Marketing: I’m often referred to as the dancing Englishman…

Marketing: Local Networking and Business Referrals

I’m the guy who gets to collaborate with awesome professionals and great clients along the Grand Strand. I strive to create the best work possible, deliver my products and then encourage my clients to talk about me. What do you need to have a successful referral based marketing system? In my experience, the theory stayed simple:

  • Have passion and be passionate about the services you are offering.
  • Deliver products with value in a consistent manner that exceeds your clients expectation.
  • Know who your clients are, and specifically who your clients are not.
  • Socialize and network. You need the balance in your life of work, home, and play.
  • Just because you can finish the job, doesn’t mean the relationship has to be over.
  • Be thankful. Practice, prep up, and meaningfully say “Thank you.”

 

Passion & Product

I believe that passion is a huge part of having a successful referral based marketing strategy. Simply put, you just aren’t going to be able to deliver the highest quality product if you don’t care about it or the people you’re delivering to in the first place. In the process of working with and for my passions, I want my work to speak for itself by consistently exceeding my clients expectations with the final products I deliver. This could mean simple things like buying gift baskets for couples, paying attention to presentation materials, and researching what will actually make a difference to the clients I am interacting with.

Clients

I choose to really like the people I work for and it’s a priority for me to tailor the experience to each individual client. How my clients feel when they first meet me sets the standard, it’s my job to keep and go beyond that level of expectation every single time. Sometimes it is as simple as delivering images one day ahead of schedule or surprising them with a “gift product” in addition to what they ordered. Another way is to include them in my business functions and updates with regular social media posts and newsletters. With the upcoming launch of my new art series premiering in November, I want and encourage my clients to come join me in a night of celebration, enjoy some wine and one of my favorite past times ‘dancing’. For me it boils down to this – it is my clients who mean the most to me, and they are who grow my business.

Socialize

Here’s a prime example of how referral based marketing has worked for me. It’s a brief case study of my contract with our local Coastal Carolina National Bank. My initial contact with CCNB wasn’t through making a deposit. For the past 8 years I have photographed Dancing With The Horry County Stars. It is a fund raising opportunity for our local Early College Education Program. I love getting to know the dancers and coordinators at “Star Events” and in 2014 a member of CCNB was one of our dancing stars so when the bank needed new professional business and lifestyle portraits, the organizer of DWHCS suggested me to the Board. After seeing my work ethic and style from DWHCS, CCNB’s dancing star vouched for my quality and character and hey presto another job landed from a business connection. 

Continuing the Relationship

My intention has never been to finish a job then say, “Well yep, thanks, hope you have a nice day too,” and show them out the door…It often takes time to establish great connections and relationships with businesses and keeping the channels of communication open after a photo shoot will often lead to additional future projects. In the case of CCNB the marketing director was great to work with, she introduced me to the work-family of the  banking institutions as well as their affiliates. So far this has lead to photographing portraits for Purses for Purpose and a partnership with Tideland Health to host a yoga event. I remember the marketing director coming in for a photo shoot with the Pelican’s infamous Splash and saying, “Today, we’re doing yoga!”. This same philosophy applies to wedding and portrait clients and has created sustainable and consistent for my company.

At the end of the day,

I remember and I am so thankful to be surrounded by such an amazing circle of inspirational business professionals. I am thankful for the local networking and referrals that I consider priceless gems. Please note that I’m not bashing direct marketing or companies the specialize in the world of social media. Their merits are obvious because companies wouldn’t have marketing teams if that approach weren’t effective. This article is my testimonial on the benefits of using referral based marketing. It is my strategy in the sample area of Myrtle Beach and as the years have progressed, I preferred to keep this my main marketing system.

Myrtle Beach photographer, Studio Photography, Splash, Pelicans Baseball, Yoga day, CCNB

 

I would love for you to answer this one question.  How has your business model shaped itself? Leave your comment below with one key example, thanks!

