So often photographers who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed balk at upping their prices. They let fear win out over profitability and instead of taking the next steps to earn more money and work less, they either limp along, suffering with being overworked and undervalued, or close up shop. Why? Because they’re scared that they’ll raise their prices and the clients will stop coming. Some money is better than no money, right? Wrong. Your health and self-worth is worth so much more, and that’s what’s suffering when you continue to undercharge and take on too much. So today, in this blog post, I want to help take the fear away by letting you in on the secret of the 5 things you need to attract high end photography clients, so you can raise these prices and see your business grow in ways you could only dream.

The first thing you need to attract high end photography clients is high end work.

Now, this should seem obvious, but as artists, sometimes we let our personal feelings get in the way of looking at our work objectively. For me, it took posting work I thought was great in a facebook group of photographers and asking for constructive criticism. Now, this isn’t an approach I recommend unless you have some thick skin. For every person out there truly seeking to help you, there are a few meanies who just love causing misery. But approaching a photographer you consider to be a friend, or a coach you trust and asking for an honest review of your work can be a much safer place to start.

If you’d rather assess your work yourself and feel you can be at least somewhat objective, start by asking yourself three simple questions:

• Do you deliver consistent work, with every image in sharp focus and have a good understanding of composition?
• Do you understand lighting and shadows and can you deliver the same quality of work in multiple difference lighting scenario, or can you manipulate and control light effectively?
• Do you have a consistent style that clients can expect when booking you? Do they know what they’re getting from looking on your website, or may they feel unsure if their images are going to be dark and contrasted, or light and airy or bright and vibrant?

A high end client is looking for consistent work from a professional in their field with a specific style. If they’re going to invest thousands with you, they want to know exactly what they’re paying for.

You’ll also need an aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly website.

Whether most of your clients find you on social media or somewhere else, a website is a must. In this day and age, most people expect a professional to have a website. It is also the only place on the internet that you own and are in control of. If your social media profiles are banned tomorrow, how would clients know you exist?

But it can’t just be any website. You are a creative. You make gorgeous art. Your website needs to reflect this attention to detail and be both pretty and functional. It should very simply lead the user on a journey from discovering your art, to finding out details about working with you, to learning about investment and/or reaching out to inquire. If you’re not sure your website is simple and user-friendly, ask someone who doesn’t know your business well to browse your website as if they were looking to hire a photographer and ask them for feedback.

Your website and social media needs copy that speaks to your ideal client

One of the 5 things you need to attract high end photography clients is copy on your website and social media profiles that speaks directly to them. As you’re filling out your website with words, ask yourself, what problem are my ideal clients looking to solve? How does what I offer benefit them? Write your copy focusing on them and their needs, not you and your talent.

An experience that stands out from the crowd.

If clients are going to spend thousands working with you when they could spend a fraction of that with the photographer down the street, you need to give them a reason to. Almost every photographer offers the same thing. Not just photos, but the ability to hold onto fleeting moments. A high end client who is willing to invest 4 or 5 figures on their photography session wants that, yes, but they also want more. They want an experience. One that’s stress-free, doesn’t create more work for them, and allows them to be pampered and enjoy the experience. So, to attract these people, you need to offer something different, something that goes beyond pretty photos.

An offer that meets your clients needs

This is similar to the above, but goes deeper. Not only does it have to stand out from the crowd, it also needs to appeal to your client and meet their needs. If you offer sessions with pink llamas, that may be an experience, but it doesn’t really solve a need. Think about who your clients are. Are they a dual income family? If so, they likely don’t have a lot of time, so would rather pay for conveniences such as hair and makeup and styling or artwork installation then have to organize them themselves.

Once you have these 5 things you need to attract high end photography clients, the transition to the luxury market won’t be nearly as difficult as you imagine.

Still feeling unsure about raising those prices? Learn how to move past pricing fears!

Need help navigating how to create an experience that appeals to high end clients? Learn all about Virtual IPS and how I earn $2.5k per client while working 10 hours or less a week here.