WPJA MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Please use the WPJA Contact Us form to submit your testimonial. Be sure to select 'Testimonial' in the subject drop-down menu.
These are now displayed at the bottom of each regional listing page.
JENNIFER CHASE, DC
Hi, just wanted to say you guys are doing a great job. I've gotten a ton of referrals from WPJA and the brides tend to have very sophisticated tastes.
LEE YOW SIANG, SINGAPORE
Its amazing how WPJA have grown, just simple do wedding photography search on any search engines and see what appears. Need not say more. 50% of my quality clients comes from here.
CORINE TRAN, LA
Becoming a member was a personal goal and I hope to continue to be a member. Being a member has helped in search engine listings and I have booked 3 weddings from my membership.
KELLA MACPHEE, NJ
I've been a member of The WPJA for a few years now and it has definitely given me a real jump start to my business! It's a great resource for unique wedding photographers! Couples are looking for something different and fun and The WPJA provides them with some awesome choices!
ERIC JOSEPH, NJ
Becoming a member of the WPJA was a personal goal. I was
referred to the organization by a bride who mentioned our style was
just what they represented. I'm very thankful to be a part of the
organization and hope to continue to strive toward the standards the WPJA represents.
I also spread the word about being a member to my clients and let each
client know about the organization as well to better show our work and business is represented by more than just an advertised site.
AUREL VIRLAN, ROMANIA
I'm a very new member of the WPJA... For me it is an honor and I feel proud when somebody finds me from the WPJA .
The WPJA is a wonderful world of photography... I spend hours just watching amazing moments, faces, details...
ALASDAIR MCBROOM, IRELAND
Since joning the WPJA just over a year ago I have had three bookingsas a result, one from Canada, one from the US and another one locally here in
Northern Ireland who stumbled across the WPJA site. All the couples stated that the fact that I was a member of the WPJA swayed their decision making and
made them eventually opt for me.
DANIEL SHEEHAN, WA
I just wanted to say how happy I am with my listing. Two weeks ago, I redesigned my website and I have had 61 referrals from WPJA and booked one wedding.
Thank you David.
JEZ DICKSON, ENGLAND
Just a note of thanks really. Since being accepted as a
member of the WPJA I have found a reputable reference point that's
focus is on improving the overall standards of wedding photojournalism
and the attitude and approach of wedding photojournalists. This should
be applauded as the knock on effect it has on its members and in turn
their clients can only be of benefit to all concerned.
Adam Welch, CO
I just wanted to thank you for starting and maintaining the
WPJA. I love it. I am not surprised it is a highly criticized
organization. That is because it is an exceptional organization that
is dramatically changing the industry. I can say for myself, I
probably would not still be shooting weddings if it were not for the
WPJA. Being a part of a group that values truth, ethics, and
authentic imagery as strongly as I do is very important. When I say I
am a member of the WPJA, that is the best tool I have to establish
that I am a professional, with an ability to tell the AUTHENTIC story
of their wedding.
I was just talking with a friend of mine about authenticity, in regard
to the rise in popularity of Hip Hop. Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul
and multi-millionaire, said: "What the corporations dont understand is
that the only formula for success in the [music] industry is
authenticity." People know and respond to authenticity when they see
it --whether that is in music, film, television, or photography. That
is why the WPJA is so threatening to purveyors of inauthentic
products. They know it is a serious threat to the survival of their
business, and the wedding industry is, unfortunately, chock full of
inauthentic vendors. I hope this whole WPJA phenomena turns the
industry on its head and completely changes the reputation wedding
photography. And that is EXACTLY what the industry fears.
Keep up the good fight David. You are onto something big.
ANNIE ANGELOPOULOU, GREECE
From the first day you gave me the chance to join WPJA I felt I found my
soul mates in photography. The spontaneity, emotions and truth reflected in
the photographs of WPJA members gave me joy because since then I could
rarely see wedding photographs of such honesty. I feel privileged I joined
the community you founded and I thank you for that. Before even knowing the
existence of WPJA (you see I live some thousands kilometers away from you!),
whenever I shared my point of view on wedding photography with some
professional wedding photographers in Greece, I received their contempt.
They regarded wedding photography as a boring job which could offer nothing
to the photographer except money. On the other hand, fine art photographers
could never believe that wedding photography could have artistic virtues.
But WPJA proved that there are some wedding photographers out there who
enjoy capturing the happy moments of couples, who are passionate with
photography, who have artistic values and last but not least offer quality
services to their clients.
The community you founded gives joy to both photographers and couples
to be married. You should be happy for that! Please, have in mind that I am
on your side.
Best regards,
JOHN VALLS, OR
WPJA has quickly become the most effective web referral tool for us. We are happy that we joined and pleased to be a member.
Many thanks
TOM SPADER, NJ
1. I'm actually impressed with the amount of inquiries I've gotten from the WPJA listing. On a forum I was told not to expect too much from my membership other than networking and contests. But I've had at least 15 inquiries and 10 bookings in the year I've been a member
2. I know that when someone has found me through "our" organization they know where I'm coming from and I know what they are looking for. It really helps with the first ten minutes of the initial conversation. When the couple, usually the bride, says she found me on the WPJA, we know we are artistically on the same page and can get right down to business. I am still a full time newspaper photographer and have changed my schedule at the paper to be available for weddings Friday through Sunday. I shoot journalistically every day of the week and need not change my style on the weekends. Being able to translate my 20+ years in PJ into the wedding world has been more rewarding than I thought it would be. With the WPJA behind me I know my craft need not be compromised or more importantly, defended while meeting with a couple because they found me by searching the WPJA site. Thank you for providing this service for us and "them."
AGNES LOPEZ, FL
I can't say enough about the WPJA's impact on my business. My listing has put my work in front of so many great clients from all over the US and has helped me book weddings in fantastic and exclusive locations around the Southeast.
KARRI NORTH, CANADA
Over the past year of membership I've been pleasantly surprised at the amount of positivity that comes from my association with the WPJA. Not only am I drawing in clients who are truly interested in and appreciative of the art of photography, but I seem to gain both trust and prestige in the eyes of my clients/potential clients when I direct them to the WPJA website to explore the incredible images posted there.
I use the site for my own inspiration all the time.
Thank you WPJA and all you photographers that make it up!!
