Getting to know and understand your photography clients and their business before a shoot is imperative to be being able to create images that are relevant to their brand.
Every person and every brand is different, so you need to be sure you have a good understanding of both before you start shooting.
Before connecting with your client for the first time I always recommend doing a little research first. Take some time to check out your client's website and Instagram pages. Get to know the services that they offer, or the products that they sell, the way they speak and the colours they use. If your client is yet to launch, just work with what you can find. When I mention to clients that I have looked at their website and socials already it tells them I am genuinely interested in their business, and wanting to get the best result for them. It's also works as a great conversation starter to get them discussing the images that they already have, and why they are or are not working for them currently.
Once you get your clients on their discovery call, here are six key questions you can ask them that will help you get to know them better, and help them to feel overjoyed that they chose you as their photographer.
1. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?
Have you clients tell you in their own words and language what it is that they do. Ask questions like:
- What do you do in your work?
- What's your industry?
- What's your job tittle?
Basically anything you think they might consider relevant. I try to ask open ended questions and let the client tell me about themselves without interrupting. If I have further questions I write them down as we go then ask them when the client has finished speaking.
2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND AND BUSINESS?
Once you have a feel for what your clients do, you then want to find out how they do it. This is where you start to dive deeper into the essence of their brand, their voice and what makes them different.
Ask your clients to describe their business in 3-5 words. Have them think about the moods, emotions and adjectives they want conveyed in their images. Sometimes our clients have never really sat down to think about their brand strategy before, so you may need to chat this through with them a little more, or if they are having trouble nailing this part, you may need to refer them to a branding expert so they can get clarity about their brand first.
3. HAVE YOU HAD ANY PREVIOUS SHOOTS?
Some clients have had shoots previously that they have not been happy with. Usually the issues are to do with feeling like their personality was not properly captured, or they weren't given any direction and felt awkward. Knowing this information is really important because it helps you ensure you can deliver where the previous photographer let them down. Nailing this is a sure-fire way to quickly convert the client into a raving fan.
4. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ANY SPECIFIC PROPS OR SHOT IDEAS?
Start to talk with your clients about the specifics for their photos, and if they can think of any props they would like to bring that might add to the telling of their story. Depending on what your client does they may have a range of props that they can bring to show off their brand, for example tools of the trade, behind the scenes etc.
My Branding Shoot Ideas Guide is the perfect resource for helping clients brainstorm all of the options possible.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR CONFIDENCE-KICKERS?
Every client has their own worries and insecurities when it comes to having their photo taken. Asking about these helps to put your clients as ease knowing their concerns have been heard, and they can relax and trust that you've got their back.
Questions I often ask are:
- Is there anything I should know about your body to help you feel most confident during the session?
- Are there any areas you would like to hide or highlight?
- Do you have a favourite side of your face your like to be shot?
I think it's important to bring these things out in the open because if I don't ask, but the client is really self-conscious about a scar on their body/face they may be hesitant or embarrassed to bring it up first.
6. WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?
Some clients who have already started to create their brand and build an audience may already be known for something. An example of this is a client who works in payroll, but told me she is well known for her over the top bright Care Bear shoes! So, of course, we incorporated them into some of her images. Images like this ensure that our clients images are as unique as they are.
If you'd love a little more guidance and structure to support you in getting to know your clients better, have a look at my Client Questionnaire template guide. The questionnaire asks most of the questions outlined above, and you can either fill it out as you are talking to your client or have them complete a written questionnaire before your discovery call.