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- Punch Up Your Sport Portraits with Levi Sim
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- Inspiration
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- iSmile Studios, Inc. Maximizing Profits With More than Just Seasons' Greetings
- The Mompreneur: Kelly Lester
- Andi Grant: A Wedding Pro's Love Affair with "Events"
- Wildlife and Travel: Chris McLennan
- Awais Yaqub Photographic
- How to Create Your Own Success
- Sports Photography: Glossy Finish
- SmugMug & Pro Cycling Photographer Graham Watson
- Sports Photography: Kent McCorckle and SmugMug
- Quit Your Job and Run For the Hills: Ron Coscorrosa Speaks Out
- Adventure Photography: Is It Worth the Risk?
- Picture Perfect Pets: Kira Stackhouse
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- Meghan MacAskill Photography
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5 Things Your Client Needs to Hear
1. "Here's what happens..."
As a professional, it’s imperative to set expectations about what you will do, how you do it, when you’ll do them and what will be delivered. Show your client samples of your work (print samples, too), walk them through the experience and describe how you will work, tell them exactly when they should expect to see proofs and check to be sure if they have any time-sensitive deadlines, like holiday cards, for the photos. The more expectations you set, the less room there will be for frustration… on either end!

2. "So when did you meet?"
People love to talk about themselves and asking questions about themselves and their families and their relationship can open them up and get them to relax. Be an active listener and be prepared to ask questions about things that they just told you. They’ll know you’re listening and that you’re genuinely interested, which builds great rapport (and trust!)

3. "Stand like this."
Show them what to do rather than tell them what to do. It’s much easier to have them mimic a pose that you’re doing than to parse your words and move at the same time. After a while, it will become totally natural.

4. "You’re doing great!"
Say this, even if they’re not getting the pose right and if you’re frustrated. You should always be positive and reserve your complaints and negativity to your inside voice. It’s their day and nobody really wants to hear about the traffic you got stuck in, your fussy camera, awful weather. You’re a professional and can make anything work!

5. "Your proofs are already ready!"
Setting expectations is one thing, but having their products ready ahead of time is another. Whenever possible, under-promise and over-deliver. After all, everyone is thrilled when they get orders or proofs ahead of time, but no one tolerates anything late.