JOANNA BOLICK, NC
I am so thankful for the WPJA - about 20% of our weddings have come through here, especially after placing 1st place in a recent contest.
TOMMY LEONG, SINGAPORE
I am delighted to say that WPJA membership has sent me clients who appreciate artistic photography.
I finally managed to get clients who are sold on the work EVEN without me saying anything.
I just love it :D
GINA MARIE GOLDMAN, CA
I wanted to send a note to say that my membership in the WPJA has been very helpful in the launch of my business. I received several inquiries and ultimate bookings throughout the first year and my award placement in the associated AGWPJA has helped me confirm even more interest and future work. As I enter this new year, one of my first bookings was from a couple who inquired through WPJA and with several other inquiries this year so far I look forward to the exposure that WPJA will provide for my business.
JEFF TARANTINO, NJ
My most informed referrals come from the WPJA. When I receive an inquiry from a bride who found me through WPJA I am confident that she not only knows what she wants and expects but also has a respect for what photojournalism is.
I'm grateful for your commitment to maintaining your standards and to providing quality articles for not just your members but for the bride and groom as well through WedPix.
I'm in good company here.
Thanks!
DAVID PERKINS, ENGLAND
When my acceptance for the WPJA came though I was overjoyed and I still feel that way today.
We receive many of our best clients thought the WPJA website as they a excited by wedding photojournalism before they call the studio. I could not recommend the WPJA more highly.
The online stats‚ show we receive a constant stream of new referrals from the WPJA site every week.
Thank you kindly,
KIM CHAPMAN, ME
I wanted you to know that I just returned from the most beautiful place in the world...Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! Thanks to WPJA, I was fortunate enough to be hired for this beautiful destination wedding. It was such a dream come true for me! I never would have landed this if it wasn't for WPJA. I look forward to my upcoming destination wedding in St. Thomas as well. Dreamy! Thank you so much for giving me these amazing opportunities!
CRAIG CARPENTER, NC
I find your emails/website more informative and refreshing
than any other organization I've been apart of. I also embrace the fact
that you hold members to high standards and aren't afraid to take a
stance on what is important.
Any questions that I've had have been answered promptly and in an
informative manner. I look forward to what the future holds and please
let me know if there is anything I can do to contribute to this
professional community.
DEBORAH KATES, IL
I am very new to the WPJA and will be flying out to Chicago next
weekend to book 3 weddings form WPJA leads ... the WPJA is helping me make
the transition form ND to the Chicago area much easier. It is the
only form of advertising I use at this time and has been great !!
Thanks!!
MARY STEINBACHER, PA
Just a quick note to say this is awesome to have the calendar online for couples to access. It was really easy to use on my end and excellent for families to know in advance if I am available thus saving time and creating more focus with their search. Thank you.
Warm regards,
ALEX ZE'EVI CHRISTIAN, NYC
....I also wanted to thank you and your team for the fabulous job you have done with WPJA.
Your website contributed tremendously to my photography.
JEFF TARANTINO, NJ
Let me take a moment to thank you for the honor of being included in the WedPix article, "RAINY WEDDING DAY PARADE". It was a terrific boon for my business and WPJA continues to guide the most educated brides to me.
Sincerely,
JONATHAN HILL, MA
Thank you for all the time you put into the WPJA, I've been getting a constant stream of visitors. Interestingly I've had two different wedding magazines call wanting to look at some of my weddings for possible editorial use after they found me on WPJA.
MICHELLE ROBINSON, NC
Only one day with WPJA and I already got an inquiry from a bride.
How awesome!
KIM HAYES, WA
Thank you so much for putting together such a great resource!! I have been a memeber for over a year and I have LOVED everyone of my clients that I have received from WPJA! I get to shoot the way I like-and it's all thanks to you!!
Keep on doing what you're doing!
SARAH WHITMEYER, NC
I received a call from a bride the very first day I was listed on the site!
I was so amazed, I felt obligated to testify :)
AGATON STROM, NYC
Almost all my business is from the WPJA. I would say 85-90 percent. I much rather have clients find me through WPJA than other resources. Clients that find me on WPJA are educated brides and they are looking for my style. I have to spend less time educating the clients of my journalistiv position at the first meeting.
MIKE TOPHAM, VA
It seems that our best clients are referrals from WPJA. And as a former news photographer, I really enjoy the emphasis that is placed on photojournalism and creativity. In my opinion, the WPJA is fast becoming the worldwide authority on wedding photojournalism.
TREVOR WILSON, UK
I should let you know that I am delighted with the WPJA and have always been. After joining, and subsequently leaving, two of our UK organisations I feel that I have finally found a society in the WPJA that approaches weddings the same way I do. The competitions and articles the website publishes are inspiring and I am a regular visitor - if I have had a bad day I will look through some of the past competition photographs and find it an uplifting and inspiring experience.
I am delighted that the WPJA exists and I, and I am sure many others,
will continue to be proud supportive members of the society.
Best wishes,
HEATHER HUGHES OSTERMAIER, VA
...I speak fondly of WPJA and often reference it to couples when I am already booked because of the high standards you uphold. I also started in the newspaper industry (and am still there) and treasure honesty & truthfulness in photographs, even at weddings, and am thankful that there is a wedding organization that agrees.
MARK EARTHY, SE
1. Thought I would drop you a line to say that we have done our first shoot from a client who picked us as we are WPJA members. We photographed the couple
during a 4 hour shoot. They are touring Scandinavia on their honeymoon and had decided in having some extra post wedding photography in the beautiful city of
Stockholm.
Their photographer for the wedding service held in Hong Kong was also a WPJA member.
International WPJA team work.
2. I would
just like to mention how pleased we are being WPJA members and we are very impressed with how you run this great organization.
We have just been highlighted
in yet another photo magazine called FOTO (The biggest in Scandinavia) in another 4 page reportage of how we work and our association to the WPJA - naturally we
are thrilled by all this attention. And now Marianne has also won first prize - great!
Since we became the first members in Sweden you have chosen to give
membership to "More Than Words" and "PW Foto."
I thought you would like to know that since Juliana & Anna (More Than Words) and Paulina (PW Foto) became
members we have now met each other on 3-4 occasions and we are all thrilled that we could meet with other photographers in the same branch and discuss how we work
within wedding photojournalism - we are holding mini WPJA meetings :) And also Paulina has just won a first prize - not bad for Sweden!! A big country yet with
only a small population of 8 million.
