2010 was an amazing year for Holly Heider Chapple Flowers. I have been working in the wedding industry for almost 19 years. In the last 2 1/2 years, my business has rocketed through the roof.  I attribute so much of that success to social media, but mostly I need to thank the photographers. I would have no proof of my talents, no record of my work, and certainly no media coverage if the photographers were not supplying me with images. Thank you to every photographer that not only captured my work, but willingly shared their images with me. Each of you helped us reach the place we are today. I was going to compile a list of all of the photographers that I am grateful to but that seemed like a daunting task as I feared I may forget someone.  A list is also not necessary because those of you that have helped me are huge portions of my website, and my blog. You are a constant recorder of my career and my time with my brides. I love, love, love, getting images of my work. I love having pictures of my brides, and I love having documentation of my art. My art is perishable.

I do not want to be overly dramatic, but I have worked very hard to get where I am – 19 years worth of  blood, sweat, and tears. Yes, we cut ourselves in the flower shop and we bleed. We certainly get hot and perspire, and we cry with joy and even fear  -all for the love of what we do. There are no words to express how truly grateful I am for those images or how badly I need them. Without new and fresh quality images, my work looks old, dated, or even of poor quality. One of the biggest problems I hear consistently from fellow business owners in the wedding industry is the struggle to get images from the photographers. There are some photographers who simply believe that sharing their images with other vendors is not worth their time. Nothing is more powerful than another vendor singing your praises, and sharing your work. Unsolicited referrals or accolades from fellow vendors are the strongest recommendation possible. I understand how hard it is for photographers to get images to the vendors of the day, but we little vendors do have big voices and we can tell the world about you. We make referrals and we also get things published. Some of my finest work last year was photographed by photographers who have not sent me images, I have asked repeatedly to no avail. It makes me sick to know that I may only have the images I took. These particular weddings were some of my biggest events last year, and if added to my portfolio, I could show another level of design we are capable of.  The next worst thing is images that are watermarked.  I literally was given images last year that were watermarked right through the center of the bouquet and the centerpieces. Guess what, those images never made my website, or blog. They will not be seen by my clients and I can't submit them for publication.  I was told by wedding industry pros who were critiquing my blog and website that I needed to have all watermarked images removed. At first that seemed harsh, but they explained that my space is about me. I need to have clear beautiful images that portray my work.  I do always give photo credit or even links whenever possible. I understand that having your work out there in the wide web without a logo can be frightening, but honestly the great feedback you will get from your fellow vendors probably outweighs any potential downsides.

Two brights lights is a great way for photographers to share their images if they are looking for an easy method. Simple emails of the images also work perfectly, I can drop the images right into my iphoto. I don't expect to receive discs or hard copies but I do truly appreciate those magnificent gifts when they come.

Several budding floral designers have come to me asking how they can grow their businesses. I repeatedly caution them that it's about their visual presence and that it's essential that they get good images. So often smaller businesses have difficulty obtaining images of their work. Young businesses need the support of our industry- it's important to remember that no matter how big and recognized we become as business owners, it is right, and truly appropriate, to help the next new industry superstar. We all will get so much further by assisting those around us rather than by fending only for ourselves.

Aside from the actual wedding ceremony, nothing is more important than the photography. Photographers rule, they capture the day and they make things last forever. Oh the power, but I will never refer a photographer that will not share their images with other vendors. If I don't have the images, I can't help spread your name around. Weddings are a team effort, so let's help each other out. Once again many thanks to all of the photographers that have helped me, I will be referring you wholeheartedly and lovingly.