Have you ever felt the imposter syndrome? You know, the feeling that every one else around you is better than you and there is no way you’re qualified to be doing what you’re doing. You are not alone. This is a common feeling that almost every photographer feels, especially in the beginning when they are just starting out. Today, I want to dive into three ways that help you start standing out in photography.
I know I found myself comparing my work to every photographer in my area who had been doing it for years. I didn’t believe that I could gain my own clients who would rave about me and my work. But as time went on, I gained more confidence. And now I truly believe that i am just as worthy and capable as the other photographers in my area.
These are the three pillars I have built my business on the last few years.
Standing Out in Photography with Customer Service
Let’s take it back to 2014 when I was just starting out with photography. This is when I was charging $50 a session and slapping some embarassing editing on the pictures and calling it art. We all start somewhere. If you haven’t heard my entire story of becoming a photographer, you can listen to that here. Before I knew what I was doing, I prided myself on one thing: customer service.
I think this is the most powerful skill when it comes to running a business and standing out in photography . How you treat people and make them feel is everything. It is the reason people will rave about you, use you again and again, and send people your way. It is also the reason people will cut ties with you, never come back, and bad mouth you to everyone they know.
Customer service is crucial.
You need to get really clear on how you want to make people feel. I am over-communicator and over-deliverer. My clients know that I am going to give them the VIP experience from start to finish. They also know I am going to stand on my word do exactly as I tell them.
A couple ways I go abvoe and beyond for my clients is I always under-promise the amount of images they will receive and over-deliver. This makes them feel like they got more for their money. Plus I like a good surprise every now and then.
Another way I treat my clients with lots of love every year around the holidays, I send a thank you card along with a personalized message. One year I sent out a gift certificate they could apply on the next year’s session. This is one way I get to work with clients again and again.
Standing Out in Photography with Unique Pricing + Offers
I get really unique with my pricing offers. I get super detailed and try to find ways to think outside the box from the way my pricing guide looks to the way I explain what they receive. For example, one of the photographers I mentored crafted her wedding packages much differently than the typical wedding photographer. One way we decided to differentiate her prices was to give package options that were not based on hourly pricing. This allowed the bride to have a different way of choosing someone for her wedding. Find a way to differentiate your pricing from others in your industry.
Standing Out in Photography with Your Marketing Plan
The final way you can stand out as a photographer is the way you market yourself. Most photographers are not keeping up with the social media trends. Many are just popping into their platforms with generic promotions trying to book sessions. How you market your business can 100% make a difference.
You want to deliver value to those watching you. Some ideas you can put into play today is to start showing the behind the scenes of your life, business, and photo sessions. Showcase these in your stories.
When you post sneak peeks or sessions recaps, tell a story of what you photographed. Evoke some emotion so that people can relate to what you are posting. Find ways to become an expert in your niche. Offer tips and tricks for preparing for shoots and events. Offer a free guide for your prospects.
The more effort and quality you put into your marketing, the more clients you will book.
And one strategy that will really help set you apart is to use live video. Going live is not easy. It is hard work. That is why not very many people are doing it. This is the best way you will set yourself apart.
I hope you found this helpful. You can absolutely stand out in your area by applying these tips. For more in-depth trainings, tips and tricks, and business advice head over to the Frame Your Way Photography Podcast.
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