How to create an effortless teen photo experience can be a huge struggle for photographers, or so I’ve heard;) Do you have clients like this? The ones who say…

I’d never cheat on you Paige! Your photos are always the best”

-Morgan R.

Long story short…Morgan needed dance headshots. She had the option of going to another photographer for free but opted out. I asked Morgan why, she smiled and said:

For obvious reasons! I wanted the best.

Becoming the obvious choice is not a one and done. Are you the obvious choice for your clients?

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How to become “uncheatable” i.e. the “obvious choice”

There are 3 skills that I lean into and hold dear to my heart whenever I’m working with my clients, because I CARE. A LOT! AND….they are my secret weapon;) Meaning they refer me relentlessly!

1. Building a relationship that in turn creates trust, open communication and collaboration.
2. Creating a memorable experience that is special, so special that they want to relive it time and time again.
3. Delivering products and images that are consistent in quality and evoke feelings.

This doesn’t happen in “just a quick shot”. It’s built over time and I absolutely TREASURE my clients, some of whom I’ve had for the entire 15 years that I’ve been in business. Morgan has been with me for 4 years, photographed multiple times.

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Where I began with my clients

I started as a children’s and family photographer 15 years ago. Which is a little mind boggling for me to even think about! After 5 years I stumbled upon the teen/senior portrait niche. Or, maybe it found me. I was all in and 11 years later the teen niche that didn’t exist in my area is now a “thing”. I’m also very happy to say that my family clients have grown with me. I’m now growing with my teen clients into their 20’s.

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Are you a Senior’s photographer who wants raving clients while earning 4 figures ++ per session?

I’ve seen so many photographers struggle with the following:

1. Skills and it’s not technical skills. The “soft” skills which includes knowing what to say and just as importantly what NOT to say before, during and after a photoshoot. Marketing is another big one. You have 2 clients to work with, both mom and the teen.
2. Client Experience. The photo session doesn’t start and stop with the day you’re photographing them. Are you building trust and confidence during their client journey that does this for you? If you’re asking yourself, what client journey? then the answer is no – you don’t have a client experience.
3. Pricing, products and sales. Yes, a lot of photographers cringe at this but if you’re completely locked in with numbers 1 and 2 above, but still waffling with pricing, product and sales… you will not have consistent sales or have clients raving about you.

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I’ve heard all the excuses

• Teens are awkward, I don’t know how to get them to be natural in front of the camera.
• I don’t know what teens want and am confused how to market to them.
• Moms don’t want to deal with having their teens photographed.
• Moms won’t pay premium pricing for their senior photos
• Senior Portraits aren’t a thing in my market
• My market is saturated with Senior Portrait photographers
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Here are the facts

FACT 1: All of the above is so effortlessly addressed when you create a teen photo experience that exceeds expectations and has your clients wildly raving to everyone with a teen that they know.

FACT 2: Moms want and will pay premium pricing for photos of their teens/seniors.

FACT 3: Technical skills will only get you so far and does NOT ensure that you are top of mind with potential senior portrait clients.

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