We have fun with what we do, but we also understand the deep responsibility that we have as wedding photographers. Here is our company’s manifesto. It’s a declaration of our purpose and our values.
1. We will conduct our business in such a fashion that we are always open to what God needs us to do. This means to not acquire any debt that would enslave us. We want to be able to give freely financially, and of our time and talents. There is a huge freedom working for ourselves, and we will not take that gift for granted. We will regularly keep up with our financial records. We will tithe. We will bless when there is an opportunity to. We will keep our office and equipment in good shape so that on a moments notice, we can be ready to go if we are asked to go.
Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice. (Proverbs 16:8) The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7) For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask more. (Luke 12:48)2. We believe that we have a unique gift to give to our clients – one that can strengthen a marriage years down the road. We will strive to create photographs that years later will help the couple remember how much they love each other. During good and bad times in our clients’ marriages, we want our photos and albums to be a refuge and mirror of their love of each other. We strive for our photos to become heirlooms of love in each of our clients’ families.
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)3. We will strive to be a blessing in each of our professional relationships, going the extra mile in customer service and in the presentation of deliverables. Our love for our clients, business, and each other will be zealous.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:1)4. We will strive to be best photographers that we can be. continuing in education, staying ahead of the pack with new technical innovations, knowing our equipment backwards and forwards, using professional grade equipment, always having backup plans ready, and using competent and friendly over-hire.
Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)5. We will present ourselves in a stylish and clean manner, be prompt, and do everything we can to bring joy and to be an attentive friend. We believe that our professional and personal behavior is a reflection of our God.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31-32)6. We will be trendsetters instead of trend followers. We will make a conscious effort to daily seek out inspiration in other mediums besides our photography business. This includes, but is not limited to, other art forms, personal photo projects, charity work, films, music, and literature. We will, during our weekly meeting, share our bits of inspiration with each other and our staff. This doesn’t mean that everything we do has to be original, we also recognize the importance of being an early-adopter in some situations.
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)7. We will strive to further our industry, through educating and hosting events for other photographers, attending workshops and conferences for community building, and creating work of such high calibre that the $500 Craigslist photographer becomes irrelevant.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)