 

Carl Kerridge is a location and destination photographer based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He specializes in wedding,event and commercial photography. He is passionate about the fine art and photojournalistic aspects of photography. Traveling in and out of the United States, Carl has dedicated the past 15 years to studying/experimenting with his craft, teaching educational workshops, and advocating a global awareness through art. To learn more, visit his Website, follow him on Instagram or connect with him on Facebook.

 

 

Couture for the Cure

Couture for the Cure 2014 ‘Bohemian Bliss’

I do not know many families that have not had the suffered from the loss of a family member to some form of cancer. I lost both my grandmothers too early so it was an emotional evening for me to witness such beauty and strength of community supporting the survivors of Breast Cancer and the fight to find a cure.

Little White Dress hosts this amazing event each year to raise awareness and funds for the local chapter of Caring in Our Lifetime which provides support for women along the Grand Strand who are battling breast cancer and need financial assistance. The event brings to together so many key leaders in the wedding community – which has grown leaps and bounds as Myrtle Beach becomes more and more of an ideal destination for couples, but it seems that the folks with a heart for service remain the same and I had the privilege of not only seeing their smiling faces, but their tears as well at this moving tribute last night.

I cannot say enough about Nichole, Brenda and their amazing team at Little White Dress. Not a stone left unturned – their eye for detail and their dedication to service shined through from the champagne reception to the chocolate cream puffs (which I could not help but try just… a few).

It was also a special treat to see my very own wife modeling in the show – and she also got to wear her own wedding dress! Not many guys get to see their wives walk down a runway with their wedding dress on AFTER the wedding, so I felt pretty darn lucky.

It was great to work with fellow photographer, Lisa Young, who I have known for years. We shared some laughs and felt honored to be called to capture these images for such a great cause. Check out Lisa’s Facebook Gallery here.

To see my full gallery of images click here

Bridal Fashion Show    Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show http://www.carlkerridge.com/Login/Event-Photography/Couture-for-the-Cure-2014/ Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show Bridal Fashion Show

 

100% of the proceeds went directly to Caring in our Lifetime.

Enjoy the stunning Bridal Gowns from Little White Dress

Jewelry by Ashley Hoffman

Hair by R Lozier Salon

Makeup by Makeup Artistry on Location 

Music by Myrtle Beach DJ’s

Floral and set design by Blossoms Events

Hosted at The Marina Inn at Grand Dunes 

Full photography web gallery

 

Fine Art Photojournalism at Pine Lakes

I have had the pleasure of shooting many weddings at Pine Lakes Country Club and it is certainly one of my favorite locations to create stunning fine art portraits and offers many unique angles for photojournalism styled images.

It’s stunning backdrop, full with history and southern charm, was the perfect place for the romantic and intimate wedding of Karen and Brian. And I have to say that their choice of colors, grey and yellow, really accentuated and complimented the buildings decor, especially on such a beautiful sunny day. Their personal attention to detail carried all the way from the vintage lace hair pin fashioned from Karen’s grandmothers wedding dress through to the custom thumb print rings. It was a delight to behold, even better to photograph and a great day to be a part of, thanks again for working with me.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the end to see my choice for “best destination wedding pic of the day.”

vintage wedding gown, Pine Lakes, Myrtle Beach fine art wedding photography, beautiful bouquet fine art wedding photography, table setting artistic wedding photography, myrtle beach, sc black white bridal rings in palm of hand cake display and setting, Pine Lakes fine art bridal portrait, black white, artistic, myrtle beach, sc Fathers first look at bride, wedding photojournalism bridesmaids, creative photojournalism, pine lakes skipping bridesmaids at pine lakes country club, myrtle beach, sc wedding ceremony, pine lakes, myrtle beach, sc creative wedding photos, myrtle beach, sc outdoor portrait, romantic wedding couple embrace fine art black white wedding portrait myrtle beach fine art wedding photography, pine lakes country club, myrtle beach, sc photojournalism-myrtle-beach-south-carolina wedding-photojournalism-myrtle-beach-sc wedding photography, photojournalism, myrtle beach

