"Client Acquisition Sprint for Serious Photographers", Spring 2024
Start the new year with a larger book of business. Guaranteed.
Every once in a while, I will inform you all about something I am doing. This is one of those times.
A few days ago I was invited to discuss photography and the current state of the industry with a few other photographers. These were all working pros, and definitely with their finger on the pulse of what is going on.
[A free information-packed webinar is scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 2024, 4 PM Pacific. No registration needed, just join us at the link at the scheduled time.]
Two of them had their best years ever in 2023, and the third did well, but only had a year under their belt to compare it to.
I asked them to sum up what the last 12 months had been for them using only three words or less.
“Scrambling like hell.”
“Pushing every boundary.”
“A constant hustle.”
All three of them noted that AI, while scary at first, had not really had any impact on their work.
“When the client needs a photograph of something specific, AI is not an option”.
All agreed, although they were still concerned.
And rightly so.
When I asked them how they were finding clients, they all shook their heads and said that single issue was the hardest for them.
“It’s a constant push to get in front of the right people”, they agreed.
The old way of contacting ad agencies and asking for an appointment was much harder now, and post-pandemic, many of the people are just not centrally located and easily accessed.
“I’m doing mostly direct to client now,” one of them said. The others also agreed that finding clients directly was working far better for them.
This will be even more so in the coming year.
I shared my predictions with them, and we had a lively discussion about what photography looks like today compared to what it looked like just five years ago.
Direct-to-brand will continue to be the best way to get sustainable work
Fees will stay the same and go up in certain genres
Photographers will continue to add techniques and skills to their arsenal
2024 will be a roller coaster for the arts, but commerce will continue
Creating a system to promote work will be demanding
Social Media will change, and photographers will have to deal
Content is becoming balkanized away from art. That is good and bad
Fees will rise. Yes, you read that right
A large sector of photographers will cut their rates; they will fail
So many changes on the landscape, but many things remain constant.
A photographer with a solid portfolio, a good marketing system, and the willingness to put in the effort will find work. I know this to be true.
Working with photographers and watching them grow is what I do, and I have watched more than a few go from wanting to be able to make a living at it to actually making a living at it.
Is it hard?
Hell yeah. Of course it’s hard. Nothing worth achieving is easy.
Ever.
But it can be done, and is being done by thousands of photographers all over the world.
So I ask you…
Is it one day? Or day one?
Introducing the "Client Acquisition Sprint for Serious Photographers"
– a five-day intensive workshop crafted to empower photographers like you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to attract and secure commercial photography clients.
A free information-filled webinar will be live on Thursday, January 18, 4 PM Pacific. You do not have to register, just show up and enjoy the webinar. Bring a pencil and paper, you will want to take notes. Join the Zoom meeting here.
This is the only spring client acquisition class I will be doing. I likely won’t do one again until mid-summer or early fall.
Why This Workshop?
While photography requires skill and creativity, it's also a business that demands savvy client acquisition tactics. This workshop is not theoretical fluff; it's a tried-and-true system based on real-world successes. Whether you're struggling to find your first client or looking to expand your existing client base, this is where your journey pivots.
Why We Do It In Five Days:
I find that time is of the essence in these types of learning programs. Yes, we could stretch it out over 5 weeks, but 5 weeks from now, you should be shooting for a client instead of working on the last module. This is not rocket science, and it is not something I came up with to sell a program (yeah, some folks do that). This is a proven system that will work for you, no matter your location or city size.
What You Will Learn:
Building a Winning Portfolio: Learn to showcase your work in a way that speaks directly to your ideal clients.
Local Clientele Hunting: Discover the art of finding and connecting with potential clients in your area.
Regional and National Client Hunting: No matter where you live, there are opportunities to work for regional and national clients.
Prospect List Creation: Master the skill of building a list of high-potential prospects. Without a list, the future will be bleaker.
Effective Bidding Techniques: Get the inside scoop on bidding for jobs and winning them.
Important Billing Techniques: Make more money and save yourself headaches with a strong contract and business system. This is real-world value.
Client Retention Strategies: Learn how to not just find clients, but keep them for sustained business growth.
Who Is This For?
This workshop is tailored for photographers who are serious about turning their passion into a thriving business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, if you're committed to learning and applying these techniques, this workshop is for you. Stop listening to people who weren’t successful tell you how you won’t be either. You are not them, and you will be better equipped than they were after this sprint.
(NOTE: I am focused on commercial photographers. If you are a consumer photographer; weddings, babies, families, etc…, this is not the workshop for you unless you want to add commercial work to your business.)
What's Included?
Five consecutive days of intensive, interactive training sessions.
A Workbook for notes and ideation (PDF to print)
Practical, real-world examples and case studies.
Live workshop with plenty of time for Q&A.
Access to exclusive resources and tools.
Personalized feedback and strategy planning.
Ongoing support post-workshop, including recordings of the live events.
OPTIONAL: Portfolio review and additional Q&A two weeks after the sprint.
And I guarantee that this system will work if you do what is required.
Join the Sprint: Transform Your Business
Spaces are limited, as I believe in providing personalized attention to each participant.
Don't miss this opportunity to redefine your photography business.
Ready to embark on this transformative journey?
Sign up now and be the photographer who not only captures great photos but also captures great clients!
