(I Was Guilty Once, Too)
Hey fam, Iâm about to get super real with youâŚ
I used to do the exact same thing most of you are doing, charging way too little, squeezing in 5 shoots a day just to scrape by. I literally slept on a top bunk, editing photos while the smell of cleaning chemicals drifted up from the bathroom (not fun, but thatâs a story for another day đ ).
Hereâs the brutal truth you need to hear:
1. YOUR PACKAGES ARE A MESS đď¸
(No, seriously. Hereâs how to fix âem):
- Drop the single basic package.
- Introduce 3 tiers (you can thank psychology for this):
- Price your lowest tier almost the same as your middle tier but offer way less.
- Label your middle tier âMOST POPULARâ (it works, trust me).
- Include a premium tier that makes the middle look like a bargain.
- End result? Everyone picks the middle tier, and thatâs exactly what you want đ.
Additionally, consider evaluating your tiers every quarter to ensure they still align with client expectations and market trends. This small adjustment can make a big difference over time.
2. YOUâRE COMMUNICATING WITH CLIENTS ALL WRONG â
(Changing this changed my life):
- Donât ever drop your rates right away (rookie mistake).
- Start every convo with: âWhatâs your vision for the shoot?â
- Ask about their outfits before even suggesting a location.
- Always, always craft a mood board (no exceptions).
- Send voice notes and text instead (builds a genuine connection).
- Share success stories from past clients who had a similar concept.
Furthermore, follow up with clients a week before the shoot to confirm details and address any last-minute questions. This ensures clarity and reduces the chance of misunderstandings.
3. STOP BEING AVAILABLE 24/7 â°
(This took me ages to learn):
- Set shoot start times that align with YOUR schedule.
- Use a calendar link for bookings (saves so much back-and-forth).
- No more last-minute edits at 3AM (your creativity suffers).
- Donât respond to DMs after 8PM (theyâll respect you more, trust me).
- Pre-schedule your social media posts (I personally love Later).
Equally important, ensure your clients understand your boundaries upfront during the onboarding process. By doing this, youâll establish a healthier work-life balance and maintain consistency.
4. END THE âIâLL FIGURE OUT EDITING LATERâ MINDSET đ
(This one might sting):
- Calculate your TRUE editing hours.
- Bake that into your pricing.
- Use WeTransfer Pro (or similar) for client selections.
- Set a firm limit on revisions (I do 2, max).
- Charge extra if they want more editsâyour time isnât free.
Moreover, create a checklist for editing to streamline your workflow and avoid missed details. By implementing this, youâll save time and boost your professionalism significantly.
5. STOP BEING THE CHEAP OPTION đ°
(Especially if youâre shooting in places like Dubaiâclients can afford quality):
- Raise your prices every 6 monthsâno excuses.
- Show behind-the-scenes of your workflow.
- Talk about your gear setup (people love seeing what you use).
- Document your prep routines so clients see your effort.
- Never, ever apologize for your rates.
In addition, highlight client testimonials and success stories in your social media posts to reinforce the value you provide. This strategy can attract clients who appreciate quality over cost and foster long-term relationships.
REAL TALK:
When I finally upped my prices, I noticed something wild: clients started respecting my time and talent. No more 2AM âBro, where are my photos?â texts.
Remember how I told you I once shot 5 clients in a single day for just 1000 AED total? Now, Iâd rather book one client who understands my value. Letâs just say my wife and I no longer have to swap jackets in the park to stay warm đ .
IMPLEMENTATION TIME:
- Audit your packages tonight.
- Raise your prices tomorrow (yes, Iâm serious).
- Get a proper booking system in place.
- Treat yourself like the luxury service you are.
- If everyone can afford you⌠well, youâre definitely too cheap.
Also, make a habit of reviewing your process monthly to identify areas for further improvement. With consistent evaluation, youâll stay ahead of the curve and continue growing.
Iâm not here to brag, youâve seen me go from a cramped bunk to photographing celebs. But the day everything changed was the day I fixed my business approach, not just my camera skills.
Want more raw, unfiltered biz tips for photographers? Follow @deinephoto and be sure to drop a đŻ in the comments if this post hit home!
#DeinePhotography #DeinePhoto #DubaiPhotographer #PhotoBusiness #PhotoPreneur #UAECreatives
