Hey friend!

A few posts back I wrote about What is Corporate Portrait Photography?. There we talked about the key elements that define this style of portrait photography and some of the goals that need to be obtained through this photography style, and by goals I mean what your client might be expecting from the photo session. If you want to learn more about it, make sure to read that blogpost!.

Now, since you already know what corporate portrait photography entails, it’s time to move towards the next step! I know you may have wondered how to turn your passion for photography into a thriving business. Well, if you're a talented portrait photographer who loves to capture the essence and personality of your subjects, then corporate portrait photography could be the perfect niche for you! In this post, we'll explore 5 ways to kickstart your corporate portrait photography business and start attracting clients in no time! I’m excited for this one.

Step 1: Define Your Brand and Niche

The first step to building a successful corporate portrait photography business is to establish your brand and niche. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Do you specialize in executive headshots, team portraits, or full-body shots? Think about what you're really good at and what makes you unique. Also, you have to think about the way you like to work with other people, is it a more one to one kind of approach or can you manage a whole group of people? These are a few questions you need to answer about your work approach and then, craft a brand that showcases your strengths and appeals to your target audience.

As an example, I love to work as a one to one experience with my clients. I like to establish a personalized experience with each person, get to know them and help them express themselves the best way they can towards the camera. If I have to handle a group of people I can do that too, but it’s not part of my niche approach.

Step 2: Build Your Online Presence

In today's digital world, having a strong online presence is essential for success. Think of it as your portfolio or your presentation card, it contains a curated profile of your work and how you approach clients. Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, and make sure to optimize it for search engines. For website creation, you can use one of the user-friendly website creator platforms like, Squarespace or Wix. They are easy to handle and maintain.

Take advantage of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote your brand and connect with potential clients. Share your work, behind-the-scenes moments, and tips to attract followers and build your brand. In order to get yourself out-there and have other people and business approach you, you must create content that engages with your ideal clients, and in this case it’s people interested in entrepreneurship, small business owners and people that are interested in stepping up their social appearance. I also wrote a blogpost with 7 Tips to get noticed in Social Media, you can check it out!

Step 3: Network with Local Businesses

Networking is one of the most effective ways to reach new clients and build relationships with other businesses in your area. It is a clear path to get to know other business, while also letting others know your personality and what your business is all about. Nothing will ever beat in-person connections! You should attend local events, join professional organizations, and seek out opportunities to collaborate with other photographers or businesses in related fields.

When you are starting out and don’t have many clients to showcase your talent, don’t be afraid to offer your services for free or at a reduced rate to build your portfolio and gain exposure! There’s nothing wrong with this, think of it like… being an intern at your own business, you need to gain the experience first in order to be reliable enough for your clients and get that bag!

Step 4: Price it Right

Having a clear and competitive pricing strategy is critical to success. Take into consideration your costs, including equipment, marketing, and overhead expenses, and price your services accordingly. Offer different packages to cater to different budgets, and consider offering additional services like retouching and photo books. Communicate your pricing clearly to potential clients, and be open to negotiation to close a sale. If you need to take a look at how to organize your packages, you can check out my packages!

Step 5: Deliver Amazing Customer Service

The secret to acquiring and retaining clients is delivering amazing customer service. From the first consultation to the final product, make sure your clients have a seamless and enjoyable experience. Be responsive to their needs, provide clear and transparent communication, and go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction. This will not only help you retain clients but also increase the likelihood of referrals and repeat business.

As for any one-person business your client retention and experience will take your business to the level you want and excel your business capacities. You don’t need to go crazy trying to find many clients when you give your all to the ones you have, and once your usual clients are happy with the business you are building, they will make the marketing for you!

Conclusion

Starting a corporate portrait photography business requires a blend of technical skills, business cleverness, and exceptional customer service. By defining your brand, building your online presence, networking, pricing it right, and delivering outstanding customer service, you can quickly attract clients and build a thriving and profitable business. So go ahead, show the world your creativity, determination, and attention to detail, and help professionals tell their unique stories through stunning portraits!

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

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