Clients

Q:

How can a photographer implement their personal style and vision throughout their work when the majority of their work has been art-directed by their client for various and specific styles?

A:

This could be the million-dollar question that makes or breaks a photographer’s success. As busy as a photographer is, the images will always reflect a client’s vision of jobs from the past. So much of what clients want to see is what you can bring to the job for the future. The magical word is “Test.” Keep testing, no matter how busy you are. Bring your personal look into images and show who you are. 

I want to change the definition of our OUTREACH. “Reach out” now means finding your way to include unknown, surprising, or unplanned approaches and constantly trying new ways.

Today, we explore the evolving nature of outreach in the business landscape. Outreach is not a static concept; rather, it is dynamic and constantly shifting, influenced by market changes and technological advancements. We need to adapt outreach strategies to stay relevant and effective. While foundational aspects like LinkedIn presence, branding, and social media are critical, but the landscape of outreach is ambiguous and requires experimentation with new methods. Outreach should be viewed as a fluid process that necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to the ever-changing environment.

Businesses need to evolve their outreach strategies in response to the shifting landscape. By focusing on adaptability, foundational tools, key contacts, and a commitment to experimentation and learning, professionals can navigate the complexities of outreach effectively and remain relevant in an ever-changing environment.

Q:

How do you make initial contact with potential clients? Do you go straight for the phone or warm up through email? What do you talk about in that first conversation?

A:

This is the million-dollar question that has no definitive answer! Every person selling has a different method and every success story has different factors—sometimes simply good timing. Personally, I say never use the phone. I find phone calls intrusive since they require an immediate response at the caller’s chosen time. The best sales method, whether through email or conversation, is to follow the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Q:

I would really like to get a rep but the clients I work with tell me they don’t work with reps, they hire photographers directly. I feel I need a rep to take my career to the next level, but I’m concerned about my client’s response.

A:

To get a rep or clients that use reps, you need to shoot the style and level that would get these jobs. I can say this to all photographers – most of the issues that arise are based on your portfolio. Start with that and look to improve it to get the results you are looking for. 

Clients usually cannot provide specific prices or amounts you need to present a range of options for them to advise bringing you up or down.

Q:

What are some things to avoid when cold emailing?

A:

The most important part of a cold email is to avoid sounding cold. I try to be in the moment to write as I speak, keeping it as “not staged” as possible. 

• Sound human
• Avoid unnecessary words = short and to the point
• Add a touch of human flair

Bidding a job can be a quickly played, fast-paced, reactive decision game anticipating how the client could respond. The wrong move can cost us the job. We want to be honest about what we can do for their budget, but sometimes, we must educate the client to understand the situation and how we can best serve them. Be a part of their side of the process, join forces with them, and play the team player role.

One important way to impress the client on the creative call is to research them before the call. Bring your knowledge of their company into the call. 

Any other creative call ideas you’d like to share in the comments?

On a shoot, never share your stress with your client. Talk to your rep or someone else.

Q:

How do you know when your book is strong enough to start marketing to potential clients? I’ve heard you only get one shot and only one first impression. 

A:

You get more than one shot because clients in larger cities change over often. When a client sees potential in your book, they will often want to see where you take it and be the one to help launch your career. Your book is strong enough when you start bidding on jobs.