How to Create the Perfect Prep Guide for Family Portraits

How to Create the Perfect Prep Guide for Family Portraits: tips for family photographers on what to include in their prep guide

During this slower season, many photographers are working to elevate and update their client experience. I firmly believe that having a well-thought out client experience is a key building block for growing a successful photography business. Your clients will always remember how you made them feel and how prepared they felt for their session with you. The key to a great client experience is to keep your clients informed and answer their questions before they even ask. One easy way to do this is to create a family photo session prep guide! Today, I’m sharing my tips on how to create the perfect prep guide for family sessions with you, including 4 things you should include!

What should you include in a family photo session prep guide?

A strong prep guide will help your clients prepare for their session with you. It’s the perfect place to house answers for your frequently asked questions, and will eliminate a lot of back and forth between you both. Instead, you’ve presented an easy to read prep guide that will make them feel taken care of and excited for your session! Not sure what to include? Here’s my top four items…

Location Ideas

Provide some great options for a family session in your area. If you don’t want to list specific locations, consider outlining what they should think about when picking a good location. Walk them through the process, so that you can work together to create the session they dreamed of! 

What to Wear

This is a great topic to include in a client prep guide! Provide some beautiful examples from your past sessions, as well as some ideas of how exactly to plan their own outfits. Be sure to give images and written tips here. 

How to Prepare

By giving your clients a few ways to prepare for a successful session, you’ll help them know what to expect when you work together. Provide 2-4 tips to help them be more prepared for your session. This might include how to prep kids, to bring snacks, or to make sure everyone is well fed.

What to Expect Next

Let clients know what they can expect next in the process including questionnaires, when final payment is due and a preview of what to expect after the session (sneak peaks, galleries…etc). Lay it all out for them! 

When it comes down to it, you’re creating a full experience from your clients – from the moment they book to the moment their gallery is delivered. By providing them with a prep guide, you’re taking all of the guesswork out of their prep at home. This means you’re going to have clients that are excited, prepared, and ready for htei erosion – instead of stressed out. It will help you reduce back and forth about questions you could easily address in one place. It really is a win-win for everyone! 

Ready to create a prep guide but not sure where to start?

I’ve got you covered!! I have a template that includes ALL of the copy you need to help your clients prepare. It’s easy to customize and make it unique to your brand, too!

GRAB THE TEMPLATE HERE!

If you loved this article, check out these other great posts:

Should You List Prices on Your Photography Website

5 Ways to Invest in Your Photography Business During Slow Season

How to Convert More Leads on Your Website

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about Danielle Blewitt

Hi, I’m Danielle. I’m a Pittsburgh, based family photographer and marketing expert. I help family photographers build and grow successful businesses using simple, organic marketing strategies. This space is designed to give you some of my best practical tips to implement in your business.

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