It cannot be easy for you guys to decide on who should be new members - including ourselves - but be rest assured the
ones you have picked in Sweden are representative of the WPJA, I know that the Juliana & Anna were attending courses at a wedding photographers forum last week in
New York and Paulina just a couple of days ago was holding a lecture about wedding photography at a large photographers exhibition and forum.
MICHAEL COSTA, CA
I wanted to thank you for providing such a fantastic international site with such a high bar for professionalism. Your organization is helping to raise the bar
for art and photojournalism excellence to a new level in the industry that has had an uphill battle to get recognized. Thank you!
Sincerely,
AGNIESZKA MATUSZEWSKA, NYC
I don't advertise in many places (As I dropped few listings from other sites) because almost all my bookings are strictly from YOU GUYS!!! This is the best
advertising, support and association one can belong to! I am such a proud member! Thank you.
PETER DOYLE, NYC
Thanks for the updates, I would be spending more time updating my listing and reading news and such on WPJA... but the site works so well for me I'm too busy!
Best,
BRIAN WOODWARD, NC
1. We had a great year last year in large part due to our affiliation with the WPJA. Around 25% of the weddings we booked last year were direct referrals
from the WPJA website... and next year is looking even better! Thanks for doing such a great job and providing this valuable marketing tool for us to use!
2. ... just as a data point, WPJA continues to be such a valuable asset to our business. We have had at least 10 inquiries resulting in 3 bookings from clients
who found me through WPJA. Thanks and keep up the great work!
KELLIE KANO, NC
THE FIRST TESTIMONIAL BELOW WAS RECEIVED WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF JOINING THE WPJA:
1. Thanks so much for all of your help with this process. I have already received a serious inquiry from a bride who found me on the WPJA site! I also look
forward to utilizing the [WPJA] forum...
2. I've already booked a wedding from the WPJA site, and have only been a member for two weeks! What a great
vehicle for professionals everywhere!
3. By the way, I have my largest roster yet for 2006, with 29 confirmed bookings and 3 pending! I'm currently
booking for 2007 & this is all thanks to the WPJA!
4. We have a wedding featured in the very hip, (and very PJ!) Weddings Unveiled this month! It's
been an exciting Whirlwind since joining the WPJA! We're booked through Spring 2008!
Best to you & thanks again for all that you do,
DAVID CHRISTENSEN, GA
The WPJA has rejuvinated and legitimized the wedding photography business in a whole new way. It has encouraged me to grow my business to a new level of art.
My clients come predominately from the WPJA and are looking for that alternative perspective that will give them a commissioned piece of art that they can cherish
for generations! Keep up the great work!
BRUCE L. SNELL, KS
...my stats show that the vast majority of my website traffic comes from WPJA! I appreciate what you do!
SARAH QUIARA, TX
I've already booked three weddings from the WPJA - in January alone!
I could write a book on how much I love being a part of the WPJA. It's such an
inspiring bunch of photographers to be around :)
JANELLE LOWRANCE, TX
...my listing here has been invaluable. I've been contacted by a publisher to use my images in a book that will be sold in major bookstores, and by a
journalism student who wants to feature us in an article about wedding photojournalism that will be in a national distributed magazine. I'm still fairly new, so
I'm pretty excited about anything that comes my way!
Thanks so much!
CHRISTOPHER RECORD, NC
In a career spanning more than 20 years at three newspapers I've worked as a reporter, photographer, picture editor and director of photography. Most recently
I spent 14 years as a staff photographer at The Charlotte Observer. Over the past five years I've worked hard to balance my newspaper work with a thriving wedding
photojournalism business. My wife and I decided that the time had come to put all of our efforts into our business.
I also wanted to thank you for all of
your efforts with the WPJA. I know this organization has played a significant role in helping us to grow our business and helped make the decision to go on our own
easier. I've gotten numerous referrals through the WPJA. I'm always glad to hear that a bride found us through the WPJA because I know that they are looking for a
wedding photojournalist and they have an excellent understanding of what that means. I recently attended a seminar and all of the photographers I spoke to agreed
that the WPJA was an excellent investment for their business.
Thanks again,
RICH JANNIELLO, NYC
Just a quick note to say thank you for creating such a fantastic organization. The WPJA is my #1 referral source and I couldn't imagine my business without it.
Thanks again!
Best Regards,
JOSEPH VICTOR STEFANCHIK, TX
1. Kudos on the new site...I booked four weddings last week through the WPJA site! Have a great week.
2. In 1997, long before the WPJA, I quit my
job as a staff photojournalist at The Dallas Morning News and proudly began photographing weddings.
10 years later, I still consider myself a
photojournalist, a wedding photojournalist and supporter of the WPJA. While the WPJA isn't my number one referral source, I can honestly credit the WPJA with over
$100k in direct bookings in the past two years. That's what I call return on investment.
Long ago, I began investing my advertising budget into my past and
current clients. This, along with my WPJA leads, have proven to be invaluable.
I'm positive that the recent "house cleaning" at WPJA had everything to do
with the style of work being showcased by its members.
Many members, myself included, were sick and tired of members that deceptively designed their sites
solely for acceptance into the WPJA and then failed to uphold the WPJA guidelines.
Proud WPJA & AGWPJA member since August 27, 2003.
MARK GARDNER, MD
After 2006 wedding season I realized my business had taken a turn. I had to abandon several of my on-line advertising portals, not because they weren't sending
the leads I needed to fill my calendar, but because I had to work so hard to actually book them. They seemed indecisive, afraid to commit, etc. The WPJA, however,
sends me a more qualified, educated, and appreciative lead that knows what they want, and is ready to book. I hear over and over how brides have searched and
searched for their wedding photographer, and once they found the WPJA the search was over. I'm happy to refer brides back to the WPJA for dates I am booked as the
talent there is simply amazing. Kudos to you and your staff, for helping me reach the brides who know what they want.
SACHA MILLER, WALES
I think the WPJA is an excellent professional photographers organisation.
Being based in the UK, I do not receive as many referrals from the WPJA
website as the USA counterparts, but membership offers many other things. Firstly it is an honour being a member of a relatively select group of photographers,
with such high standards in both technical and artistic skills. (Unlike so many other so called 'pro' organisations which I have experimented membership with).
