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3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS MORE INCLUSIVE TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
One of the best parts of owning and running our own business is that we get to set our own (high) standards for client care. We want our clients to feel welcome, safe and celebrated, from an initial inquiry through to delivering final photos. Unfortunately, we know that many LGBTQ+ couples struggle to find vendors that truly see them. Countless times, couples tell us we’re the only vendors that asked for their pronouns.
What?!? This is both shocking and not-at-all surprising; the photography industry (and wedding industry) is far from being totally inclusive.
But we can do better! We’ll continue to level up our equity game – considering the experience our clients have, listening to their feedback and pushing ourselves to continue to create space, conversation and accountability in the photography and wedding industry. If you’re on a similar mission, or you just aspire to treat others with dignity and care, we encourage you to put these basic tips into practice. And share your own tips for creating a more LGBTQ+ inclusive business -we’d love to learn from you too!
We use non-gendered language in all of our communications with clients. From initial emails to contracts to day-of chit-chat, we’re mindful of only incorporating gendered language requested by our clients.
We use non-gendered terms like “nearly-weds” rather than gendered ones like “bride” and “groom”. If a couple refers to themselves in a certain way, we do so.
We ask our clients which pronouns they use on our intake form so we can get it right, right from the start.
If we directly refer to clients in our marketing, we use their appropriate pronouns and terms.
2. We give open-ended, non-gender based directives to clients in our photo sessions to ensure that our photos reflect the couples true comfort and ease with each other; we give just enough guidance to get clients comfortable and let their chemistry do the rest.
Hot tip: When giving direction to a couple, give a general suggestion ie “How about one of you hug the other from behind. You choose who goes where.”
3. We set a tone of communication and consent in our sessions by asking our clients what types of public intimacy and direction they are comfortable with. Some clients are ready for a steamy make-out on even the busiest of trails or city spots, other couples prefer to keep the steam hidden. And there is no way to know other than to ask. Always find out in advance what actions – a playful butt-grab, a slow kiss, etc – are within bounds. And check-in a while into your session to make sure your directives are feeling comfy for your couple.