Providing a luxury session experience
Providing a luxury session experience
How did I figure it out?
I have been taking photos for over ten years now, and I’ve really figured out the secret recipe to a providing a luxury client experience.
Maybe you’re just starting your photography endeavor, or it’s possible that you’re reading this as an experienced photographer, looking to level up your session experience. Regardless of where you are at in your journey, providing a exceptional client experience can make you stand out, among a sea of saturated photographers. Let’s face it: it’s hard to stand out when there are so many people offering the same thing you are. But it’s absolutely possible if you put the work in.
How providing an intentional experience can set you apart
When you offer a unique and high-end experience, it immediately sets you apart, and keeps clients loyal and coming back. Because why would they even think of going elsewhere when they know that you will provide them with the best?
It’s like the trust I’ve built up with some of my more expensive skin care products. I am willing to keep coming back and spending whatever amount their requesting because they’ve gained my trust after using their products. I know exactly what to expect, and the results are worth every cent.
We pay for what we value.
Photography experience
Think of your service as the warm hug that welcomes clients into the photography world, for the first time. Similarly to going to a high end restaurant, you aren’t just paying for good food; you’re paying more for the experience that comes with it. You aren’t simply pulling your camera out, and snapping some quick photos. You’re building real relationships—planting a tree of kinship that bears fruits of loyalty and referrals.
You’re capturing precious memories, ensuring they’re wrapped in a beautiful bow and cherished for years. This kind of experience boosts your clients’ confidence, which makes them not only feel good, but also makes your job easier.
Bonus marketing
Happy clients are like walking billboards, singing your praises louder than a shower-time karaoke session. And let’s not forget the personal satisfaction—offering a luxury experience is like baking a cake and getting to eat it too. It’s about making clients feel special and valued, because they are.
So, let’s dive into it, shall we?
HERE’S FIVE WAYS TO LEVEL UP YOUR SESSION EXPERIENCE:
1. Develop a questionnaire. In your questionnaire, ask a set of questions that help you get to know your clients more, going into their session. See my blog on an example questionnaire here. Feel free to use these questions.
One of my favorite questions to ask is what kind of music a client likes. Once a questionnaire is complete, I go in and create a custom playlist of all their favorite music, to play during their session. Playing familiar tunes not only feels intentional to your clients (like wow, my photographer actually took the time to put together a playlist of all my favorite music to make this experience more enjoyable and relaxing for me? That’s really thoughtful), but it also transforms the environment into a more inviting and less formal space, helping clients feel at ease. It’s normal for clients go into a session feeling anxious or nervous, and so playing music can reduce anxiety by serving as a distraction, allowing clients to focus less on the presence of the camera and more on expressing natural emotions and movements, resulting in authentic and engaging photos. A relaxed client, inspired by familiar tunes, is more likely to try out varying poses and expressions, offering you a broader range of creative opportunities.
I also love asking questions that help me understand a clients story more, their likes and dislikes. Do they have pet peeves? What are their favorite types of photos? Do they prefer more formal, or do they love more of the documentary or candid style? This really helps me fine tune the unique photography experience I will provide them, as each client is so different. This means that experience I provide may look different, as well.
2. If you’re looking to work with families or children, consider bringing along a treasure box with knickknacks, and or suckers, etc. See my blog on why having a treasure box is so special, and how this enhances the client experience. If your focus is on couples, seniors, etc – you can instead ask them what kind of drinks they like (non alcoholic for seniors, or champagne for couples, etc), and then bring along a little cooler with some of their favorites as a surprise! This shows that you are thoughtful, and genuinely care. You’re willing to put in the extra time and work to provide your clients with this above-and-beyond experience.
-Make sure to have a clause in your contract, regarding clients accepting anything from a treasure box, or brought along.
