109. The value of your photography service: Beyond time and expenses
As photographers, we often find ourselves caught up in defending our prices based solely on our expenses and the time we spend on our craft. While it’s important to consider these factors, they shouldn’t be the sole basis for justifying our value to clients. Let’s explore the true value of your photography and how to communicate it effectively. We’ll go beyond the numbers and look into the emotions and experiences you provide. So, let’s dive in and discover the key to unlocking your worth as a photographer.
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Episode 53
Don’t Cap Your Prices: The Perspective Shift You Need
When it comes to pricing, many photographers are fixated on defending their prices solely based on expenses and time spent. While these are important factors to consider, they shouldn’t be the only factors in determining your value to clients. Let’s explore why.
Understanding Your Value Proposition
Your true value lies in the experience you provide to your clients and the emotions your photography evokes. It’s not about listing out your expenses or how long it takes you to edit and cull. Instead, focus on how your clients will feel when working with you and the unique value you bring to the table.
Connecting with Clients on an Emotional Level
Clients make decisions with both their heads and their hearts. To truly captivate them and justify your pricing, dive into their values and what they find essential. By tapping into their emotions, you’ll create a connection that goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets.
Highlighting Experiences Over Technicalities
When discussing your value with clients, don’t bog them down with technical details. Instead, emphasize the experience they’ll have when working with you. Weave a narrative that showcases the emotions and memories your photography can immortalize, leaving a lasting impact on your clients’ lives.
Attracting the Right Clients
Not everyone will recognize and appreciate your value, and that’s okay. Instead of trying to convince the wrong people, focus on finding the right clients – those who align with your vision and are willing to invest in the experience and emotions you provide. Don’t be afraid to refine your marketing strategies and target the audience that truly values what you do.
Niche Down for Greater Impact
Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, specialize in what you do best. Determine your niche and offer unique services that speak directly to the desires and needs of your ideal clients. By establishing your expertise in a specific area, you’ll stand out from the crowd and be able to justify your pricing even more effectively.
Branding and Marketing: Building an Irresistible Image
Your branding and marketing efforts are vital to your success. Remember, your logo is the last thing you need to worry about. Focus on how you connect with your audience, the look and feel of your website, and the overall client experience from start to finish. Leave a lasting impression and make your clients feel valued every step of the way.
Mindset Matters: Embrace Abundance
If you’re constantly defending and comparing your prices, you’re stuck in a scarcity mindset. Shift your focus to strategies, possibilities, and a belief in your own worth. Surround yourself with successful business owners who have increased their prices and revenue. Invest in yourself and your business, and watch your confidence soar.
You are a photographer with immense value to offer. Embrace the fact that your clients are willing to pay for the experience, emotions, and memories you provide – not just the time and expenses. Communicate this effectively, attract the right clients, and build a thriving business that truly reflects your worth. Keep capturing those priceless moments!
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Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
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hi, i'm ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
