NDAs, Client Privacy and Your Wedding Business
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As a wedding professional, one of the most critical aspects of your job is to provide an incredible experience for your client's special day. However, what do you do when your clients request that you don't share any images of their wedding on your website or social media? Or what if they ask you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to ensure their private event remains confidential?
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When I lived in London several years ago, I had the experience of working with high-profile clients that requested NDAs or had strict privacy requests. I personally was happy to oblige with these requests because the monetary and experience-based returns were good for my business at the time.
However, as it was only for a couple of years of my business I was happy to do this. But it was not something I would be prepared to do for the lifetime of my business. I wanted to be able to share my work, and for the longevity of my brand, it was crucial because it was limiting my client base and also the legal aspects were time-consuming and quite stressful at times.
Image by Lina Kivaka
Before I go on there is one thing I must say:
high net worth folks are generally lovely people!
This is my experience, most of the high-net-worth people and couples I have worked with are really good, kind people. One of my previous clients made a hand-made blanket for my baby when they found out I was pregnant!
When I say high net worth, I don’t mean Instagram influencers or TV celebs, I mean rich people. People who drive Volvos instead of Lambos because they are so rich they don’t need to prove a thing. These people are really easy to work with as long as you observe their boundaries, respect them the same as you would anyone else - and give excellent service! So there is no need to be intimidated or feel nervous.
They are just normal people like you and me. They may have had a very different upbringing and schooling etc. But they are just people and in most cases - love to be treated as such.
Navigating Client Requests for Privacy
Tips for Wedding Professionals
So getting back to the main topic. There are certainly pros and cons to working with these types of clients. I will share with you how you can navigate these situations, including how to communicate with your clients about your preference to share images, the pros and cons of working with high-profile clients who require an NDA, and how to handle requests to keep images private.
First Things First - The Importance of Sharing Images
Before we dive into these situations, let's discuss the importance of sharing images. As a wedding business owner, showcasing your work is crucial to attracting new clients. Sharing images on your website and social media not only allows potential clients to see your work but also helps to establish your brand and attract new clients.
Additionally, sharing images can also be beneficial for your clients, as it allows them to share their special day with family and friends who were unable to attend.
Communicating with Clients.
When meeting with potential couples, it is essential to establish upfront that you prefer to share images from the wedding on your website and social media. This can be included in your contract or discussed during the initial consultation. Explain to clients how sharing images helps to showcase your work and attract new clients.
A great way to have them agree is to make it clear that you will not share any images that the client is uncomfortable with and that you will always respect their privacy. An option is to tell them that they can select the images from the photographer’s gallery that can be shared and that the others are to remain strictly private.
Image by Lina Kivaka
What to do When Clients Don't Want You to Share Images
If a client requests that you do not share any images from their wedding on your website or social media, again, explain that this may limit your ability to attract new clients but that you respect their decision.
Make sure to clarify if they are requesting a complete ban on sharing images or if they only want certain images to remain private.
This is the point at which you decide if it is worthwhile for you to work with them going forward.
What to do When Clients Ask You to Sign an NDA
If your couple requests that you sign an NDA, it is super important to carefully consider the pros and cons before agreeing. The benefit of working with high-profile clients who require an NDA is that it can lead to more business and exposure to a higher-end clientele - which is always nice! However, the downside is that signing an NDA can limit your ability to showcase your work and attract new clients.
Before signing an NDA, make sure to carefully review the terms and conditions with a lawyer. Is the agreement fair and reasonable? Does it prohibit you from using images in your portfolio or marketing materials?
If the NDA does include restrictions on your ability to showcase your work, it is important to consider the impact this may have on your business before agreeing to the terms and weighing up the pros and cons.
For instance: high-profile clients are usually well-paying clients so it might be worth working with the client for the financial bonus however, you won't be able to share the incredible work you created for the client. On the other hand, your NDA client may refer you to more high-profile clients leading to greater financial returns. It is certainly a balancing act and only you can decide what is best for your business.
Image by Lina Kivaka
Navigating requests from high-privacy and NDA clients can be challenging for wedding brands. But it is important to remember that every client/couple is unique and that communication is key.
Make sure to establish upfront that you prefer to share images from weddings on your website and social media and explain the benefits of doing so. If a client requests that you do not share images or ask you to sign an NDA, make sure to clarify their wishes and carefully consider the pros and cons before agreeing to any terms.
As a wedding business owner, your ideal goal is to obtain access to beautiful images while respecting your clients' privacy and wishes.
Good luck!
Image credits: Photography by Lina Kivaka via Pexels
