“I saw your photos and just had to meet you!” – Your Ideal Client
Having great photography of your work is an important element to your success as a designer!
Although you know good design has more depth than just the visual effect, your potential clients think of what you do as predominantly creating beautiful spaces… and they expect to see photographs that look great.
It’s no secret, you need professional photography to show on your website, on Instagram, on your Houzz account, and to include in design award competition applications.
But how do you get started?
Here are the 3 steps to follow to help guide you in capturing photos that speak to your ideal clients:
First, Set A Personal Goal To Have 70% Of Your Work Professionally Photographed.
Yes, I know that sets off all sorts of internal fears and here is the truth – you have to push through that fear in order to get to the other side of success.
Banish all the not good enough, the clients didn’t let me finish it, the client’s personal stuff ruined it, and I can’t afford it talk.
Because it’s only holding you back from connecting with your ideal client. PLUS, you are amazing, otherwise, you wouldn’t have anything to shoot… so take advantage of what you have and help create a stronger portfolio now.
The perfectionism voice that whispers, “you can’t take a photo of this, it still needs ________, so just wait until it’s really, really good,” is not your friend… it’s the enemy of your creativity.
Next, Hire The Best Professional Architectural Photographer You Can Afford
A good photographer is worth their weight in gold! They know what they’re doing, can be in-and-out, and should be considered a team member once you’ve found one you can rely on.
Amateurish photos stand out like a sore thumb and this isn’t the message you want to send to your potential clients (aka – don’t try to take photos yourself… no matter what filter you use on your phone!)
PRO TIP: Remember that spaces look totally different through the lens of a camera than when you’re standing in the room. So, before your shoot, look through your own camera at your space and find the best shots. Think of vignettes that express the feeling of the room, including:
- Styling your shot to get quality photos
- Figure out what you need to move
- Adding or subtracting to get that WOW shot before your photographer arrives.
Finally, You Want To Multipurpose Your Photographs To Get The Most Out Of Your Investment.
Good photography is an element of your overall marketing plan. To really make the most of your investment, you want your photos to align with the rest of your marketing efforts.
Submit your photos to magazine editors for publishing and use them for design awards competitions. Then post to your website, use for social media posts and of course to your Houzz account so that your high paying clients can get a taste of what’s possible when they work with you.
Remember to nurture your relationship once you find YOUR photographer and you can be sure that the more work you capture, the easier it gets, and the more clients will start reaching out to you!