3. Consider investing in a polaroid camera. Take a few polaroids throughout the session to give your clients at the end of your session. This is a HIT, my friends! I have been doing this for a couple years now. It started with taking polaroids for my own family, and then expanded to my business. Polaroids are so special to me, and I love being able to share that piece of me with my clients. For me, they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Unlike digital images, each polaroid is a tangible artifact, capturing a moment in time with its unique imperfections and vintage aesthetic. The anticipation of watching a photo develop in front of my eyes adds a layer of excitement and immediacy that is often lost in the digital world. Polaroids embody a personal touch, with their square frames and soft colors, often becoming cherished keepsakes that remind us of simpler times and cherished memories. They invite us to slow down, appreciate the present, and celebrate the art of capturing life’s fleeting moments in a format that feels both timeless and intimate. This is a really unique way to give clients a little sneak peek, if you will, of their session.
Click here to check out the camera I use, off amazon
Also, my favorite polaroid album, if you want to go the extra mile
4. Whether you set up personalized auto-emails ahead of time, or write them as you go-keeping your clients feeling well communicated with will take you far, in this career. Ensuring that photography clients feel well communicated with is crucial for building trust and providing an experience that feels positive, and keeps clients coming back. Clear and effective communication helps manage expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures that the client’s vision and needs are accurately captured. When clients feel like they’re in the loop, they’re more likely to love the results and tell their friends about the great experience they had. In the end, it’s all about making sure clients feel comfortable and valued.
I use Session for all my mini and regular session bookings. I have been using them for about 5 or so years now, and they are always adding additional features, and have the best customer service. They actually have a FB group, as well, that I love being apart of : Join the session Fb community
5. Consider sending out a little thank you card after the session has taken place. Make sure the card is hand written and personal. Writing a handwritten thank you card to a photography client is a simple yet meaningful way to show you truly appreciate them. In a world where most things are digital, taking the time to jot down a personal note shows you care about more than just the business side of things. They aren’t just a number in your books. It’s a heartfelt gesture that can leave a lasting impression, making your clients feel recognized and cherished. It’s all about going that extra mile to let them know they matter to you.
Providing a luxury session experience will make your clients feel special, and will in turn bring in more dream clients to work with in the future!
May your lens be ever focused and your adventures well-exposed!
Snap ya later,
Chel.
Photos included in this post were captured at Brown Bridge, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Written by Cheleanamarie Photos, an intimate & micro wedding photographer, based in Michigan.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
How did I figure it out?
I have been taking photos for over ten years now, and I’ve really figured out the secret recipe to a providing a luxury client experience.
Maybe you’re just starting your photography endeavor, or it’s possible that you’re reading this as an experienced photographer, looking to level up your session experience. Regardless of where you are at in your journey, providing a exceptional client experience can make you stand out, among a sea of saturated photographers. Let’s face it: it’s hard to stand out when there are so many people offering the same thing you are. But it’s absolutely possible if you put the work in.
How providing an intentional experience can set you apart
When you offer a unique and high-end experience, it immediately sets you apart, and keeps clients loyal and coming back. Because why would they even think of going elsewhere when they know that you will provide them with the best?
It’s like the trust I’ve built up with some of my more expensive skin care products. I am willing to keep coming back and spending whatever amount their requesting because they’ve gained my trust after using their products. I know exactly what to expect, and the results are worth every cent.
We pay for what we value.
Photography experience
Think of your service as the warm hug that welcomes clients into the photography world, for the first time. Similarly to going to a high end restaurant, you aren’t just paying for good food; you’re paying more for the experience that comes with it. You aren’t simply pulling your camera out, and snapping some quick photos. You’re building real relationships—planting a tree of kinship that bears fruits of loyalty and referrals.
You’re capturing precious memories, ensuring they’re wrapped in a beautiful bow and cherished for years. This kind of experience boosts your clients’ confidence, which makes them not only feel good, but also makes your job easier.
Bonus marketing
Happy clients are like walking billboards, singing your praises louder than a shower-time karaoke session. And let’s not forget the personal satisfaction—offering a luxury experience is like baking a cake and getting to eat it too. It’s about making clients feel special and valued, because they are.
So, let’s dive into it, shall we?
HERE’S FIVE WAYS TO LEVEL UP YOUR SESSION EXPERIENCE:
1. Develop a questionnaire. In your questionnaire, ask a set of questions that help you get to know your clients more, going into their session. See my blog on an example questionnaire here. Feel free to use these questions.
