Today’s Tip Tuesday comes from Guest Blogger Jamie of Jamie Rae Photo.  Jamie shares below some tips on how you can stand out in a ‘Sea of Shutters’!  Thanks for these tips Jamie!!

I often hear photographer’s bemoaning the current state of our industry- faux-togs and hobbyists and uncle Bob’s with point and shoots seem to be lurking around every corner.

Photography truly is as trendy as skinny jeans, chevron patterned pillows and tweeting.  I hear the desperation in photographer’s voices and I have also felt it myself.  How do you set yourself apart and attract clients in an industry that is crawling with weekend warriors, amateurs, and even skilled photographers?
The answer lies within the core of your very business model.  I realized right away that as a business owner I would never compete on price to book thousands of clients every year.  In fact, I do the very opposite- I have created a boutique business that caters to select clientele that are looking for an experience and images that are remarkable.
Here are five tips that will help you also to stand out in a sea of shutters!
1.  Define your ideal client.  As a boutique business that caters to a select clientele, you are not marketing your services to every teen that needs their senior pictures taken.  It may sound counterintuitive, but the more defined and specialized your are the more likely you are to attract clients that will love your work and invest a higher dollar amount in your products.  Over time, you will develop a niche market that is known for it’s artistic expression of one demographic.  And while within this demographic you will find a variety of traits, you will also find similarities.  These similarities define your ideal client.  You could wait and see how your ideal client unfolds, but to set yourself apart you should customize your style, marketing, and branding towards this demographic right away.
2.  Develop a unique style and vision.  While I believe that business skills are the most important trait needed for any photographer, your art certainly cannot be neglected.  Work on developing a vision and style that is artistic and unique.  Gain a firm grasp of posing and light.  Most importantly, learn how to give your senior the time of their life and affirm their beauty and person while shooting.  You must develop a style that aligns with the wants and needs of your ideal client.  This will give consistency in your branding, marketing, and final product.  When you are marketing to a niche, defined market, it is of utmost importance to offer them a product they cannot find anywhere else!
3.  Build lasting connections.  One of the most important traits you can develop as a boutique photographer is empathy and the ability to listen.  Since you are not marketing yourself to the masses inexpensively, you will have more time to build relationships with the clients and potential clients within your target market.  One of the greatest gifts we will give to our clients is the desire to listen to and actually care for them.  Take time to do little extras and be flexible with your clients.  You will not only gain from the joy of getting to know your clients as friends and people, but they will remember you as a unique business owner that catered to their needs.  As a boutique business owner you have the ability to take your clients to special locations, reschedule if needed, and add special touches to their packages and products.
4.  Sell the experience.  When a potential client calls or emails, I don’t just send them a quick list of prices.  I sell “the invisible”- that which they are purchasing that is unseen.  I immediately let them know why I am different and how that is going to translate during the session.  I paint a descriptive picture for them of the excellent treatment and care they will receive and how thrilling it is to receive the final prints and products.  They know right away how and why I structure my sessions and what makes my experience so unique.  There should be no doubt in their mind that you will provide something unique and memorable.
5.  Be Confident.  To be in the photography in today’s day and age you must be resilient and persistent.  Know that you are not just offering photography services, but a deeper connection with your clients and ability to see themselves in a new and affirming light.  A deep belief in your own abilities and a confidence in your motives to truly impact your clients in a positive way will carry you far.

Tip Tuesday – {Standing Out}

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heck, yes i do!

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