Also the forum with its archive facility has been an inspiration and a great source for research purposes, when I first left the newspaper game and entered the
wedding market, it was quite daunting, but being able to read other like minded photographers' experiences was very helpful and reassuring. Unfortunately online
forums are the also the playground of huge ego's, not so much on the WPJA but most other photography forums they seem to be a lot of venom flying about.
Sorry to drone on, but I wish you and the WPJA Team all the best.
Kindest regards,
SHANNON HARTHEN, CA
I LOVE WPJA!!! My business has tripled since I became a member! I love the quality of brides that WPJA brings to my website. They are educated in photography
and know what style of photographer they are looking for! Since being accepted into WPJA - my website traffic has exploded!
Thanks!!
CAROLYNN SHELBY, CA
I am so glad to be part of the wpja. I can't tell you how many quality clients I get from wpja as well as the networking I have done. I have already shot some
weddings with members of wpja for weddings I travel to and need a second shooter who is local to that area. I know the quality of their work even before I work
with them.
Thank you for putting this together and "coaching" us. I just renewed my membership and couldn't fathom not doing so.
ROBIN SHOTOLA, MD
Just wanted to let you know how much I value my WPJA membership, and to thank you and your staff for all the work you do to keep the organization running.
Being a WPJA member has had an incredible effect on my business. I'm getting more inquiries and bookings than I ever have before because of WPJA's great publicity, a
well organized website, and all of the great advertising - word-of-mouth and otherwise. Entering the contests and seeing the work of other members has pushed me to a
new level creatively.
But the best part about being a WPJA member and the high ethical standards of the organization is that when I'm booked or (God forbid)
unable to shoot an event because of an emergency, I know that I have an entire network of like-styled and, more importantly, like-minded photographers who I would
absolutely trust to take my place. In fact, I don't even refer clients to non-WPJA photographers anymore.
Anyway, keep up the great work and, as always, if
there's anything I can do from Baltimore/DC, just ask.
SAMANTHA DEPOY-WARREN, ME
As a typical artist, there is plenty of second (and third and fourth) guessing about my work and being accepted into the WPJA was validation! I was so proud of
myself and so honored to be involved with such an organization! The inquiries increased, as did my own ownership of my work. I was able to grow my business, raise
my prices and take myself and my photography more seriously.
I could literally spend days (and have) pouring over the work of just the WPJA members from
Maine. I am so humbled when I see their work and as a young photographer, their work is incredibly inspiring and informative. Living in a rural state and working
the same dates as other photographers means we don't often get a chance to connect but through the WPJA and the forum, I have found e-mentors. I was also excited
to have other like-minded professionals who I could refer people to.
I know some people don't find the value that I do in the WPJA and that is totally
within their rights. That said, there are still many photographers, brides and artists who hold the WPJA in the highest esteem. I am one of them and I thank you
for that opportunity. I finally feel like one of the cool kids.
PHILIP THOMAS, TX
I'm humbled and I'm still pinching myself to be part of the WPJA. I have a long way to get where I want to be, and even then I will always be striving to get
to the next level. So thank you for the opportunity.
You write how other photographers in the WPJA refer others when they're booked-and that's exactly what
happened to me when a kindly WPJA photographer referred me to a Houston couple who came to San Antonio to have their wedding with family & friends. A good example
of the WPJA team, as you put it.
I've been a photographer for 15 years but just started capturing weddings just a year ago when my passion for documenting
weddings rather than the traditional style-which was such a turn off-changed. I wanted to physically vomit just thinking about it.
Thank you for accepting
me into a great organization.
WENDY WOODS, MN
You are really doing a great job. We are very proud to be a part of this organization. I get a lot of referrals from my listing.
KEVIN QUINLAN, MD
Let me start off by saying that although I have only been a WPJA member for a short period of time, I am very impressed with the organization. I have already
booked a few weddings directly through the WPJA. The WPJA forums have also helped me a great deal in finding a new more reliable printing lab to get my proof
prints through.
Thank You,
DEREK BEMBRY, GER
As I'm new to your site I'm still working my way around but have been impressed thus far. I wanted to let you know that I have already received my first
booking as a direct result of being in WPJA with another in the pipeline. As both are Americans getting married in Europe it shows the dramatic reaches of your
organization.
Thanks again.
BARBARA WARREN, PA
I'd also like to take the opportunity to say thanks to your organization. I seem to really click with the clients I get from your site, and it is great to get
clients that give me the freedom to shoot in a natural, pj style.
ANNE RUTHMANN, IN
I received four new and highly qualified inquiries in the first three days of listing... that's very impressive!!
Thank you!
DAVINA FEAR, UT
I'm loving being a member of WPJA! I've already had a number of couples book straight from you! I love it! Thank you!
Happiness,
CORALEE PENNER, MB
I have been receiving tons of inquiries that are coming directly from being listed on the WPJA and [AG]WPJA! Not to mention they are from couples that are
really embracing the pj style and understand my role as a photographic storyteller. Many of my leads are also from out of town clients...
JONATHAN MCBRIDE, VA
Thank you so much! I've only been on the site for 2 days and have already gotten 2 referrals from the website!
AMY ENDERLE, MO
WOW . . . WOW . . . WOW
my oh my! how far WPJA has come... just
received automated confirmation for my contest entries that
each INCLUDE my IMAGE ... in a professional, beautifully
designed, incredibly impressive format. Funny, am even more
excited about my images now that I see them in that orange
border. WPJA-Branding is right-on. Perfect.
great work,
ANN HAMILTON, CA
I wanted to write and tell you that the Greece wedding I booked and photographed in May as a result of the bride finding me through WPJA was absolutely beautiful! Thank you for all your work with WPJA.
Cheers,
DAVID CRANE, CA
... thanks again for a great site and support. Clients who find me through the WPJA site are always great to work with and make my job so much easier because they know exactly what to expect, my membership in the
WPJA has been one of the best moves I have made.
Sincerely,
AMY RAAB, MD
I get TONS of hits from WPJA, and pay so much more to advertise
at other sites that hardly bring me any traffic. I won't be renewing
those this year.
Yesterday I met with a B&G and they said they googled
my name and the judge's comments from a winning image of
mine came up. They said the judge's comments on my work were
so beautifully and thoughtfully written; perfectly describing
the type of photography they had been searching for. It confirmed
their instinct that I was the one for them!
