Have you ever felt hurt by a past client? Do you think things like… “Why didn’t they choose me?” or “Did I do something wrong?” You’re not alone. Today, I am sharing what I learned from my recent experience and a word of encouragement for you if you are working through the same situation.

I absolutely love all of my photography clients. I want them to come back and use me time and time again. When they do, I treasure it and view it as the highest compliment. However, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a little unfair to expect them to use me every single time they need a photographer.

The Truth

That being said, I know from experience the sting that can come with seeing your clients posting photos taken with another photographer. That is why I am sharing this with you. I want to give you an inside perspective from a real life client of mine.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a regular client and see what she had to say. She is very dear to me. This is the type of client that likes to have multiple sessions a year if possible. She truly values photography. Now, a couple of months ago I saw that she had her pictures taken by someone else. As I was scrolling I had that stabbing feeling in my heart. I really had to take a step back and evaluate my feelings and ask: Why do I feel the way that I do? Because in reality, she didn’t betray me. That was my own ego.

Our Conversation

I had the opportunity to speak with this client at a later time. As we were catching up, I let her know I loved the photos she had taken. They had truly turned out beautiful. She said, you know, I love using multiple photographers. For me especially because I’m friends with a couple of you guys. I love to support women who own small businesses.

She told me not only that but, she loved having different looks and styles in her photographs she displays in her home. Having different editing styles helps her to do this. This really reminded me that our clients are on the hunt for much more than simply, “Who do I want to be loyal to today?”

Message of Encouragement

I want this to be a message of encouragement to you that just because a client doesn’t choose you every time, it doesn’t mean that you’re doing anything wrong. Some of us will be blessed to have very loyal clients. It is awesome when we have these. But, we also need to remain open minded that we’re not the only option out there. And it’s okay that our clients may choose another photographer.

What can you do? Instead of getting jealous and getting worried about it, support them in their decision and thank them for doing business with you. And remember to keep supporting that other photographer that they chose as well. There truly is room for us all!

Ready for more?

Ready to learn more tips on growing your photography business? Head on over to the Book More Clients Photography Podcast to listen now!