17th September, 2024
In today’s “order it online” world, it’s easy to forget that the person on the other end of your business chat is just a person too. Of course, depending on the industry and service, sometimes you are talking to a robot. But I can’t think of a photography business that isn’t run by a person. Ghosting is but one of a few common communication problems that photographers face when interacting with clients before and after a shoot, and there are ways to mediate all of them. Effective communication is essential for a successful and enjoyable photography experience. Whether you’re planning an engagement shoot, a family portrait session, or a corporate event, staying in touch with your photographer can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll go over some valuable tips to help you communicate better with your photographer, ensuring a fun and painless experience for both parties.
Don’t Ghost Your Photographer
This is extremely common, and extremely manageable. Imagine you are looking for a photographer in your local area. Let’s say you’re looking to get some professional headshots done. You’re going through listings in the area, sending a few messages or emails and reaching out for a quote or consultation. You get replies from a few different photographers, and maybe you reply to the one that aligns best to your needs and budget. Or maybe you get overwhelmed and call it a day – these things happen to all of us! But once you’ve decided to go in a different direction, and made your arrangements, let those photographers know.
On the photographer’s end – they’ve received your message and they’ve probably immediately began to consider things like pricing, equipment, location and scheduling. This might not seem like a big inconvenience, but photographers are often creating and adjusting their own schedules, and they might feel pressure to hold out on accepting another job or event while they await your response. By letting them know where you’re headed, you can alleviate that mental load, help them manage their schedule, and give them the opportunity to move along without chasing you up. It might feel harsh or confrontational to let someone know that you’ve decided to go with someone else, but I promise they will appreciate the clarity.
Provide Honest Feedback
Adding on from the previous point, it is always good to let a photographer know how you felt about their service, even if it’s not positive. For example, if you decided to choose a cheaper photographer, tell them “I’ve decided to go with someone more suited to my budget”. Again, this might feel harsh, but don’t lie to “protect their feelings” or ghost them! It is common to sugarcoat criticism toward those in more artistic professions, because you assume a photographer might feel more strongly about their work than, say, a lawyer. But photographers, and stand-alone photographers especially, will appreciate your honest feedback, because it will help them improve their services, skills and processes. Sure, when you’re applying for jobs, it might hurt to get the “We’ve decided to go with another candidate” email, but it’s better than being left hanging, right? Business is business, and most photographers won’t take it to heart. If you have specific concerns or suggestions, communicate them respectfully. Your photographer will thank you for it.
This advice goes for positive reviews as well! If you had a great time and loved the photos that your photographer took, say so! Message them, or post a review on their Facebook page, or Google listing! It won’t just make their day – it’ll help their business grow! Share what you loved about your photos, and the experience from first consult, to the shoot itself, all the way to final delivery. This is a great idea even if you decide to hire a different photographer – let them know what drew you to their work and how you found them. Honest feedback is a great way to help a photographer improve and send future clients their way.
Discuss Budget Restrictions Upfront
This one will save you money, and rescue you from an awkward interaction. If you have a specific budget in mind, don’t hesitate to communicate this to your photographer before receiving a quote. Most photographers will work with you to find a solution that fits your financial constraints. If you reach out and ask for a quote, but you know you cannot afford anything over a certain amount, then you put yourself in the position where you have to miss out. By discussing budget restrictions early on, you can explore options you might not have considered, ensuring you don’t miss out on quality photography services that align with your needs. If the photographer is unable or unwilling to lower their price, they almost certainly will refer you on to someone else who can meet your needs. There are always new photographers starting out, who might be willing to work on a discounted price – but you never know if you don’t ask!
Remember to Tag Your Photographer
This is another really common point of frustration that might just not occur to clients. If you decide to share your photos on social media, try to remember to tag your photographer, using their social handles on whichever platform. You can always ask your photographer for their social media handles if you are not sure about it. This not only gives credit where it’s due but also helps promote their work to your friends, family and followers, potentially leading to new clients for them. Plus, it’s just really nice. It feels like a personal compliment. Tagging your photographer fosters a sense of community and collaboration, showing that you value their work and expertise. If you like them enough to post them, why not take the extra minute to tag them?
Additional Tips for Smooth Communication
Set Clear Expectations
Be Responsive
Plan Ahead
Conclusion
Effective communication with your photographer is crucial for a successful photoshoot. By staying engaged, being clear about your expectations and budget, and providing honest feedback, you can build a strong working relationship that results in beautiful, memorable photos. Remember, your photographer is there to help capture your special moments, and good communication is the key to making that happen.
