Steps to Getting to know your client!

Where to start? I think that is what every new photographer is thinking after they have decided that he/she has taken that next step into photography. So you have a couple or a family that wants to have portraits taken, you wonder what would be the best setting for these portraits that will capture the personalities of the people you are about to photograph. Well if you don't know them personally it is best to try to learn a little about them and their likes, social media helps a little there, but don't be afraid to ask what the client's likes and dislikes are. You cannot assume for instance that everyone wants a body of water near them or wants a rustic setting! So what i do is communicate, if it is a newly engaged couple, find out where they met, where did the proposal took place, what their favorite place is, and maybe, if they know yet, where they are getting married. Communicating with the client is the best way for me to get to know what the client really wants, have a satisfied customer and have them refer me to other potential clients.

After the communication has set an idea or exact location of where to shoot the portraits, go check out the location if you can. You will need to know a little about the area so that you will be able to see just what to expect, do you need to bring additional equipment to the shoot, what time is the best lighting in that location? The last thing you want is to deal with is shadows and not being able to capture the exact portrait your client wants. And always be early !