Lately, I‘ve been noticing people asking for sessions, events, and photography in general in new ways. Sometimes it feels borderline disrespectful …

As a photographer/ business owner, I do understand that sometimes it is necessary to “educate” clients a little bit because, let’s get real… people want stuff for right now type of thing, people are getting lazy, don’t read, don’t research, and make assumptions on an everyday basis…

I do not mind talking about this with my clients, but I do try to establish communication effectively by talking on the phone, sending guides, how-to-get-ready PDFs, and FAQs. Making those takes time and I am constantly updating them as I get to know people’s expectations.

But have you, as a client ever thought that we, photographers, also choose our clients? That first impression goes both ways. Yes, as business owners we learn to deal with different types of clients, but we are humans too, and the artistic type of humans that follow feelings and vibes …

To be respectful and create beautifully, we appreciate honesty. If you are in the market, shopping for a photographer take these points into consideration;

Are you one of these clients?

• Price shopping client - If you want “a couple of photos” and a photographer that “does not cost an arm or a leg”… be honest and tell the photographer about your budget, which is your priority. We, photographers, evolve to offer the best for our clients and create our business, and that costs money. If you come to us and let us know that price is the most important thing to you, we will either tell you that we can or can not be your photographer, offer you a payment plan, or simply send a referral. Instead of wasting time and effort, we get to the point and everyone is happy.

• Ghosting “Client”- Are you one of those people that inquire to only get the price or just because you are curious and then disappear? Take into consideration that for small business owners, time is money. If you are not interested, you’ll know almost immediately… Please, let the photographer know. We try not to assume, because either you forgot about the inquiry, you are busy, or you forgot the manners to close that inquiry. We remember those clients and yes, those clients tend to come back… and ask the same questions…

• “Exposure”/ “collaboration” “client”- At the beginning of my career I did stuff for free, under the exposure/collaboration stigma, and hey, I did learn my lesson. Never again! The events I covered got me 0 clients. Do not expect me to take hours of my life to appear at your event, cover everything, cull, edit, and send images while paying for software, and equipment, and take the time I can use for my business for free. Be nice to the photographer, you are asking for help, and that will only benefit you ? C’mon, common sense! But, if I see a case of a non-profit organization, need that could make a difference in someone’s…I will offer my services without cost or recognition. Just because I want to and feels right.

• “Customize for Me” client- If you are looking for a specific set, props, wardrobe, or “ I want exactly like this Pinterest or this photographer” … Be ready for some; no, nah, I don’t think so! An experienced/ professional photographer will never copy the same image of another photographer. Copyrights and bad rep are on the line by doing this, and, why not make a version of that image that represents you? I love customizing for my clients, I do not want every session to look the same, because; “One size does NOT fit all”. If your photographer takes the time to talk and create with you, expect a nice flow of creativity, a good mood, and a nice experience while getting beautiful photos.

• Love your work client- These are our favorite clients because we can create freely, relax while working, and get the clients to feel themselves and forget there is a camera around. We, photographers, get excited to work with people that already know our work, style, and basics before booking. It is like we know each other before the session.

• Loyal Client- We know each other, we work together before, and I as a photographer appreciate you! By coming back you can expect some kind of gift from me to you. A product, a discount, a special detail that shows how grateful I am for you coming back. It is all about creating relationships.

  
  
  
  
  

Why I am talking about this?

Simple, sometimes clients do not even know what they want, for what/why they want it, and understand the photography market. If you see some photos that you like, think;

Why do you like that photo?

Can you see yourself in a photo similar to that one?

Do you want that image for social media, an album, or wall art at your home?

To create photos we take into consideration all this and more. This is why a conversation before the session and a contract are important. The expectations should be clear both ways.

In the same way, you look for your ideal photographer, we look for ideal clients.

Yes!

Our ideal client is a person who is willing to buy our products or services at our established prices. Our ideal client is the kind of client who is a pleasure to work with, loves our work, talks to us, and lets us create their story with photos. Our ideal client usually comes back because it was a good experience, loved the service and products, and also created a relationship with us.

Are you one of these clients?

Photography is not a necessity, it is something that you want… because you want to create memories, remember a moment, a time in your life, people that make you happy, and treasure it with images. Be nice and aware that a photographer learned about the art of creating beautiful images that portray you, your partner, your family, and your business. A professional photographer should be open to guide you, inform you and create for you. Keep that in mind when you are looking for one. I talk about this in another blog…. https://karenfabiolaphoto.com/blog/choosing-your-photographer check it out, you’ll see!