Thanks!
Best Regards,
LIANA LEHMAN, GA
I went down to Florida this past weekend to shoot a wedding
I booked over the phone within 24 hours of the bride contacting
me. She had found me thru the WPJA and declaired "I knew I
could have gone with someone less expensive locally, but I knew
I wanted quality, so I looked on the WPJA." It turned out
great - thank you again for this wonderful organization and even
more so for the means to connect with such a wonderful and talented
group of photographers !!
Best,
JENNA WALKER, CO
...We've been a member since Feb. of this year - and are already
seeing the benefits of this organization.
THANK YOU!!!!
VLADIMIR PCHOLKIN, DC
Just wanted to say how great the WPJA is for me. In just a few
months since I became a member I already booked 4 weddings from
WPJA referral. About 30-40% of the traffic on my website is coming
from the WPJA.
Thank you for the great service.
KRISTIN BEDNARZ, TX
Thanks for running such a great organization! Brides are going
and calling right and left. So glad I'm a member. ...I
love your organization and I'm so proud to be a part of it.
I brag about you' all every chance I get and when a couple
contacts me and I'm booked, I send them to the WPJA.
BRAD WALTERS, FL
By the way, I know you're busy, but I wanted to tell you
and Kim that I have booked 3 destination weddings since becoming
a member 2 months ago. Truly the WPJA is treasure.
Thanks for what you and Kim do.
BRETT BUTTERSTEIN, CO
Thanks to everyone at WPJA for all of your hard work! I get
a ton of bookings from my listings with you and know many of my
colleagues do as well. Now if I could only get my gangsta necklace
...
All the best,
MARIANNE TODD, MS
ps. Just to let you know, I'm a newer member but it is already
becoming a great experience, in every way, bookings, great brides/couples
who appreciate the medium, networking... everything.
Thanks, I'm
really enjoying it.
RICHARD ESPOSITO, CT
Month after month,
WPJA is the #1 referral to my website. This report [sent via e-mail]
is from January 8th to Today. The pie chart didn't seem to get
attached,
but the
stats are there!
Thanks for everything!
ED DOUGHERTY, NYC
Just wanted to let you know that we booked another great destination
wedding, for this November at a beautiful resort in the Dominican
Republic. The couple are from New York and they found us through
WPJA. The told us that the resort recommended a photographer, but
they did not like the "cheesy posed shots". They web
searched for photojournalists in New York and were pleasantly surprised
to find WPJA. We met with them to discuss price and details, and
they received glowing recommendations from our other destination
clients.
Dawn and I will enjoy four days at an all inclusive resort with
the lovely couple, and their family and friends.
Thanks again,
WPJA and referrals from previous clients is our best source of
finding new clients.
SHANE SNIDER, NC
My business is really taking off because of the WPJA membership.
This is the first year I really advertised and started the business
in earnest. Traffic to my Web site was painfully slow until I was
listed on the WPJA site. I just signed a bride and groom last night
who were referred through WPJA - this was my first "Platinum
Package" sale. I'm getting at least two to three serious inquiries
a week just from WPJA traffic. My wife was worried about me spending
the money to join, but she agrees now that this is by far the best
thing we could have done for the business.
Thanks for everything you do.
RACHEL BULUNSAT, CA
Thank you for defining the purpose of Truth as well as aligning yourself with it. Thank you for refortifying my own integrity as I read this. You are a gem and WPJA is a strand of gems that you have cultivated. I feel very honored to be a member of such a fine organization. In this day and age of so much false media, and misleading sense of valuing such falseness, it is refreshing to read your defense of true reporting and it makes me realize the value of candid wedding photojournalism and to remain credible as a reporter and eye witness to truth as a wedding photojournalist.
JOHWANNA ALLEYNE, AB
Thanks - enjoyed the contest and appreciate your hard work.
I booked a wedding in the British Virgin Islands next fall from
you guys. That means a lot.
KRIS NOORMAN, MI
I've received quite a few inquiries from people
who have found me through the WPJA site and several have booked
with me already. So happy to be a part of this amazing group of
photographers!
Thanks so much!
PAUL SANDERS, WA
Thanks for your hard work. I gotta tell you that the past couple
of months in particular, I've been getting more and more inquiries
from couples who have found me through WPJA, and quite a good percentage
of these couples are booking me.
Best regards,
MIKE DAY, ON
...By the way, great job on the website. I've enjoyed
being a part of it and the competitions are a good way of showcasing
some really excellent work within a field that is often frowned
upon by other photographers and keeps us always looking for something
different in each wedding and not just doing the same old thing
each time. It's been a good advertising tool for us too; we get
quite a few inquiries through the site.
Keep up the good work!
MEG BAISDEN, FL
The WPJA has been such an amazing tool for
me - I owe countless SOLID leads to your site and continued advertising
efforts in the few short months I've been a member. My only regret
is that I didn't apply for membership sooner! Congratulations on
the awesome search engine ranking -
being above theknot.com is HUGE in my book!
Keep up the great work!
MARK ADAMS, GA
I just took a look at the Knot message board post and had to
smile, since the post was started by one of our brides! She’s
offered many great referrals for us, and I’m glad to see
that she’s
doing the same for WPJA.
It’s exciting to see all the growth and new things happening
with WPJA. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into this!
Talk to you soon,
LISA DUNHAM, OK
...thanks so much for the updates. I really appreciate it. It's
one of the things that makes being a member so valuable. I've had
several bookings from brides who've found my website thru WPJA
and it started almost immediately. I couldn't wait to renew my
membership for my first "full" year.
Thanks again.
JOHN CHIN, WA
What I like about
WPJA the most is it guarantees its membership quality. The bar
set for its members is high and that simply assures the couple
that they'll get a quality photographer when they choose one of
our members. Please keep up the great work and let the reputation
grow even more...I am proud to be a member of the WPJA!
Thank you, David and the whole WPJA team!!!
MELISSA SCHWARTZ, CA
Since I've become a member of WPJA I've had so many referrals
(truly too many to count) from the website...incredible!
Thanks so much!!
LISA PITTMAN, TX
Good Lord! I'm in good company and totally thrilled to be here.
