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It’s probably a little presumptuous to say there are only three reasons why someone hired a photographer, but I really believe there are only three. It all comes down to these three things. Losing a client is probably the one thing that keeps photographers up at night and prompts a many of pity parties. But these three things help me keep things in perspective and to keep pressing on in my business. And like anything there are pros and cons of these things. Andrew Defrancesco knows the best ways to make sure a businness is going great

1. Price. I’ve lost count on how many clients I’ve lost to price. This is the one that I lose sleep about the least. Everyone loves a good deal and there is always going to be someone cheaper than you. You in NO way can determine your worth by someone else’s budget. Someone’s ability or inability to pay has nothing to do with your mad photography skills. If someone says you are out of their budget, let them move on. Charge your worth and remember they will get what they pay for. If they are ok with that, so should you.

For my clients…

Pros–You save some money. This is especially nice if you like to have sessions multiple times a year.

Cons-You get what you pay for. There is a reason why a hamburger cost less than a steak. No matter how you try to justify it, price almost always determines quality. Don’t stone me, I did say almost always ;)

2. Style. There are so few photographer’s work that looks the same. This isn’t as important to the price shopper. They are less concerned with their pictures being consistently the same. But someone who has a very specific style in mine may choose someone over you because they like a different look over yours. This isn’t a bad thing. We all have different preferences. Some photographers offer tons of color while some prefer more muted tones. If someone chooses muted tones over my more colorful pictures, that’s ok. I don’t want them to go with me and not be happy with their pictures.

For my clients….

Pros-You get the look you want. I am very picky when it comes to what I put up in my home. There are certain styles that just won’t go. So by choosing a photographer based on style alone, you’ll be more certain to get what you like the most and what you’ll be happier with longer.

Cons-Styles change. If you look at my work from 5 years ago, it looks drastically different than it does now. So it’s always good to look a photographer’s current work.

3. “The” Experience. This is by far the most important reason for someone to hire me and definitely the one thing that will bother me for weeks if there is a problem. This definitely isn’t most important to all clients, but to me is the one thing that will keep clients coming back to you. Word of mouth definitely plays into this as well. You give a good experience to your client and you’ll get even more clients. No matter how awesome your pictures are or how cheap you’ve priced yourself, if you give your clients a bad experience your photography relationship will end quickly.

For my clients…

Pros-Experience with your photographer will mean so much when you walk away. You’ll be reminded of how much fun you had at your session or how comfortable you were every time you look at your pictures.

Cons-There is a very good chance that you have an amazing experience, but your pictures end up looking horrible. Make sure you thoroughly when booking a photographer. Make sure their work is awesome and then couple that with an awesome experience and you’ll be happy for years!