If you’ve been a package-based or all-inclusive photographer for a while, and are starting to realize how hard it is to make a living wage, I have some good news for you. Maybe you’ve explored IPS a little, maybe you’ve written it off, or maybe you have lots of concerns. Perhaps you’re starting to be convinced it’s the way to go. Whether you’re on the fence or firmly on the other side, I’m going to show you why IPS serves your clients better than other models of photography do.

I often hear people’s concerns about with IPS (in-person sales) business model of photography. Many worry that they won’t be good at sales (more on that in the next blog), or often photographers worry that their clients won’t like the option, or will feel forced into buying something they don’t want. If you feel this way, this blog (and the next!) are written 100% for you!

Personally, I was terrified when I made the switch. I thought for sure my clients weren’t going to be up for purchasing artwork. That was until I started putting my own images around my home. I got to see firsthand the immense value their is to actually seeing and enjoying your images daily, rather than losing them somewhere on a hard drive as I had for years before. This simple step made me truly believe in the ideas behind the IPS model of photography.

Hanging my photos around my home really made me realize the first reason why IPS serves yours clients better: You’re giving them a finished product.

Imagine you went to your favourite restaurant and ordered your favourite meal. After waiting in anticipation, your server brought you all the ingredients, but you had to make the meal yourself.

When we only give clients the option to purchase digital images, we’re essentially saying, “I’m going to capture magical memories of those you love most that make your heart soar with joy, but if you actually want to see and enjoy them regularly, YOU’RE going to have to do the work.” When we offer finished pieces, we do the legwork for our clients, take that off their plate and ensure they actually get to see and cherish the memories they invested in.

The second reason why IPS serves our clients better is that they receive a more personalized service.

Selling artwork requires a lot more personal interaction than booking, showing up for a session, and tossing some digitals their way. You need to get to know your clients, their style, and what makes their heart soar, so you can create art that will actually bring them joy. When you sell artwork (and do it well!) you’ll be spending time building trust with your client and walking with them through the process of their photography session.

I want to clarify that I know there are many clients out there who don’t want to purchase artwork from their photographer. The most common reason why, though, is because they don’t want to invest that much in their photography session. And if that’s the case, if we’re truly looking to make a sustainable income from our business, they likely aren’t the clients to make that happen anyway.

If you’re curious about switching to Virtual IPS so you can better serve your clients, earn more income and safeguard your personal time, and want a hand in the transition, the Beta Launch of my Group Coaching program, Virtual IPS for Photographers opens Monday morning at 8am PST. You can check it out below!

Not ready to make an investment and commit to the switch? Join my always free Facebook group for photographers so you can test out the waters and get teachings on a Virtual IPS system, totally free.