In the next few weeks, we will talk about how to build your portfolio in different ways. Today we’re going to focus on how to gain more clients for newborn photography.
If you’re just starting out or if you’re looking to expand your client base, using a model call is a great place to start. You’re probably thinking model call? I don’t need models. Au contraire…This isn’t just for what we think of when we hear the world “models.”
Let’s say you’re primarily a portrait photographer but you really want to start focusing in on newborns. You have a few under your belt or maybe even none at all but you need to find some so you can start marketing. You would use our model call for newborns. This is a great way to build your portfolio, instead of calling it a free session call it a model call.
I’m all about giving away free/discounted sessions if you want to for a special promotion, but do so with intent on building your fan base and portfolio, not because you need to do the free session. Here’s what I mean.
Let’s say you need newborns because you have a huge interest in building your newborn portfolio and you absolutely get thrilled when a precious little baby pops up on your newsfeed. Perfect. This is what you need to keep in mind. Keep the couch in mind. (If you don’t know what I’m taking about, check out this article about adding value to your work.)
People are competitive. They want to win something. They want to be the best, they want to have the brightest, cutest, most beautiful of everything in life. So, you have to work with that when coming up with statuses. Especially if you’re trying to keep the value of your work while giving away sessions and products for portfolio building.
Let’s check out these statuses.
- Sample Status 1: I want to start offering newborn photography to my clients. If you know of someone expecting within these dates (insert dates), send them my way for a free session. They will receive all the wonderful photos on a disc. Help spread the word!
- Sample Status 2: I have some pretty exciting news for all of you! I am hosting a model call for newborns that will be 5-10 days old on (insert dates). Think your baby is the cutest on the block and has what it takes? (Insert Your Studio Photography) newborn models will receive our VIP newborn package and will be our featured newborn(s) for the month of (insert next month) and showcased in our upcoming client magazine. Email us at (insert email) for more details along with a photo of your bundle of joy with their name, gender and birthdate.
Sample Status 1 is ok, but it doesn’t drive me to win anything. I can’t gloat about my newborn daughter receiving a free session besides the fact that it’s free. However, if my newborn daughter is chosen from a vast array of applicants because she was the most beautiful and photogenic, that I can brag all day long to anyone who will listen.
Give others more chances to talk about you to their friends. Friends will always brag to each other that their child is doing this and this, walking at 2 months, speaking at 6 months…you know the friends I’m talking about. You can be sure if those friends were selected for this, they would be promoting your studio for years.
See below to download this customizable graphic for free!
Now, let’s say you post these graphics, send out your email and you’re not having much luck at all with applicants. Take a look at the next sample statuses.
- Sample Status 1: Are there are no moms out there who want a free session of their child? It’s free and you get the photos. Come on…This is a great deal! Email me at (insert email address) to get your free session!
- Sample Status 2: Wow! Thank you so much to all the applicants that have entered for our Newborn Model Call (insert year)! There’s just a few days left to be able to submit your entry of your little one and enter to receive our VIP newborn package experience valued at (insert value amount)! Email us at (insert email) for more details along with a photo of your child with their name, gender and birthdate.
Sample status 1 is a downer and is devaluing their work. Sample status 2 is offering up the same thing but putting it together in a much more appealing way that will entice the client.
Always remember to be positive and keep the value of your work. You never want to give people a reason not to book with you. Double and triple check the post before it goes out. Maybe ask a friend or family member to read the status and see if it makes them want to book a session with you. Ask for their honest feedback and what you can do to make it better.
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Special thanks to Jessica Vaughn Photography for sharing the beautiful imagery included in this post! 🙂
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