Photography Coaching: Authentically Connecting with Clients
Have you ever gone to a shoot, taken photos, returned the gallery, and that was it? It feels empty.
If you are anything like me, and you thrive off of human connection and meaning-making. This transactional experience is hollow and sad. Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of photographers that want to wham, bam thank you, ma'am, and never speak to those clients again. That is just not me. This scenario has happened a few times, and I wondered what I did wrong to make this process feel that way.
Because that's it, it was my fault that I wasn't authentically connecting with clients.
Chances are, it's you, not them. After all, you are the expert they are paying, so it's your job to create a meaningful, intentional experience for them. At least, this was my internal dialog as I went through my process of finding solutions.
Here are my top five steps to creating an authentic relationship with your clients.
These are the steps I took to make meaning in my client interaction that helped us feel more like friends.
Create a questionnaire- not just one of those "what time do you want to shoot" or "what location should we pick" questionnaires. Ask your couples how they met, their ideal date, their love language, and the most meaningful way their partner has shown they loved them. Ask what their favorite Netflix show is- and here is the crucial part (care.) I know that seems silly to say, but dont ask it if you don’t care, and you are just using those words to fill up space. People know when you are genuinely listening to them. It matters because we all have a deep desire to be known and heard.
Tell them about you- You are a person too, and chances are they want to know you. Tell them about your family, your kids, or that time you locked your keys in your trunk at a food lion parking lot - this vulnerability lets them know you are authentic and real. Hell, I have told my clients about some embarrassingly funny stories. Telling true stories is sincere and, it shows that "hey, I am a real live person."
Talk to them outside of work- If your only communication is about the wedding or the shoot, chances are it's going to feel like a transaction. Comment on their Instagram posts, send them memes or cards. I remember I had a client whose young brother died suddenly. I sent her a card offering my condolences, not because I and trying to check a box off, but because I genuinely care.
Plan a meeting- but not like a business meeting, more like a dinner! I love having double dates with my clients or going out to dinner with them. This kind of arrangement is a pressure-free time to get to connect with your clients.
Interact with them after their session is over. I like to consider my client's clients for life. I want to take that engagement, wedding, maternity, and family photos. I keep up with my clients after their wedding day to see how their life journey is going.
There is a lot of advice out there. I would never discredit any of it. I am just saying what I know works for me. Connecting with my clients and creating a true friendship is so central to my business practice that this relationship development will always be at the forefront.
XO
-Vanessa