you know, actually shooting weddings instead of scrolling social media 😉), you’ve probably heard about the “Sepia Bride” drama that’s been taking over TikTok. Well, grab your favorite beverage and get comfy, because we are diving deep into this hot topic on our latest Glow On… podcast episode!

Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Sepia Bride Saga: A Quick Recap

For those who need a refresher, the Sepia Bride drama involves a bride who went viral on TikTok after expressing her disappointment with her wedding photos. Her main gripe? The “sepia-toned” editing style that she felt made her look pale and washed out her makeup.

But here’s the kicker: when you look at the photographer’s portfolio, the editing style is… well, pretty much exactly what the bride received. Plot twist, right? 🤯

Key Takeaways for Photographers

1. Communication is Queen 👑 The number one lesson here? Clear communication is crucial. As Charla points out in the episode, “Communication is everything, always. It’s the number one, healthiest path to happy outcomes.” Make sure you’re on the same page with your clients about your editing style, and don’t be afraid to show examples of how your work looks in various lighting conditions.
2. Showcase Your Range 📸 One interesting point we discuss is the importance of showing diversity in your portfolio. As Jenn says, “Why don’t you show me tidbits of the entire wedding day with a diverse variety of people all over your website and Instagram?” This means including shots from different parts of the day, in various lighting conditions, and featuring a range of skin tones and body types.
3. Set Realistic Expectations 👩‍🏫 Remember, your Instagram feed is a highlight reel. Make sure your clients understand that not every shot will look like a golden hour portrait. As we mention in the episode, it’s important to educate your clients on what to expect in different scenarios.
4. Handle Complaints with Grace 🕊️ If you do receive a complaint, take a deep breath and approach it with empathy. As Jenn advises, “Read it, step away, come back and read it, step away. Maybe write the response you want to write in a note, not in an email. Get it out. Get out your feelings. Call a friend.”
5. You’re Not for Everyone (and that’s okay!) 🙅‍♀️ Remember, your unique style is what makes you stand out. As discussed in the episode, “You’re not for everyone, and that’s by design.” Embrace your artistic vision while being flexible enough to meet your clients’ needs.

The Bigger Picture

This viral moment has sparked important conversations about client expectations, artistic vision, and the importance of clear communication in the wedding industry. It’s a reminder that as photographers, we’re not just service providers – we’re artists navigating a delicate balance.

Glow On and Keep Learning!

This episode of The Glow On… Podcast is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to navigating the wild world of wedding photography. Want more insights, laughs, and maybe a few embarrassing stories from yours truly?

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your audio fix. 🎧 And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave us a glowing review (see what we did there? 😉). Your support helps us keep bringing you the content you need to level up your photography game!

Remember, whether you’re dealing with a sepia situation or any other wedding day drama, you’ve got this. Keep glowing, keep growing, and we’ll see you in the next episode!

P.S. Got a wild wedding story of your own? We want to hear it! Drop us a line at glowon@developeacademy.com and you might just hear your tale (anonymously, of course) on a future episode. Let’s keep this conversation going!