#323: 8 Things Boutique Photographers Do That Amateurs Don't

Number one, boutique portrait photographers don't say yes to every inquiry that comes in.

Amateurs are so grateful that someone reached out that they will often photograph anyone, anywhere, any place for any price, which means often the wrong client for the wrong price.

Boutique portrait photographers, on the other hand, ask questions on that first phone call.

Can you tell me what you're looking for? Have you worked with a professional photographer before? What What would you want to be different this time? What type of artwork are you looking for for your home? These questions help you figure out if this is someone who values the experience and beautiful artwork or someone just hunting for the cheapest option.

And if it's not a good fit, boutique portrait photographers are so nice and say, hey, you know what? I love that you're looking for photography, but I don't think I'm the right fit photographer for you right now.

But gosh, if you post on social media that you're looking for this, you will find a lot of options.

Listen, saying no to the wrong clients creates space for you to find the right ones or learn the skills to find the right ones.

Number two, boutique portrait photographers don't handle all of their client communications through text messages, through DMs, through emails.

They get on the phone and they talk to people.

You can't build a relationship solely through text.

You can't hear tone.

You can't read energy.

And you can't educate someone about your process through a long text thread.

On the phone, you can hear if they're excited or just price shopping.

You can explain your process and start building the relationship that makes them want to work with you.

Amateurs hide behind their keyboards because they're scared of rejection.

I get it.

I was there too.

But listen.

Boutique photographers have figured out that the phone call is where the magic happens.

That's where you turn an inquiry into a booking into a lifelong client.