Ever have a client experience that completely shifts how you do things? For me, there’s one experience I’ve obsessed over—because it showed me just how much I needed to grow. And if you stick around, I’ll tell you who this client is at the end of the story (so keep reading).
When I first took photography seriously, like a lot of photographers starting out, I didn't have money for a proper studio. My "studio" was my garage. It worked fine during spring, summer, and fall. But when winter hit, I still needed to work, so I bought a cheap heater, threw it in the garage, and figured I'd be good to go.
One winter day, a client needed a new headshot. She was writing a book, an executive in the pharmaceutical world, and wanted a fresh, professional look to match her new work.
She liked my work, but all my samples were from warm-weather shoots—no one looked freezing cold in those photos. When she arrived, the garage was chilly, the lighting wasn't great, and despite my best efforts, she was beet red in most shots because of the cold. She was polite, and we had a decent time, but what were the results? Well, if I'm being honest... It wasn't my best work.
Fast forward a year and a half. By then, I'd grown a lot. I had my own studio, better equipment, and more knowledge and experience under my belt. But I kept thinking of that client's session, which nagged at me. I wasn't proud of it. I knew I could do better. So, I reached out and offered her a free reshoot. She agreed. (Thank god!)
This time, things were different. The studio was warm, the space was right, and we were relaxed. We caught up and chatted about life, and during the session, I captured some of my best work to date. She was comfortable and confident, and the results showed it. She changed her LinkedIn photo immediately—something she hadn't done after the first shoot.
That experience taught me a lot. Looking back, the difference between the first and second sessions wasn't just about my skills with a camera. It was about how I treat my clients. It's not just about great photos—it's about making sure the client experience is as important as the final photo. Did I understand their needs? Did I get what they were aiming for? Did they feel comfortable and cared for during the shoot?
I've learned to focus on the details: making sure they're at ease, their skin tone looks right, and the process feels good to them.
As 2024 wraps up, my goal is to keep improving—not just in my craft but in how I serve my clients. I want every person who works with me to walk away thinking, "That was the best experience, and I love what we created." Because in the end, it's their story I'm helping to tell, which matters most.
So as we end the year, here's to growth, learning, and giving my clients the experience they deserve.
How are you planning to grow in 2025? Drop a comment or send me a message—I'd love to hear your story.
Here's some of the things I'm reading to keep my growth mindset. - What Having A "Growth Mindset" Actually Means - 6 Things You Gain By Embracing Failure and Learning From Mistakes
Oh, yeah, and I suppose I should finally tell you who the client was… TL;DR, right? Hey Renee John, thank you for believing in me. Your experience gave me the push to keep pursuing my passion and aim higher. I’m grateful for the chance you gave me—and for sticking with me through it all.
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