Lack of Diversity on Wedding Blogs & Feature Accounts
The Editorial Team of Wedding Blogs Need to Focus on Diversity //
The underrepresentation of Black people on many mainstream wedding blogs, publications and feature accounts has been a persistent issue for many years.
This article is particularly helpful for the editorial team of wedding blogs, publications and feature accounts. At the same time, I encourage photographers and other wedding industry vendors to read it as well.
Disclaimer: In this post, I am addressing the wedding industry in Europe and America. Moreover, I am sharing my point-of-view and do NOT speak for all Black people. In addition, I recognise that there are different types of people affected by the lack of representation in the wedding industry – at this moment, I am focusing on the underrepresentation of Black people (which can be further applied to other maraginalised groups).
In conversations that I have been having and statements that I have been reading on social media, a top reason (excuse) for this being the case is that they are barely receiving submissions from photographers that include Black couples.
This may very well be true, but let us dig a little deeper as to the possible reasons:
1. BEING CONSTANTLY TURNED AWAY
I have read a ton of comments from photographers the past few days on social media saying that they have submitted images with diverse couples to get published multiple times only to be met with constant rejections (mind you, I cannot speak to the quality/style of the images, but this is coming from a number of photographers.)
Understandably, these photographers began to discontinue sending in further images for consideration to those who turned them away.
2. YOU GET WHAT YOU SHOW
When a photographer is preparing to submit a wedding/elopement/styled shoot/engagement session etc., one of criteria considered is whether or not the images fit well in terms of what is already being showcased on the platform. If there is a lack of diverse couples being shown, the logical assumption is that they are not welcome.
3. REPUTATION
Some wedding blogs, publications and feature accounts have simply gained a reputation for prefering to showcase white couples. Their constant disregard for representation has led to photographers boycotting them.
One thing has become crystal clear to me the past few days.
Actually, there isn’t a lack of amazingly gorgeous images of Black couples! A number of mainstream wedding blogs, publications and feature accounts on Instagram seem to have pulled them out from somewhere in their archives, because they are posting them on the daily!
Hmmm makes one wonder…
By now, if you have been reading my recent posts, you know my stance: it’s not about shaming, it’s about educating!
I say this to the editorial team of mainstream wedding blogs, publications and feature accounts with a lack of diversity:
Yes, the representation of Black couples is long-overdue and you have fallen-short in this area. If you truly are committed to featuring more diverse couples, you need to do the work not only on the surface level, but internally as well. Real, long-lasting change starts with your core values.
Aida
MY WEDDING SEASON – THE PODCAST
BUILD A THRIVING BRAND & BUSINESS
Welcome to “My Wedding Season – The Podcast” where I provide overwhelmed wedding photographers with the inspiration, tools and resources needed to build a thriving brand and business. I am your host, Aida Glowik, a European intimate wedding and elopement photographer based in Germany.
This podcast is for wedding photographers who are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that come along with doing life, building a brand and running a business. On solo shows, I address various topics including, but not limited to: branding & marketing, organisation & productivity systems as well as income generating business strategies.
Guest interviews are centered around exploring their creative processes and insights regarding photography and/or business! Can’t wait for you to hear from so many talented and inspirational people from around the world!
A new episode drops every two weeks on Wednesdays!
Are you in? Get ready to take some notes…
Ad | I am partnering with Pic-Time to give one lucky winner a 1-year Advanced Plan subscription for Pic-Time (open to current & new users!)!
How to enter (Got to Instagram):
1. Follow @pictime_us & @aidaglowik 2. Share this post to your Stories 3. Tag a friend in the comments (each tag counts as an extra entry)
Anyone who enters this giveaway qualifies for a 100 Euro discount on a new ticket for the retreat that I am hosting in Tuscany, Italy (as long as spots are available – first come, first serve).
The winner will be picked on Monday, October 23rd!
Tuscany Retreat for Wedding Photographers:
- Dates: Monday, October 30th – Thursday, November 2nd 2023
- Investment: €899 + 19%VAT (€799 + 19% VAT for giveaway participants)
- Included: workshop & group discussions, portfolio-building sessions with a model couple (@twinflamesNL), and personal branding portraits for each participant.
- Bonus: 1-hour 1:1 mentoring session via Zoom within 6 months after the retreat (valued at 300 Euros)
More info: www.aidaandtim.com/tuscany-retreat Sign-up by emailing me: mail@aidaandtim.com
Disclaimer: If you have already purchased a ticket for the Tuscany Retreat, unfortunately you cannot claim a 100 Euro discount or ask for a cash payout.
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.
Best of luck! Aida
MY WEDDING SEASON PLANNER 2022 // DIGITAL PLANNER
SIGN-UP TO GET NOTIFIED AS SOON AS THE PLANNER IS AVAILABLE!
My Wedding Season Planner is custom-designed to help overwhelmed wedding photographers who are feeling stressed out because they are struggling to stay organised, keep track of their client work and reach their goals.
This 2022 version of the planner is going to be made available to you for FREE as a pdf download!
For more details about the planner: www.wedding-photography-podcast.com/planner
Share the love and invite your photographer friends to sign-up to the newsletter by sending them this link: http://eepurl.com/hSBmWj
AIDA GLOWIK
PHOTOGRAPHER & PODCASTER
I specialise in European intimate weddings & elopements.
I provide overwhelem wedding photographers with the inspiration, tools and resources needed to build a thriving brand and business.
BOOK A CLARITY & ACTION SESSION
FOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that come along with building a wedding photography brand and running a business, you are not alone!
The good news is, there is no need to stay stuck any longer! I can help you gain clarity and assist you in creating an action plan to achieve your goal.
MORE BEHIND THE SCENES & VALUE ON INSTAGRAM
