Today’s economy has a stronghold on the purse strings of every bride to be. While most young ladies dream of lavish weddings with all the bells and whistles from the time they enter preschool, the reality is that everyone is making cutbacks in their spending habits. Engaged couples know that their wedding photos are one of the most important aspects of their celebrated day. With this in mind, many photographers have been lowering their rates in an attempt to maintain a steady flow of business.

Keeping your head above water in today’s market may be difficult. It’s time to get creative in the area of business savvy if you plan on making it through the money crunch. Here are two suggestions on ways to cut back on your overhead while making a profit and continuing to provide top notch service to your clients. They’ll be thrilled with your work and you’ll be happy knowing that you’re going to survive the economic downturn.

1. Consider going digital, (if you’re not already)-while some ‘old school’ photographers have placed a stigma on using digital cameras for wedding photography. Truth be told, digital cameras give more flexibility to photographers and offer just as high quality photos if not higher.

Making the move from film to digital photos removes the cost of film and processing from your budget. If you’ve been processing film in your own dark room, this can increase your savings even more. If you are already using digital photography in your wedding business, consider using a laptop when you meet with your clients to present their proofs, instead of printing them.

This will save you a lot of money and give you an opportunity to get creative. Create a cd-rom of proofs for the new bride and groom of their proofs. Make a classy presentation for them and allow them to select which shots they want enlarged and in what presentations and quantities for their order. When you present them with their wedding order, make sure to give them the cd-rom, they’ll be overjoyed with the gift.

2. Advertise online-by doing the majority of your advertising online instead of in print, you are saving a proverbial fortune. The cost of print advertising has increased by over 300% in the past 5 years. Internet advertising is inexpensive and many times, free. Sites like Craigslist, Kiijii and 5000clicks.com offer you a place to advertise your services for free.

Newspapers that have been in existence for over 100 years are sadly going out of business because the days of print media are becoming extinct. Online marketing and advertising are the way of the world. So, save yourself some money and target the captive audience.

Follow these suggestions and you’ll come through these rough financial waters with your head held high like the professional you are. Best of luck, I know you’ll do great!