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Post Session Client Packet

2010
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by Meggan Jacks

One of the ways I like to prepare my clients for the ordering process is to provide them with a small packet of information after their portrait session. Included in this packet are:

  • Monitor Calibration Info/Test Print
  • “Designing a Wall Display” worksheet
  • “Portrait Gifts” worksheet
  • Product Guide

Everything is designed to fit within a B5 pocket style invitation folder from Paper Presentation. The 5×7 Monitor Calibration Print is adhered to the inside left of the folder and the Wall Display/Portrait Gift worksheets (printed as a dual sided 5×7 flat card) and 4×5 accordion Product Guide are slipped into the pocket on the right side.  I also adhere a business card to pocket side of the folder so they have all of my contact info right at hand. The folder is then sealed shut with one of my logo foil stickers from Rubber Duck Designs.

I love the polished look of the presentation and even more, love knowing that my clients are well prepared for the ordering process that comes after their session.

To get you started with creating – or refining – your own post-session packet, we are offering the Monitor Calibration Test Print template complimentary* for all of our readers.  If you do any type of online preview/ordering for your clients, this test print is a great way to educate and prepare your clients for viewing their images online.

*Monitor Calibration Test Print template is available for FREE in the store until 12/31/10.  Click HERE to be taken directly to the template product page.

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Client Gift Ideas

2010
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by Heather Skau

‘Tis the season for showing appreciation for the people in our lives,  including clients!  While many photographers include a gift for their clients with order delivery,  some photographers prefer to reward their best customers at the end of the year, during the traditional gift-giving season.  Whichever method you choose, one thing is for sure – you can have a lot of fun with these tokens of appreciation.

To me, the best gifts are unexpected, and deliciously wrapped.  Imagine receiving a package that you hadn’t expected.  You’re already delighted because of the surprise of the gift.  It only adds to the fun if the item is beautifully presented and fun to open.  Small prints are something that almost every client loves.  Try a new PhotoFolio by Loktah for  lush presentation and display of 4×6 or 5×7 prints.

Photo calendars are a huge hit with my clients.  They are inexpensive and easy to create, so like many photographers, I can give them to each client who had a session with me in a given year.  To keep this task simple, I create a folder at the beginning of the year into which I put a favorite image from each client session.  Then at the end of the year, I can drop each image into a calendar template (visit the Portrait Allure Shop to purchase some), and order them as 5×7 proofs.  I attach an adhesive magnet to the back of each (Magnet Valley is a good source) and include them with my studio holiday cards.  Be sure to check postage requirements, as the magnet adds quite a bit of weight.

With many pro labs offering gorgeous accordion mini-books these days, it’s a no-brainer to include these cuties on the list of great gifts for clients.  Lisa Holloway, of LJHolloway Photography in Lake Havasu, AZ,   keeps the presentation simple but classy, with each mini-book tucked into a mesh bag.  She ties in her branding colors by attaching a kraft tag with her website info with a simple, tiny safety pin.

Combine the photo calendar idea with the accordion mini-book idea for your best clients – try our Just Beachy template.

Props for presentation to Diana Hall of Diana Hall Photography in Fort Worth, Texas.   For client gifts several  years ago, Diana used tiny folios from Cypress to artfully display two small images.  The folio was then slipped into a vellum bag from Bags & Bows, and cushioned with shredded tissue.  The gift was finished with a bow of tulle, which secured a folded bookmark (from WHCC) expressing her thanks to her clients.

Whether you’re presenting a small gift to all customers, or a special treat to your most loyal clients,  a perfect way to finish it off is with a handwritten note.  In these days of texts and emails, taking the time to write out your appreciation is a gift in itself.  Vicki Taufer of  VGallery slips a small session image into a handmade ribbon-tied card (made in-house), and personally writes her thanks to the client inside.

Do you have your own unique, fun, beautiful (or all three!) client gift idea to share?  Email a picture of your special touches to us, and you’ll receive a coupon code for use at the Portrait Allure shop!  The best submissions will be featured in a follow-up article, so show us what you’ve got!

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Is Talent All That Is Needed?

2010
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Awhile ago, I posted and article here about being inspired by television shows and movies. So imagine my delight when I found out there was a new show on Bravo about two high profile commercial photographers called Double Exposure. I will admit that while the shoots on the promos looked interesting, I didn’t find the personalities of the two featured photographers, Markus Klinko and Indrani, as engaging. Now that the show is hitting full steam, there is one thing I am definitely learning, and it has nothing to do with lighting or posing. It’s how you shouldn’t behave on set (not that I didn’t already know that).

There is A LOT of arguing going on between these two photographers as they work together. As someone who works alone, I wonder how having to consult with another professional for every shot would affect my demeanor…..but am I being too confident in saying I would not be acting like this? One question that keeps popping into my mind as I watch – what amount of talent makes inappropriate behavior acceptable? Is it ever acceptable? It think the answer comes in the revelation that Klinko and Indrani are drowning in bankruptcy and debt.

This is a valuable lesson. We have all heard stories about those talented photographers that sit alone in empty studios, and then about those that might not be as technically gifted but they have more clients they can handle. This show proves the point that running a successful photography business, whether portrait of commercial, takes more than knowing how to create a great image. And while I’m awestruck by the fantastic images and how they are using all that expensive equipment, more than anything, this show confirms for me the importance of conducting yourself professionally while you work. That might be the greatest lesson ever.

MaryAnn Talamo | Custom Digital Images

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Client Communication | Kick it up a notch!

2010
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I will admit, I am not the best at “prettying-up” my communication with clients. I typically send emails as compared to pretty paper correspondence and while I have taken the time to make sure I have a cohesive brand for my website, blog, client information portal and my ordering gallery, my emails don’t follow through with that same flair.

I found the answer to my on-line correspondence prayer in Mad Mimi – www.madmimi.com – a really cool, easy to use, online marketing tool.

I use it in two ways – Email list correspondence (aka – online newsletter) and also for individual client communications where a form letter is needed. (Note, I don’t use it for general day-to-day correspondence with clients.)

For the individual form letter correspondence, I have several templates set up and simply clone the template and make customizations for the client I am sending it to.

I use it for:

1. Formal confirmation of the session date/time to the client and link them to my Client Portal website that has pertinent information about how to prepare for their session and my detailed product catalog. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE

2. Follow -up confirmation a few days before their session.

3. Post-session email with a quick peak at a one image (generally sized 200×300 px with watermark), personalized “Thank you” and “Next Steps”. Also includes a “Product Spotlight” to remind them of the products we discussed at their session. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE

4. Online ordering information once their gallery is activated

So if you are looking for a way to take your client communication to the next level, I encourage you to explore Mad Mimi to see if it’s right for you!

Filed Under: Business