Well, this is exciting! We haven’t been able to do a lesson together in a loooong time. Probably because we’ve been home for 3 days in the past 2 months- crazy!! Today we are talking about something that might come easily to a lot of people, but maybe not so easily for others.
SERVING YOUR CLIENTS
This lesson is about serving your clients, or simply, putting your client’s needs before your own! This can be hard if your client’s want something specific that isn’t your typical style. This can also be difficult if it is something you wouldn’t normally do or want in your portfolio. Another challenge in putting your client’s first can be a situation where you begin editing the album and you just LOVE the lighting and composition in some of your images, but the client’s pose or expression isn’t as flattering as the other images. This is when you have to make the decision to make your client’s feel beautiful in every image, and ask yourself if they would appreciate you sharing a not-so-perfect picture. Put your client’s first. Do not send them photos because the lighting is beautiful. Send them images that will make them say, “WOAH, is that really me!?”. Think about how they might feel when viewing their photos.
My sweet hubby is getting a lesson in WHY you should be putting your client’s needs first and at all times. He will also be learning about HOW you can please your client’s even if it’s not something that lines up with your typical style or practices.
Photo by Hope Taylor Photography
1.)Flattering Posing— One way to prevent some of your favorite photos going into the cyber-trash due to bad posing is to LEARN what the most flattering poses are for their body types, and to take your time directing your clients into a flattering pose with a complimentary facial expression. Also, EDUCATE your client’s. They trust you to make them look good- they have no clue what they look like in the pictures- so that is your job!! Be sure you’re paying attention to their facial expressions AND the way they’re posing.
2.)Be Flexible– I believe it is so important to understand what your clients want and to listen to their thoughts and ideas. Here is an example… Shooting sunset images may not be my typical style because they’re too dark to match my Instagram feed, but… put your clients first, you guys!! If your client’s want to remember that special night and the beautiful sunset during the session, just do it!! Why not give them the images that are your style during sunset and the other images that please the client? Remember to think outside of your ‘instagram box’ and go above and beyond for your clients!
3.Plan In Advance– Another example… There is nothing worse than delivering an album, but the client comes back to say she doesn’t like the way she looks in the outfit she chose. One way to prevent something like this is to plan, plan, plan in advance! Plan out the outfit changes, colors, accessories, makeup and hair, etc. Your client’s will love their images if these things are planned in advance and they are told what looks best before getting to the photoshoot. 
4.Make It Work— It is up to you as the professional to make it work in any situation. If they chose the location because it’s special to them, but you don’t like it, make it work!! If you can’t stand the lighting but you had no control over the time of day, make it work!! If your clients want this or that, but it’s totally not your style…make.it.work.!! 
5.Ask Questions– Before your session begins, sometimes it is best to ask your client if they are concerned about anything specific in regards any worries or insecurities. For example, I have the smallest head in the world, but the thickest hair I’ve ever seen. Therefore, I don’t want my hair swallowing my face and making my head look even smaller! I would tell the photographer to take note of my hair while posing because if it’s all in front of my shoulders or in my face, I won’t like the pictures! It is great to know the small details that we wouldn’t just know right off-the-bat, this way we can prevent them from disliking their photos because of something you weren’t aware of.
6.Distractions– Try not getting too distracted when you get over-excited about the sunshine coming through or the perfect background, etc. If you’re too concentrated on everything else around your clients, then how are you supposed to adjust the way she or he is standing, or know if her smile is fading and you need to make them laugh! Remember you are there for your client’s and it is your job to think of them AND everything around them at the same time!
Photo by Blessed Beginnings Photography
