Photography Tip: Buy Your Client a Cup of Coffee

Buy your client a cup of coffee. Some of my best shoots have been after going out with my client for a cup of coffee. My worst, including a wedding where the bride went ghost on paying after receiving the gallery, have been when I haven’t bought them a cup of coffee.

Okay, so it doesn’t have to be a cup of coffee or even a hot drink for that matter, but go out and meet your clients before shooting with them. Photoshoots are intimate moments where subjects are sharing a part of the world with you, the photographer. With something like a family shoot or a wedding, vulnerability often is what makes a great photo, but how can you expect someone to open up to a complete stranger? That’s why you take the extra time to take your client out. Get to know them on a personal level. 

Don’t make the shoot the first time you meet. Of course, it doesn’t always work out where you can, but if you can, try to make an effort to meet your client beforehand. Even if it’s half an hour before the shoot, get to know the person you’re working with. It’s more than just a monetary exchange; you’re attempting to capture a part of someone’s character and tell their story. 

A couple of tips once you’ve arranged your coffee date:

Create meaningful conversation

Don’t dive right into asking questions about what kind of photos they want. Ask them about their hobbies, their work, their family, etc. you’re trying to build a relationship.

Understand the purpose of the shoot

Once you know everything about your client, now’s when you bring up and begin to plan your shoot. You’ve already (hopefully) put them at ease, so they’ll be more comfortable sharing their hopes for what their photos will look like. Guide the conversation, but let them do most of the talking. Prompt them to bring up photos that they’re inspired by. Hopefully, you can walk away from your coffee date with a better idea of how to plan and prepare for the shoot. 

Win over the kids

Young kids are often one of the most challenging parts of a family session. They can be uncooperative, have short attention spans, or sometimes are too shy and come out stiff in photos. If you get to meet the kids before the shoot, this will often relieve some of the anxiety they might otherwise feel when getting their photos taken. They’ll see you as someone familiar at the shoot and you’ll be able to capture their more relaxed and true selves.

Make a list of what you need to know

Part of this practice is to create a bond between you and your client. The other part is to make sure you’re fully prepared. Make a list of all the things you need to know before leaving this meeting. Who’s going to be there, location, outfits, etc. Some photographers are more comfortable winging certain things. Be prepared to get the information YOU need to prepare for your shoot.

You can’t always arrange to meet your clients before a shoot every single time. It just doesn’t work out like that. But try and make it a part of your process and see how much of a difference it makes in your photos when you build that level of trust. 

Hey there! If you enjoyed my story and want to give a little to support me on my journey, you can buy me a coffee 🖤