My favorite destination wedding pic of the day…this gorgeous 1960 red convertible Cadillac added a stylish end to a classically romantic day at Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach, SC 

Artistic wedding photography, couples portrait, red cadillac, Pine Lakes Country Club

Classic Romance at Sunnyside Plantation, Murrells Inlet, SC

Classic Romance, Southern Charm with a twist of sophistication and a large dose of humor would sum up todays destination wedding at Sunnyside Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC. Oh and a beautiful couple, on a perfect fall afternoon, with great families, yep today was great, more images to come soon.

Bridal Party  Sunnyside Plantation, Murrells Inlet, Classic Romance

Late fall afternoon sun shinning through the Spanish Moss at Sunnyside Plantation

Destination Wedding – A Twist on Southern Charm in Murrells Inlet

For a destination wedding hearing a bride say, “I really want creative and artistic pictures of my wedding and I love black and white” is like music to my wedding photographer ears.  When my bride just gives me the green light, I feel like I have complete permission to work directly from my heart and soul – and that is when we will get the best images.

Holly wanted to put a new spin on vintage southern charm with her destination wedding venue, Olivers Lodge, in Murrells Inlet was the perfect place to be able to capture the essence of her vision. The “charm” of the inlet is felt by all who are there.  The big old oak trees along the marsh creates a rustic yet whimsical feel – and was just perfect for what Holly was envisioning for her day.

The week before the wedding I found myself glued to the weather channel website on my iPad.  It felt as though there was just rain all around us and I am not a religious type of guy, but for my brides I will ALWAYS pray, hope and if necessary beg for nice weather.  It seemed as though our prayers were heard and the sky took a break for long enough for Holly and Stephen to say their “i-do’s.” and an enjoy an evening with friends under the stars.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the end to see my choice for “best pic of the day.”

Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC Wedding photography, Murrells Inlet, bridesmaids Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC Bridal Portrait, Murrells Inlet, SC Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC

Grandmas in rocking chairs relaxing by the marsh

Rocking chairs over looking the marsh make the perfect spot for the bride and grooms Grandmas to relax

Fine art wedding photography, Murrells Inlet, SC

The brides first steps down the aisle under the live oaks at Olivers Lodge

Artistic wedding images, Murrells Inlet, SC Bridal couple, fine art wedding photography Bridal party, wedding photography, Murrells Inlet, SC

wedding couples siblings fighting over them

The bride had suggested that her brother would be quite emotional and maybe we could show an image of him and the grooms sister struggling to let go…and this is what we got, a couple of fun loving jokesters.

Photojournalism wedding style, Murrells Inlet, SC

laughing groom removing garter in style

Documenting weddings there are times when you know the groom is going to “charm his bride” . Removing the garter in style

marsh view at dusk in black and white

A relaxation station to kick your feet up and enjoy the view over the inlet to the Garden City beaches. Oliver’s Lodge, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Carl_Kerridge_Photography_Happy_Wedding_Murrells_Inlet_South_Carolina-105

 

My favorite destination wedding image of the day…This was the fastest cake smash I have ever seen and after 200+ weddings I have seen a few. Holly totally took him by surprise before he had even finished cutting out the slice of cake. I love a good cake smash, just ask my wife (she started it).

Photojournalism wedding style, Murrells Inlet, SC

Even though she denied it at the time of our consultation I had the feeling that she was going to get him, she went in fast and he didn’t see it coming

 

Vendors:

Wedding Photography: Carl Kerridge
Location: Olivers Lodge
Wedding Planner: Inlet Affairs
Catering: Inlet Affairs
Entertainment: Tell Scarlet
Video: Anchor Films
Cake: Cake Creations
Flowers: