The Portrait Session You've Been Waiting For....
The moment has arrived. You organized this portrait session weeks ago that you have been so anxiously waiting for, and it is finally here. You step into your confidence that everything is going to turn out fantastic. Your heart is beating out of your chest with excitement, your palms may be slightly sweaty, your hair is flawless, your make-up is on point, you found the perfect outfits to wear, because Sassy Mama Photography said, "You can bring 3 outfit choices." And let's not forget the fabulous shoes that go with each organized outfit. You step out of your car and are greeted with the warmest greeting from Britney, the founder of Sassy Mama Photography. You suddenly blurt out, "Oh my gosh. This is it!! It's finally happening." And in response you hear, " You have no idea how fabulous this is going to be."
Where It All Begins
Let's go back a couple of weeks or even a couple of days, where it all begins.
Helping women walk in confidence starts from the first conversation. It all starts with honesty and trust. That is my purpose as a photographer. That is what I want to convey to the clients: that I can and will deliver powerful images to them.
Educating clients with an outline on what to expect during the photo session can help them how to prepare and know what they need. If you, as a photographer, or as a client, schedule your session with a time and day, and that's it, both parties are walking blindly into what is going to happen.
Create an outline, almost like a checklist of ideas and suggestions for the client. Give outfit ideas. This is great to look at Pinterest and even Amazon, and tell the client how many outfits are included in the session.
Details!!!
If you share with your clients ahead of time all the details that are encouraged to be taken care of, you will save all the headache of confusion when the time comes to deliver the images. There's nothing like capturing details, and the client says, "I wish I painted my nails," or "My lips are so chapped." You get the idea. You want to capture all the details for your clients, so educate them on what you suggest they get done.
Confidence Builds Awareness
When you have educated your clients in how to prepare, and what to wear and bring, the next powerful step in building their confidence is sending a contract out your contract. This gives reassurance that you both are on the same page.
A genuine consideration in giving them respect in your contract is stating two options on whether they would like their images shared on your website and social platforms or not.
There are many clients out there that still ask for their privacy, and it is easier to already have it placed in your contract by giving them that option. Yes, I have had my share of fabulous sessions that I wanted to post but could not because of privacy purposes.
Remember it's not about you, it's about your client and building their confidence through an incredible session.
Confidence in Women is built and led with awareness. Women want to know what to expect and how to prepare.
In finalizing your prepping conversation with your client, this is when you share the beauty that they will arrive in their inbox in a gallery form.
The memories that they will have will last them a lifetime. Educate them on the importance of having their images printed and put into albums.
As photographers, we don't want their investment to stay on the computer. We want them to print them into books and print them on their walls.
I Will Guide You Every Step Of The Way
With all the adrenaline rushing through the client's body, she always seems to ask, "What do I do? And with confidence, you address, "I will guide you every step of the way."
First things first, breathe. Take a deep breath.
The first step I take in starting my sessions is literally telling my clients to take a deep breath and walk towards me.
It may sound crazy, but this relaxes my clients every time. I have them look left, look right, look down, and look up at me as they slowly walk towards me.
I also love to add a little flare and have my clients pivot or spin when they come to the end of their walking mark that I have placed for them.
This is my signature flow and how I help my clients relax. It works EVERY TIME!!! TRUST ME!! As they are walking, I make comments to them to make them laugh. It is genuinely raw and real. I love it.
I encourage you as a photographer to try this technique and then tag me @sassymamaphotography on Instagram or Facebook. I would LOVE to see how it worked for you.
It Takes Constant Reassurance
The confidence for Women doesn't start and stop during the beginning of the session. This is a constant reassurance to each woman throughout the session. If you think about it, when any of us try something new with someone, we need constant praise that we are either doing it well or keep trying.
((BUT, PLEASE DON'T TELL THAT TO YOUR CLIENT.... nothing is more horrific than telling your client, "Keep trying." OH MY GOSH I WOULD DIE RIGHT THEN AND THERE)).
Praise them. Guide them. Teach them.
This is how I help Women Step into their Confidence in who they are. I can always feel the type of woman that they are. I just have to crack their shell a little bit so they burst out with light and beauty. Remember that each client is investing in your time, in your professionalism, in your talent, and in your creativity. Utilize what you know and guide your clients in what to do and how to do it so they aren't constantly saying, "What should I do with my hands?"
((I've heard it too many times and knew that I had to make a change.))
