Standing Out As A Photographer: Tips for Boosting Bookings and Confidence

Hey, fellow portrait and wedding photographers! If you’re finding yourself struggling to book clients and feeling lost in the sea of competition, trust me- you’re not alone.

You might feel like everyone with a camera seems to be vying for the same clients, the economy is a big reason why you’re just not getting bookings, and/or standing out is more difficult than ever. It’s tough out there, I get it. Because I’ve been there too, and I’ve got some insights to share that might just help turn things around for you.

factors that Have little to no effect on your success

Some of these may come as a surprise. But I assure you that it’s true. Based on my own 13 years of experience and actual research. The following things have very little to no effect on the success of your photography business:

• The current state of the economy.
• How many other photographers are in your area.
• What other photographers are doing.
• If other photographers are creating seemingly “better” photos than you.
• Whether or not other photographers are struggling.

factors that have the most influence on the success of your photography business

• Defining what success actually means to you.
• Focusing on what you can do within your business to create the best client experience and be the most profitable.
• Defining your ideal/dream client(s).
• Marketing specifically to your ideal/dream client(s).
• Being found online by your ideal/dream client(s).
• Standing out from other photographers in all ways that a potential client has contact with your business.

Put yourself in your potential clients shoes

Imagine this: you are a person who wants to hire a photographer. What do you do? One of first things you would probably do is search online for a photographer who specializes in the type of photography you need, and in the location the photos will take place.

Then you start looking at the options that come up in your search. You might look at a handful of websites or even social media profiles that come up. And what do you see? A bunch of photographers who all seem good at what they do, who basically offer the same thing, charge basically the same prices, and whose writing all sounds basically the same.

But what if you came across one photographer who stood out from the rest? Who seemed like they were the perfect fit for you within seconds of landing on their website? And who offered an experience that was so unique and difficult from everyone else that comparing them to other photographers wasn’t even an option?

In this blog post I want to share with you some of my best tips on how to stand out from all the other photographers in your market!

How to set yourself apart from the competition, attract your dream clients, and get consistent bookings:

For many creatives, including myself, this can be daunting. Confidence issues, imposter syndrome, and past traumas can create inner blocks that make it difficult to see ourselves clearly. It’s normal to feel hesitant about putting ourselves out there and even harder to recognize our own uniqueness.

But don’t lose hope! Once you overcome these obstacles and find clarity in your business and personal identity, a whole new world of opportunities opens up. You’ll break free from feeling stuck, comparing yourself to others, and compromising on your worth just to secure bookings. And trust me, it’s not just your business that will benefit – your whole life will feel the positive effects.

1. Figure Out Who You Are and What Makes You Unique

In the vast ocean of photographers, it’s easy to become just another face in the crowd. Think of this from the perspective of someone looking for a photographer- there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of potential photographers, and they all seem to offer the same thing – beautiful photos, a great experience, and maybe some packages to choose from. They might see some differences in editing style or branding, but for the most part how are they to distinguish between options other than by price?

So how are you supposed to stand out from all the other photographers and attract the right clients who value your services, don’t hesitate at your prices, and trust you completely when it comes time for the photos? Keep reading!

The key here – the one thing that sets you apart from everyone else – that will attract your dream clients and repel the ones who aren’t a good fit – is YOU.

Taking a step back to explore what truly distinguishes you as an individual is vital to your business! What sets you apart from everyone else? What is your unique personality, what are your quirks, your likes and dislikes, your core values, or the passion that drives you?

Delve into the depths of your being, exploring what makes you tick and why you do what you do. Understanding yourself on a deeper level not only enhances your identity but also empowers you to communicate your authentic self to prospective clients. And figuring this out will make it so you don’t have to worry about what any other photographer is doing or charging!

2. Identify Your Dream Clients

Step two is identifying your dream clients. Knowing who your ideal clients are is key to attracting the right kind of business. Take some time to visualize your dream client. What are they like? What are their interests, values, and priorities? What kind of people do you like to hang out with outside of work?

If you could work with ANYONE, and they would love you and love your work and trust you and pay almost anything to get the chance to hire you, what would those people be like?

Craft Solutions to Your Clients’ Concerns

After you figure out who your dream clients are, put yourself in their shoes. What worries, fears, and stressors might they have when it comes to hiring a photographer? Are they concerned about feeling awkward in front of the camera? Worried about the cost? Stressed about finding the perfect location? Whatever it is, make sure your marketing offers solutions to those concerns. Show your potential clients that you understand their worries and that you’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

From the language you use on your website to the images you showcase in your portfolio, every aspect of your marketing should be designed to attract and resonate with your dream clients.

3. Craft Your Unique Value

What makes your product or service better than anyone else for your dream client? When your dream client lands on your website and starts looking, what would really make them go “Wow! This photographer has exactly what we’re looking for! NO ONE else does this!”

What can you include in your client experience that speaks right to your dream clients? What would make them so excited to work with you? For example- you’re a wedding photographer but would LOVE to work with people who love dogs and want their dog in their wedding because you also love dogs and are super good at photographing them. So maybe you show lots of photos of dogs at weddings and offer a free service to find dog-friendly venues and photo spots, and all of your clients’ dogs get a special “doggy bag” (gift basket with dog treats and toys).

Your potential clients should be able to see at a glance why you’re the perfect choice for them. Here’s a great resource that digs a little deeper into the Unique Selling Proposition.

4. Put It All Together and Infuse It Into Your Marketing

With a clear understanding of who you are, who your dream clients are, and what makes you unique, it’s time to put it all together and infuse it into your marketing. How can you convey this in your marketing in a unique way? That looks and sounds different from others? Whatever it is, make sure it shines through in your website and marketing materials. From your website to your social media presence to your email newsletters, every touchpoint should reflect your unique personality and value proposition. Make sure your messaging speaks directly to your dream clients and addresses their needs and concerns. The more authentic and consistent you are in your marketing, the more likely you are to attract the right clients who are truly excited to work with you.

Pricing: It’s A Key Part of Your Marketing

It can be tempting to lower your prices in a desperate bid to snag more bookings, but trust me, that’s not the way to go. Instead, take a good hard look at your pricing and make sure it’s in line with the value you’re providing. Think of your pricing as an extension of your marketing – how can you make your pricing stand out to your dream clients, and reflect your Unique Value Proposition? Consider offering completely unique experiences, items, or add-ons that set you apart from the competition. And don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth – after all, you’re offering a service that’s truly invaluable to your clients!

5. Get Personal – Connect With Every Potential Client

Your website and marketing can only do so much. Think of that as the first impression. It’s super important, but don’t underestimate the power of personal connection! This step is crucial because it’s what will “seal the deal”. Your dream clients have looked at your website, looked at your work, they resonate with all of it and feel like you might be the perfect fit, so they fill out your contact form and hit send…

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to hide behind emails and social media messages. But if you really want to stand out and make a lasting impression, take the time to connect with every potential client on a personal level. Whether it’s through a phone call, a video meeting, or an in-person consultation, make an effort to get to know them and understand what’s important to them. Not only will this help you build trust and rapport, but it will also give you valuable insight into how you can best serve their needs.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider booking a mentoring session with yours truly. Together, we can dig deep and figure out what’s holding you back from reaching your full potential. I’m here to help you unlock your full potential and take your photography business to new heights!

Looking for some help but not Quite ready to dive in with me?

I created an e-Guide that will provide guidance, ideas, inspiration and exercises to help you get started!