Seven Tips to Put Your Photography Clients at Ease
There are many aspects that make up an excellent photographer. Understanding the art of composition, light, and the techniques required for a good picture are only a part of the picture. The most crucial factors to becoming a good photographer is the ability to make your customers feel at ease in front of the camera. Some photographers have an instinctual talent for this but others aren’t able to come from this position as effortlessly. Here are some tips that you could do in order to make your clients feel comfortable before your camera.
Relax and enjoy the moment.
If you or yourself feel stressed… the chances that your customers are also going be feeling that. The most effective way to assist others relax is to let yourself relax. Be straight and confident, and communicate with them and show yourself as confident in your work and this can aid your clients in feeling at ease.
Make Your Words Useful
The way you talk can affect the way your customers perceive you. Speaking in a manner that resembles Ummm, Like, and Uh could create the impression that you’re not really sure how to speak. It is also not a good idea to use the words “whoops”, “uh oh” or “that isn’t looking good”. It’s not a good idea to inspire confidence in your customers when they see you whispering about your displeasure to the LCD display on your camera.
Provide Guidance
The majority of people don’t feel at ease in front of the camera. They aren’t sure how to pose themselves , or how to position their hands. You are the professional. You are the expert. Be in control and help to guide them towards poses that will be pleasing to the eyes. The more you control and guide them, the more relaxed and comfortable they’ll appear to be.
Be You
People tend to feel at ease and appear natural in front of the camera when you’re yourself. Don’t try to portray yourself as something you’re not. You are who you are. If someone decides to work with you, it’s because they love your work and you. Make yourself known so your clients feel comfortable and at ease.
Get ready to shoot
The most unprofessional option is to arrive at your shoot with no equipment battery not charged, memory card full. The best approach to your shoot is to have spoken to your clients about their expectations, to be aware of where you will be, as well as be ready and prepared to start. Nothing is more professional than a photographer who isn’t on time and prepared to go.
Be aware of Boundaries
It’s good to know that not all people feel comfortable with being touched. Always ask permission prior to brushing hair off of someone’s face or changing their hand. It is impossible to know what someone might be uneasy about so avoiding this by first asking permission is the best choice.
Show them a Few of the Photos
It’s not everyone’s idea, but I frequently discover that when a client is feeling nervous or thinks they don’t appear attractive by showing them a couple of photos from my camera’s rear can give them a quick boost in confidence. Be sure the images they show you are quality images and the ones you’ll present in the final product.
It doesn’t matter if you can create a feeling of comfortable or have trouble you will be able to discover how these easy strategies can help people feel relaxed. Always remember to be comfortable and confident, and always remain yourself. Make sure to offer your clients direction and support along the way and you will have your clients relaxed and feel comfortable in front of your camera.
Stephanie reside in a small town located in Central IL. Her husband is her high school love and best friend Ryan and loves being with her wild dogs, Kit & Lucy. She is the proprietor and the photojournalist of Green Tree Media Photography and is extremely obsessed with photography and the business of photography.
Stephanie graduated with a bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography and design from Millikin University. She worked at Jones & Thomas, an advertising agency located in Decatur, IL for 3 years in both design and photography before establishing her own business as a natural-light or lifestyle photographer.
