Hey stranger!

If you are here, you are probably looking to improve the relationship with your clients and are maybe thinking: How can I get that “I LOVE them” email? Well, there’s actually a way and no, it’s not being a better photographer, even though that helps too! The way we get that satisfying email from a happy client is by actually building a trust-worthy relationship between the client and you as a photographer.

There are three phases where you can build and improve your relationship with the client. These are your best shot at solidifying a business relationship, but also a step forward in making sure that the finished portrait is up to your standards and satisfies both the client and you as an artist. So, let’s begin this journey!

Before Your Portrait Photography Session:

Phase 1 ~ As a portrait photographer you can improve the relationship with the client before the photo session by taking the following steps:

1. Communicate with the subject beforehand, either by phone, email, but I will always prefer a short Zoom Call to discuss the details of the session and to get to know each other a little bit before the day of the shoot.

2. Provide the subject with information about what to expect during the session, including the location, the length of the session, the wardrobe they should bring, and/or any specific requirements or requests.

3. Ask the subject if they have any specific ideas or concerns about the session and listen to their feedback and suggestions.

4. Offer the subject the option to bring along a friend or family member for support and comfort during the session. This is something that many photographers over-look or even avoid saying, but from a subject’s perspective having a support system next to them is a key aspect for their comfort.

5. The obvious but important step: Be friendly, professional, and approachable, and make the subject feel comfortable and at ease. Every subject won’t be your best friend, but the least we can offer is a personal human connection, this is a good step towards allowing the subject to open up during the photography session.

Overall, the key take-away to improve the relationship with the subject before the photo session is to be open and honest, and to make the subject feel valued and respected. By taking the time to establish a good relationship with the subject, you can create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere during the session, which will result in better photos.

During the Portrait Photography Session:

Phase 2 ~ Okay, so now that we have our client warmed up for the photography session, how do we keep this energy during the session and make the subject feel comfortable? Phase 2 is one of the most important steps for a successful portrait photography session, so make sure NOT TO SKIP this part.

There are several ways that a portrait photographer can make a subject feel comfortable during a photography session. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Communicate openly and honestly with the subject and explain the process and what to expect during the session. Take at least 5 minutes with your subject to talk and walk around the location, this way both of you will feel comfortable with each other’s presence.

2. Create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere; provide refreshments, good music, or snacks if possible.

3. Give the subject time to adjust to the camera and the environment and allow them to take breaks if needed. Every person is different, some will come to the session photo-ready and excited, others will be nervous and even awkward with the camera. This is completely normal. Your job here is to talk them through the process and help them get lose and enjoy the photo session.

4. Provide direction and guidance on posing and facial expressions, but also allow the subject to be themselves and to express their own personality. Don’t just be there with the camera looking for great compositions and lighting, although these are very important, you cannot forget that you have a person standing in front of you that might not know how to work the camera and will appreciate your guidance.

5. Be patient and understanding and try to put the subject at ease with small talk and friendly conversation.

6. Take breaks during the session to review the photos and to show the subject how they are looking. Some photographers don’t like to show the client progress photos, so this is up to you. I like to show them how they are looking, this way I know if they like themselves during the photo session and if not, we have time to adjust accordingly. You can open the door for feedback and ask the subject for ways to make them feel more comfortable or try new things!

7. Be flexible and adaptable and be willing to make changes or adjustments if the subject is not comfortable or happy with the direction of the photo shoot.

Overall, the key to making a subject feel comfortable during a portrait photography session is to create a positive and supportive environment, and to be respectful and understanding of the subject's needs and feelings.

After finishing the Portrait Photography Session:

Phase 3 ~ You just finished the photo session, and it was a success! Now what? Well, this is how you close the deal before that final interaction with the client, which would be sending the final product. Here are a few ways that you, as a portrait photographer, can improve the relationship with the subject after the photo session:

1. Thank the subject for their time and cooperation during the photo session. A simple thank-you can go a long way in building a positive relationship with the person and making them feel appreciated. Remember, we are building human relationships, this is how we tie together our business.

2. Share some of the photos from the session with the subject. This can give the subject a sneak peek at the photos and help them feel excited and invested in the final product. Since you are the photographer, you know which were the best moments during the session, show the subject those moments and they will be very excited for the final result.

3. Ask for feedback from the subject. This can help you, as the photographer, understand what the subject liked and didn't like about the photo session, and can provide valuable insights for future shoots.

4. Offer to answer any questions or concerns that the subject may have about the photos or the photo session. This can help the subject feel more informed and confident about their experience with you.

5. Follow up with the subject after the photos are edited and delivered. This can show the subject that you value their feedback and are committed to delivering high-quality photos.

Overall, building a positive relationship with the subject after the photo session can help the photographer establish trust and rapport with the subject, and can improve the chances of future bookings and referrals from the subject.

Now that we understand the three phases to engage and keep a client happy, before, during and after the photo session, we can finally deliver the most beautiful final result photos from the session. This will be a topic for another blog!

I hope breaking down this process helps you as a portrait photographer to develop stronger and healthier client relationships. This will definitely open the door for more positive feedback towards your work, higher client retention, higher future bookings and referrals!

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog! I look forward to sharing more on being a portrait photographer.

Stay tuned for the next blog post!

Xx, Yeya