If you want my .02, I've had my name listed since Monday [TWO DAYS]
and have already received two inquiries. Can't get any better than
that!
Thanks,
DEREK PEARSON, WA
Thanks for a great service...
My late 2005 membership in the WPJA accounted for 1/4 of my weddings that year. Currently, not only has it directly accounted for 1/3 of my bookings in 2006,but satisfied 2005 brides that came to me from the WPJA have produced
5 extra confirmed referrals in 2006! Brides get what they are looking
for and so do I.
Many Thanks!
MICHAEL ALBERT, NH
By the way, business has shot through the roof after joining
the WPJA...and most every inquiry is from the type of client I am looking for. Thanks again,
STEVE SMITH, WA
Thanks for making a great organization, I never mentioned
this before, but the very morning you listed my site, I received
a phone call from an out of state client who saw my listing
on the website and ended up booking with me that evening. I
couldn't believe it!
CARLA TEN EYCK, CT
I also wanted to tell you that being a member of the WPJA has
increased my bookings already (I have only been a member since
October! - [2 months]) Thanks for heading such a reputable organization!
CAMERON GILLIE, LA
By the way I just cancelled my Knot add, with the WPJA I
really don't need the Knot any more, in fact the WPJA is my only
form of paid advertising now other than word of mouth from clients
and venues. I crunched the numbers and came up with some interesting
stats. I joined the WPJA and put an ad on the Knot at about the
same time two years ago. Since then I figured out that I spent
$142 per wedding I booked through the Knot and only $21 per wedding
I booked thought the WPJA. That WPJA figure includes all money
spent on entering contests and destination listings. So the WPJA
clearly has outdone the Knot.
ANN HAMILTON, CA
I also wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for
allowing me to be a part of the WPJA. I just met with a couple
who are planning a wedding in Greece next year, and they found
me through your website! Thanks for all the time and effort you've
put into the site.
Happy Holidays!The couple ended up booking me... I'm heading to Santorini, Greece
this May!
MATT ADCOCK, GA
I'm off to a destination wedding Thursday in the Bahamas. ALL
because of WPJA. Unlimited package, paying for travel, 5 nights,
the whole 9 yards... Client hired me site unseen from LA. I am
staying for 5 days. My assistant & I are Scuba certified, as
well as bride & groom, so we are all going diving!!! These shots are going to be killer! Thanks
wpja.
Ok.. Cheers!
RICHARD ESPOSITO, CT
WPJA has helped me be able to say that at this point I am
only 2 or 3 weddings away from being fully booked for next year.
A lot of bookings were from client referrals, and the rest seemed
to come from WPJA.
Thanks ahead of time for everything.
EDDIE SCHEFFER, IRE
just to let you know that last week i had my first booking
because of the wpja. :) An american couple thats going to get married
in Ireland, and then to imagine that i just wanted to be a member
because the www.wpja.com was about the coolest thing on the planet
to me......:)
Thank you so much
AMANDA KRAFT, PA
First and foremost! WOW! that is all I can say. I have had
my listing up for less than a month and I am already seeing a huge
jump in daily hits to my website and the amounts of brides that
have contacted me. I feel so lucky to be listed on your site with
some amazing photographers!
Thanks!
PS I am sure my praises will continue!
SERGIO LOPEZ, AZ
WPJA provided the medium to showcase my work to the world. WPJA
has been instrumental in connecting me with brides from outside
my state and outside the country. Now I have the good fortune to
have the chance to travel to different destination and photograph
many diverse and fascinating, wedding traditions and customs.
WPJA has also connected me to the most amazing, generous and talented
group of photographers in the world. Being a WPJA member is a source
of great pride, enjoyment and great leads from all over the world.
DAVID CRANE, CA
I just received my very nice [WPJA] tee and check for the summer
contest. Thank-you! I'd also like to thank-you for the fine service
you provide. I am a full-time newspaper shooter and freelance editorial
shooter, but I must say, the response for my wedding photography
has been overwhelming since joining your ranks. Clients who find
me through the WPJA already know exactly what I am about. No hour
long dissertations on the difference between my style and that of
a studio shooter! THANK-YOU! Keep up the great work, I will add
the wpja logo to my web site just as soon as I have the time.
BEN CHRISMAN, NM
I'm very excited to be part of WPJA. I feel like I've found 'my'
community amongst the wedding photographers...I am happy to be a
part of a wedding photographer community which doesn't feel the
need to stage situations which are more beautiful when left alone.
My main problem with traditional wedding photography is that I do
not feel I can believe any of it as truthful. That has changed since
being a part of WPJA.
thanks again
DAVID JAY, CA
First of all thank you for the mass amounts of traffic you're
sending to my site....4 brides have contacted me this week and I
ask them where they heard about me and they've all said the WPJA!
I'll be sure to broadcast my success to some others....This last
one that just called is probably gonna book me for a wedding in
Hawaii next August... My best,
PEGGY BAIR, KS
I LOVE WPJA -- I don't know where we'd be without it but I remember
how much harder it was to explain "wedding photojournalism"
without it. A strong percentage of inquiries I receive come from
WPJA. Brides who go there already have a sense of what they want,
which lessens the amount of "explaining" I have to do.
The contests are so inspirational (although I don't envy the difficult
task the judges have of picking the best from so many great entries!)
Sincerely,
GEORGE WEIR, PA
Just spent a little time bouncing around
the site and to quote McCartney & Lennon it's "...
getting better all the time, getting so much better..."
Many thanks.
Also took at look at my own site stats, WPJA is still up there
every which way one looks at it: Visits, Page Views & Visit
length. 'tis good to see that my money is actually working,
wish I could say the same for some other places where I have
spent, or rather wasted, my money.
All the best
RADHIKA CHALASANI, NYC
Also wanted to let you know that it has been
great to be a member. Most of my clients are calling me because
of the site and I dropped my knot.com listing a few months ago.
Thanks.
MINDY MYERS, IA
Your work to continually improve this organization
is amazing and greatly appreciated. I am so pleased with my
membership and the quality of the WPJA.
Thanks so much,
—Mindy
Myers, IOWA
STEVE DEPINO, CT
...the site looks great! Keep up the good
work!
It a real pleasure to be part of an association that works tirelessly
in catering to its photographer clients.
Sincerely
BART BRESLOW, PA
I think you are doing spectacular and the
site is fantastic. I constantly get clients from the site. I
thank you for being there.
