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I get asked all the time how I always have such great sessions with my clients.

Truth be told, there are a lot of things that I have implemented over the years to help ensure successful sessions. But, there is one CLEAR leader on my list:

Setting expectations.

I start setting expectations with potential clients from their very first email inquiry. And I continue to set them until the session is done and the gallery is delivered. I take every opportunity possible to explain what clients will get from me. And what they will not get.

From the initial email inquiry, I am setting the expectations of how I photograph newborns and families. I educate potential clients on the type of images they will get from me and also what they won’t get.

When clients book a session with me, I am setting expectations on a timeline of communication. I let them know when they will hear from me next and what information I will be sending.

A few days before the session, I educate clients on how the session will go and what I need them to do to help it flow well. I tell them exactly what they can expect to see from me on picture day so that nothing is a surprise.

During a session, I am constantly setting expectations with my clients about what we can hope to capture with their child(ren) and what will happen if anyone decides to have a meltdown.

After the session I am setting expectations about what comes next: when they will see sneak peeks, a final gallery and get their prints.

I put so much effort into educating and setting expectations at every turn so that no one is ever left wondering. No one feels the need to take things into their own hands. No one is unsure.

Setting expectations gives my clients confidence in knowing that I have a plan, I have things under control and that I am a professional they can trust. It is the most important thing I do to consistently create a successful photo session experience for my people.

Want to learn about this process a bit more? I offer online mentoring and a group mastermind experience that will both teach you the ins and outs of the business side of photography. You can learn about those offerings and more in the SGP education shop.