How to Show Your Professional Photography Clients You Appreciate Them
As a photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to work with lots of different clients throughout your career. If you’re a wedding photographer, you get to work with clients who are planning for their big day. If you’re a portrait photographer, you may be working with high-profile individuals who need new headshots.
You can’t control who your clients will be, but you can make sure that they know how much you appreciate them choosing your photography services. If your client is brand new to working with photographers, even better, this is your chance to shine and make sure they have a great first experience.
Here are some ideas on how you can show your photography clients that you appreciate them.
Make Sure That You Listen to Your Clients
Whether you’re working with someone who has had their portrait taken many times or a young family’s first session, take the time to learn about them and see what they’re hoping to achieve. Everyone has certain needs, preferences, and concerns in mind when it comes to their photography session. Not every client will have the same needs, but you can be sure that they all deserve to be heard. In order to ensure that you’re listening to each client, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure that you’re always in communication with your clients before their shoot. Whether you’re scheduling a phone call with them or having an in-person meeting, there are a couple of advantages to this. First, it gives you a chance to really get to know your clients and understand what their needs are. Second, it shows them that you care about the details and that you’re dedicated to making sure that they’re happy with the end product.
Be Honest About What You Can and Can’t Do
There will be times when your photography clients will ask you to do something that you just can't do. While it's great to be open to new ideas and to try everything that your clients want, you also can't be expected to do something that is outside of your comfort zone or that is just out of your skill level. If a client asks you to do something that you know you can't do, don't be afraid to be honest with them about it.
While it is possible to find ways to say "no" that aren't offensive, the best way to handle this is by being direct and honest. If a client asks you to do something that you feel is outside of what you can do, explain why you can't do it in a kind and professional manner. If you have to say no to a client, you don't want them to feel bad about it or to think that they did something wrong. Instead, it's best to acknowledge their request and simply say that you can't do it.
Send a Thank You Note After Each Session
Even though you might not have a ton of professional photography sessions with a specific client, each one should be memorable for them. Don’t forget that you may photograph many clients over the course of a month, but for each of those sessions it may be the only time your clients are getting their photos professionally taken.
Sending a thank you note directly after the session is a great way for clients to see that you appreciate them choosing your photography services. It also lets them see how much you care about your own business and that you took the time to reach out to them personally.
Another gift that can be sent directly to a client is a small Canvas Wrap PRO. For instance, a 9x12 Canvas Wrap PRO print of one of the images from your session together is a great reminder to them of the memories they made that day. This can be a thoughtful gesture a few months after their session as seasons and holidays change, they may even book you again for an updated Family picture for their Christmas card.
It doesn’t matter if you only work with a client once a year or once a month; clients always appreciate a thoughtful gesture like this.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback
While you should make sure to handle each session with professionalism and courtesy, this doesn’t mean that you should be stiff or unapproachable. In fact, one way that you can show clients that you appreciate them is by asking for their feedback after each session.
You may not always receive feedback, but if you ask for it, then you’ll be much more likely to get it. Not only will asking for feedback help you improve as a photographer and benefit your business, but it will also show clients that you care about their experience and would like to know how you can do better in the future.
Stay In Touch After the Photoshoot
Sometimes, the best way to show your clients that you appreciate them is by staying in touch with them. There are a few ways that you can do this, such as inviting clients to join your email list or private Facebook group. You can even offer exclusive discounts via email for clients who have booked with you in the past. You don’t want to be overly pushy or overstep your boundaries, but you also don’t want to forget about your clients after their photoshoot.
After all, you’re building relationships with clients so that you can have a long-lasting and prosperous business.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you’re working with a family who has had their photos taken many times, or a couple taking their first set of photos together you should always be sure to show your clients that you appreciate them. Not only will this help you build better relationships with your clients, but it will also help you build a stronger business.
At the end of the day, clients are more likely to recommend your business to others if they’re happy with your service. And when you show clients that you appreciate them, you’re sending the message that they are important, which will help them remember you and your services in the future.