Why Your Potential Photography Clients are Hesitating to Book with You

A majority of the time potential photography clients hesitate to book a photography session because they aren’t clear on the value that you provide.

Potential clients might contact you to get information about your photography sessions, but you don’t give them enough information for them to really know what is included and what is expected of them.

Getting new photography clients is not as simple as them asking if you are available, and setting a date. People need to know what it is about you and your photography business that is worth paying for.

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With this digital age, gone are the days when it was difficult to break into photography. At the sessions photographers had to get it right the first time in the camera. They couldn’t take a peek at the last shot and delete it because it was slightly blurry, and then refocus and shoot again. Not to mention the multiple processes it took to develop the image. The chemicals, the dodging and burning by hand. Only the skilled had the patience for all of it. Now, we can create art with this small device we carry in our back pockets, every single day at any moment.

So what is it that you are providing, that is worth paying for, that potential clients would care about? It can’t just be capturing memories. They can do that themselves now. Instantly, without you around. You need to dig deep to think about it, and it will be different for each photographer.

Understand What Your Client Really Wants

Once you understand what it is that sets you apart from other photographers, why will your clients want it? The better you can understand the desires of your clients, the more easily you can get them to value your photography.

If you are a family photographer, are you able to give them the ultimate family session? One that will leave lasting memories well beyond the session?

Are you a wedding photographer and you are so in tune with the emotions of the day that you are a pro at capturing those emotional moments because you have a knack for timing?

Use the thing that makes you unique, and tie that in with their desires.

The more you understand what their hesitations might be, the easier it will be for you to book them. Your goal is for your client or potential clients to say, “They understand! They get it!” Is mom a little insecure being in front of the camera? Maybe you can partner with a hair/makeup salon.

Is mom and dad worried about how the kids will act during the session? Reassure them that you are amazing with kids, no matter what the personality is.

How Do You Educate Them?

By putting as much information out there from the very beginning. On your social media platforms, your website, your blog, email newsletter. All the places. Our photographs are half of the content. They other half is our words.

It can be as simple as posting behind the scenes images at your sessions, to using a client guide that covers everything they need to know.

Being as transparent about your process as you can be is the best strategy to book more photography clients.

Your Brand Plays a Huge Part in Booking Clients

Your brand has to shout out loud who you are. And by brand, I don’t mean colors, logos, or the design of your website. Yes, that all plays a part. But when I am talking about brand, I mean YOU. Your brand has to be everywhere. All over social media. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. And not just your business accounts, but your personal accounts as well. You aren’t only limited to posting your photo work. Are you a family photographer? Post links to articles from Parent Magazine. Easy recipes to do with the kids. Post links to local events. And ask questions that pertain to kids and family to get them to interact with you on social media. Post daily tips to help parents ease their kids into a family photo session so they don’t go crazy the day of.

Wedding photographers, talk about past venues you have worked with before.

Newborn photographers, talk about the days when your little ones were a newborn and you were up all night with them. Maybe you even had to jump in the car to take a quick drive around the block to get them to sleep.

Talk about your experiences and they will relate to you.

“Art is something that touches some people, but not other people”. In other words, you can’t please everyone. You can however, please the ones that relate to you.

When you can recognize what hesitations your potential clients might have, you will begin to get a clear idea of what it is you can help them with and resolve the issues.

Here are a few general hesitations your potential clients might have:

-They might feel self conscious in front of the camera

-Your prices might seem too high for them, but you aren’t giving clear communication as to what is included in your price. Or if you offer a payment plan, do they know this?

-Child(ren) is typically rambunctious with new people so the parents hesitate to put them in a situation for their kids to act up.

-Dad may hate the entire process (most do!)

-Client might be scared they would get asked to do something they are uncomfortable with

-Not sure what to wear

What if I Don’t Post on Social Media Much?

Trust me I get it. Social media has become nothing but a lot of chaotic noise lately. That is why it is very important for you to have a blog or an email newsletter service.

You as the photographer need to understand and remember that our business is a habit to us, this is what we think about day in and day out. Our business process is second nature so it’s easy to forget that clients don’t just automatically know what they should do or what they are supposed to expect from us.

The more clear they are about what we do and offer, they are 10 times more likely to book with someone that eases their hesitations.

Transparency = sales!

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