All the best,
MARYJO PRINOS, MA
Just wanted to let you know that the WPJA
has been our best referral source this year. Thank you so much
for all the work you do to keep the quality of the organization
so high.
We just booked a couple tonight for next year who found us through
your site. She said that she had found the WPJA through a Better
Homes and Gardens wedding magazine...
Thanks again and take care,
ULYSSES & JENNI ASHTON, NY
Thank you so much for all your hard work
for the organization. We are very happy with the number and
quality of brides that come to us from the WPJA, and we enjoy
the contests. Keep up the great work!
LAURA OLSON, MD
1. Oh my goodness, in the past 4 days I
have had 2 contacts that have come for WPJA. One of the contacts,
I am meeting with on Tuesday and the 2nd booked right over the
phone. I am very excited!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you
again. I did not want to be a part of WPJA for the marketing,
but more to be a part of an association that has the best photographers
in the world and a style that I love, but the marketing is pretty
cool!! Thank you again :)
2. I am still amazed at how many hits and
jobs I have booked from WPJA. The great thing is many of them
book over the phone, which is wonderful :)
All my quality brides seem to come from WPJA and most of my
hits that are not referrals from other clients are coming from
WPJA :) You have a great organization here.
Thank you again :) God Bless,
RALPH WILSON, PA
I should mention again that WPJA is the single
biggest factor in the success of my business. It has gotten
me out of my neck of the woods, where PJ weddings still aren't
widely accepted and into some wonderful venues. We are going
to add Stephanie, my biz partner, to the ranks. She loves the
challenge of a competition also and doesn't pout when she disagrees
with the judges.
Best,
EDWARD DOUGHERTY, NY
Dawn and I recently photographed a Wedding
in Jamaica. They found us on WPJA...It went well, they were
happy and we had a great time!
Thanks,
CAMERON GILLIE, LA
I just got back from my first destination
wedding in Jamaica. The best man hired me to shoot his wedding
in the Virgin Islands next month, and I just booked another
one booked in the Bahamas next year. Great idea with the destination
weddings!
MARY STEINBACHER, PA
First I would like to thank you for being
a source where information can be shared comfortably and reliably
with photographers who I can rely on for their expertise in
wedding photography. There is no doubt you screen your members
well and it is appreciated with the referrals I’m receiving
and this morning when, after much research myself, I was able
to post a question on the forum [WPJA.net] with a custom album
question. This source and great timesaver, again relying on
the experience of your members, will I hope solve a problem
and will do so with reliability.
Shortly after I started with WPJA I had my web masters add a
“How did you find Mary Steinbacher Photography?” question
to the quick contact information form on my website. There is
a drop down box with several options and I have found after
several weeks that roughly 70% of my referrals are from WPJA.
Thank you indeed.
Warm regards,
HEATHER MABRY, TX
I'm so excited as I've just booked my first
destination wedding through the WPJA! I'm so happy to be featured
on WPJA and my listing is worth the $ I've paid and then some.
Keep up the great work!
LAURA SCHOEGGL, WA
The first thing out of our mouths when we're
already booked for a date is, "have you visited the WPJA
website?" It is such an easy referral tool for us, and
I love the fact that I feel I can trust any of the members to
provide quality [wedding] photojournalism, thanks to your membership
screening process. We have been getting more and more leads
from the WPJA. The new site looks great. :)
Cheers,
MARIE LABBANCZ, NJ
1. I must tell you how wonderful your site
has been for my business. It is truly helping me find the "right"
kind of clients. They are looking for a truer form of wedding
photojournalism, and that in turn is helping me be freer in
my work. Thank you for all your hard work, and please let me
know if I can ever be of any assistance.
2. It's just amazing how much energy you put into WPJA. I
can't tell you how much I admire what you are doing to raise
the bar for Wedding Photojournalism. You are helping define
what it really is and what it should be.
Thanks for everything!
FADI KHEIR, NY
First of all I want to thank you for running
such a great site. The impact it has had on my wedding work
has been amazing and winning an award was really great. Also
if you would like to use any of my photos on or to promote your
site please do so.
Thanks!
MATT ADCOCK, GA
1. Well, I just wanted to say thank you for
holding an organization full of such talented professionals!
Also, thank you for holding the contests! Placing first in any
category is HUGE for me... the competitors here are the BEST.
I feel honored to placed amongst the absolute best in the WORLD!
Recently, a local Atlanta Advertiser, www.atlantabridal.com
did a write up on my business and its affiliation with WPJA
and the recent contest results and I think you should take a
look. This website is a big website for wedding professionals
in Atlanta and TONS of brides visit this website daily....Anyway,
if you have a moment, check out:
http://www.atlantabridal.com/blog/article2.asp?ID=712&AdID=9658
.... This article is viewable from her homepage..which is great
advertising for me.... but she posts a blog and it is topic
#1 viewable from homepage!!!!!!!! Lei Lydle is the founder of
www.atlantabridal.com & throws praise to www.wpja.com !
Worth a read...
Ok.. enjoy!
I am stoked to be a member at WPJA.... Oh, did I mention, WPJA
is a MAJOR help in the advertising campaign for me! BRIDES LOVE
YOUR SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cheers!
2. I had a bride from TN looking for wedding
photojournalist today...she found my listing in GA and submitted
the form.
Very simple info there..
I love her answer to )how did you find me?)
Name: Betsy
Wedding Date 07/02/2005
Ceremony: Hendersonville, TN
Reception: samw
How Found: WPJA....cause it rocks
PAUL COUSINS, NY
Congrats on a great website - the forum [WPJA.net]
is incredible, I've been able to save so much research time
by asking opinions and sharing information.
Thanks
BRADLEY HANSON, WA
1. I just booked someone this morning who
found me on the WPJA website!
Thanks
2. I just got back from weddings in India and
Thailand, both the same couple. They found me on the WPJA site,
so I know it works.
Locally, magazines are currently overrun with
ads for wedding photographers, all of them claiming to be wedding
photojournalists, making it harder for clients to make intial
cuts on who to look at. The site is a great resource for brides,
and just last night, my consultation told me that the found
me on WPJA, and that it was the ONLY place they looked because
of the quality of the work represented on it.