One of my favorite questions to ask is what kind of music a client likes. Once a questionnaire is complete, I go in and create a custom playlist of all their favorite music, to play during their session. Playing familiar tunes not only feels intentional to your clients (like wow, my photographer actually took the time to put together a playlist of all my favorite music to make this experience more enjoyable and relaxing for me? That’s really thoughtful), but it also transforms the environment into a more inviting and less formal space, helping clients feel at ease. It’s normal for clients go into a session feeling anxious or nervous, and so playing music can reduce anxiety by serving as a distraction, allowing clients to focus less on the presence of the camera and more on expressing natural emotions and movements, resulting in authentic and engaging photos. A relaxed client, inspired by familiar tunes, is more likely to try out varying poses and expressions, offering you a broader range of creative opportunities.
I also love asking questions that help me understand a clients story more, their likes and dislikes. Do they have pet peeves? What are their favorite types of photos? Do they prefer more formal, or do they love more of the documentary or candid style? This really helps me fine tune the unique photography experience I will provide them, as each client is so different. This means that experience I provide may look different, as well.
2. If you’re looking to work with families or children, consider bringing along a treasure box with knickknacks, and or suckers, etc. See my blog on why having a treasure box is so special, and how this enhances the client experience. If your focus is on couples, seniors, etc – you can instead ask them what kind of drinks they like (non alcoholic for seniors, or champagne for couples, etc), and then bring along a little cooler with some of their favorites as a surprise! This shows that you are thoughtful, and genuinely care. You’re willing to put in the extra time and work to provide your clients with this above-and-beyond experience.
-Make sure to have a clause in your contract, regarding clients accepting anything from a treasure box, or brought along.
3. Consider investing in a polaroid camera. Take a few polaroids throughout the session to give your clients at the end of your session. This is a HIT, my friends! I have been doing this for a couple years now. It started with taking polaroids for my own family, and then expanded to my business. Polaroids are so special to me, and I love being able to share that piece of me with my clients. For me, they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Unlike digital images, each polaroid is a tangible artifact, capturing a moment in time with its unique imperfections and vintage aesthetic. The anticipation of watching a photo develop in front of my eyes adds a layer of excitement and immediacy that is often lost in the digital world. Polaroids embody a personal touch, with their square frames and soft colors, often becoming cherished keepsakes that remind us of simpler times and cherished memories. They invite us to slow down, appreciate the present, and celebrate the art of capturing life’s fleeting moments in a format that feels both timeless and intimate. This is a really unique way to give clients a little sneak peek, if you will, of their session.
Click here to check out the camera I use, off amazon
Also, my favorite polaroid album, if you want to go the extra mile
4. Whether you set up personalized auto-emails ahead of time, or write them as you go-keeping your clients feeling well communicated with will take you far, in this career. Ensuring that photography clients feel well communicated with is crucial for building trust and providing an experience that feels positive, and keeps clients coming back. Clear and effective communication helps manage expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and ensures that the client’s vision and needs are accurately captured. When clients feel like they’re in the loop, they’re more likely to love the results and tell their friends about the great experience they had. In the end, it’s all about making sure clients feel comfortable and valued.
I use Session for all my mini and regular session bookings. I have been using them for about 5 or so years now, and they are always adding additional features, and have the best customer service. They actually have a FB group, as well, that I love being apart of : Join the session Fb community
5. Consider sending out a little thank you card after the session has taken place. Make sure the card is hand written and personal. Writing a handwritten thank you card to a photography client is a simple yet meaningful way to show you truly appreciate them. In a world where most things are digital, taking the time to jot down a personal note shows you care about more than just the business side of things. They aren’t just a number in your books. It’s a heartfelt gesture that can leave a lasting impression, making your clients feel recognized and cherished. It’s all about going that extra mile to let them know they matter to you.
Providing a luxury session experience will make your clients feel special, and will in turn bring in more dream clients to work with in the future!
May your lens be ever focused and your adventures well-exposed!
Snap ya later,
Chel.
Photos included in this post were captured at Brown Bridge, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Written by Cheleanamarie Photos, an intimate & micro wedding photographer, based in Michigan.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