ZOYA DICAPRIO, VA
I just got yet another contract directed
from the WPJA site. I am so honored to be part of this group.
We have pulled out our paid advertising. This is the preferred
choice of advertising - to be in a peer group with others who
compete for their visibility not by paying more.
Regards,
MARK KEGANS, IA
Keep up the great work. It seems like every
other bride who contacts me mentions that she found me on the
WPJA site.
ANGELA LANG, CA
I wanted to let you know that I have received
at least 30 WPJA wedding inquiries in just the last 2 months,
and have been booking more weddings because of the exposure.
I'm so appreciative of this association! Thank you!
GEOFF HOROWITZ, PA
I wanted to follow up from the previous endorsement
I sent a while back. The WPJA site has led to many jobs I would
not have otherwise gotten. I've gone from a Philadelphia base
to bookings as far away as New York and D.C. The best part is
the people hiring me are looking for photography that lets me
be creative.
You've created a great community for photographers to show work
and advertise.
COLLEEN WOOLPERT, NJ
Wow, you get things done! I see you've linked
the new site already. Looks great. Just wanted to thank you
for updating my info on the NJ and NY pages. I've gotten a couple
of voice mail messages from clients I suspect saw my listing,
and I'm overjoyed.
Cheers,
...I've gotten at least five inquiries from
my WPJA listings since joining less than two weeks ago. Outstanding.
Thank you once again for doing such a great job.
CAMMIE TOLOUI, IA
Hello WPJA.
I am very enthusiastically renewing my membership. Most of my
business comes from you now!
Thank you!
MARGARET CRESSMAN, PA
I've been meaning to write this email to
you for some time now - it is well over due. THANK YOU so much
for providing such an incredible showcase for photojournalistic
wedding photographers. I just started my business and your website
introduces me to exactly the type of brides I am looking to
photograph and the type of brides who are looking for my style
of work. At this time, I have found no need to advertise anywhere
but your website. I receive so many inquiries - I am blown away.
Again, thank you so much for all your hard work and for creating
such a great site - it is truly my business lifeline.
KEVIN WATSON, GA
Your organization is AWESOME! It’s only
been about a week since you got my site up and I have already
had one call a day for the past 3 days from prospective clients.
I have booked one already and it looks like I will be doing
the other as well. The one I got today I will have to wait and
see. Thanks for allowing me to be a member. All the best...
STACEY KANE, ME
Just wanted to take a second to thank you
again for everything you do with WPJA. I'm honored to be part
of such an incredible group. Like most, I always ask brides
how they found me. I'm particularly interested in knowing this
information since I not only haven't advertised my wedding photography
in any significant capacity....I have an unlisted phone number
to boot! In fact, it wasn't until about a month ago that I finally
ordered business cards! So, it shouldn't come as any big surprise
to know that a VERY large percentage of my business comes from
WPJA. Even better, it doesn't just come from WPJA directly...it
also comes from referrals of the other members of WPJA. I know
that most of the members in my region, including myself, refer
couples to the WPJA site when a wedding date is already booked
for them. I believe that WPJA is successful for so many of us
because it is a form of the best type of marketing....word of
mouth.
Honestly, I could go on and on about the many positive attributes
of WPJA from a photographer's perspective. Praise runs very
high for your organization from my clients as well.
I want to thank you again for all that you do. I am more than
proud to be a member of WPJA. I truly appreciate (as do the
other photographers I've spoken with) that you uphold a higher
standard for membership. Knowing the quality of photographers
that are members of WPJA makes it very easy to refer brides
to. I know David, Michele, Melissa and Jamie and they are wonderful
photographers and great people. I'm thrilled to be in such good
company!
It was nice to hear from you. Please let me know next time you
make it to Maine. Maybe we could all try to get together.
Thanks again,
CAMERON GILLIE, LA
It's Cameron Gillie in Louisiana. Just wanted
to say that your web site is working! I've got a couple of serious
inquiries already. I'm glad I came across your site...
...(by the way, one of those serious inquiries booked within
a week of being on your site and I've referred another)
Thanks again for the great site,I also thought I'd let you know
I've raised my prices again. If you get a chance I think we
should change that on my link..... Sorry to keep raising my
prices on you. (a result of you guys doing such a good job of
marketing me).
It's great to have the WPJA. It's the best investment I've made
sinse starting my business.
...I thought I'd let you know I've increased my prices [again].
(thanks again to the great job of marketing your web site provides!)
I thought it should be noted on my listing on the web site.
I think when people click on the site they should see the prices
they were expecting.
Keep up the great work on the web site. I keep pretty good stats
on all my bookings and now 40% of my clients come from the WPJA.
Whatever you are doing with The WPJA web is working great. I
always come up very high on search engines. It really helps
out. My girlfriend and I were talking the other day and I said
I really don't think I would have made it without the WPJA web
site. I know I'd be doing weddings a lot more traditional without
the WPJA and I'd be a lot less happy. With the WPJA I can shoot
weddings and still enjoy the art of photojournalism and actually
get paid what a professional should get paid.
JOHN HONG, WA
...By the way – we get more bookings
from WPJA than anywhere else…. Thank you for having created
this tremendous organization.
I’m looking forward to the next contest… we have some
good stuff!
MICHELLE CANTU, TX
Hi Kim, Just a cool comment for you, David
and the rest of WPJA administration:
I joined today and was listed on the site this afternoon at
2:21 p.m. It's now 4:36 p.m. and I just got off of the phone
with a bride who found my information on the site and wants
to book me for her wedding.
Wow.
JESSICA VERMA, CA
...I wanted to tell you that your page is
excellent! I signed up with you about a month ago, and already
your site has produced more solid leads than any other advertising
I’ve done. Within two weeks I’d already booked a wedding
directly connected to your site, and I have several appointments
in the works as well! So thank you very much!!
PAM HULTS, LA
NOTE: The following testimonial came in less
than 24 hours after our WPJA listing started running on the
WeddingChannel.com web site in every region of every state:
Hi David,
I just booked someone through the WPJA site on the Wedding Channel.
-- Thanks!
SUSAN STRIPLING, FL
I just wanted to drop you a note and say
that I booked ANOTHER destination wedding today because of WPJA!
I have two in New Orleans and one in Miami and it's all because
my clients found me on WPJA!
THANKS!
|
Home
Member Testimonials
