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Moments By Kellee
PeaWee
PeaNut 466,085
April 2010
Posts: 3
Layouts: 0
 |  Posted: 4/27/2010 11:59:17 AM
Hi there! I feel like I should introduce myself to all of you photographers out there. I am Kellee Smith of Moments By Kellee Photography. I am located in Logan, Utah and have been doing wedding photography for the past 5 years. I have 2 beautiful children and a gorgeous husband. I feel so lucky to be doing what I love! You can find me at www.momentsbykellee.com and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Moments-By-Kellee/87427569674?ref=ts. I love to connect with other photographers so do not hesitate to contact me. Happy reading!
You may have heard people say that connecting to your clients is all personality, nothing learned and you either have it or you don't. I just don't buy that theory. Building a connection with clients is a detailed process and if properly executed can be one of the most valuable parts to operating your company.
I work primarily in the wedding industry. So, the interactions that I am going to address relate directly to a bride and groom. However, the principals that we talk about can be modified, or applied toward any genre of photography.
Let's start at the beginning, "CONNECTING WITH CLIENTS". As photographers we are fortunate to make a connection with potential clients before we have personal interaction with them. Our images are the initial connection that pushes our potential clients to pursue us. Our clients are contacting us for this reason. They may have noticed your studio, searched on line, pursued a recommendation, or any other avenue of marketing. Regardless of how, they have "found you", and in doing so have connected with you through your images.
You should show images that really represent you. I would remind you that you are only as good as your worst image. Be careful and methodical about the images that you display. It is better to show less of your best rather than more of your average. So, make sure they represent you as the artist, as the photographer, as the business, and as the person you want to be.
Now it is time to pursue a more personal connection with your potential client. That may be through a phone call, an e-mail, a voice mail, or any other form of one on one communication that is required to make that personal connection. It is crucial to be expedient with your correspondence with potential clients. You build trust when you run your business professionally. I don't portray that I am a high-powered businesswoman, I communicate with them like they are my friends. Be personal, be positive, be approachable, and be nice.
With weddings we start with consultations. In a consultation it is less about selling your product, your services, or your style, and more about selling yourself. This is a competitive industry that we are in and the more that we can personally connect with people the better. This is not only about you as a photographer, it is also about you as a person, and no one can be a better "you"! Be unique, be comfortable, and be yourself.
You can connect with your clients even in resolving problems. Address your clients concerns quickly, and professionally. Your clients will feel trust in someone who values a lasting relationship.
Now let's talk about "BREAKING THE ICE" during a session. There are many ways to connect with your clients. I use the session to really get to know my clients and I use my camera to create a barrier to make people feel comfortable.
Find your own way to break the ice. The most important thing is to break it! My candid shooters and assistance often hear me saying the same things, and cracking the same jokes over and over. I repeat myself because I have found what works for me. It takes practice to find your own style, and get it right. When you find something that works use it!
Before I start the session I initiate friendly conversation pertaining to my "informal rules". This suits my personality. Rule #1 THE CAMERA KISS. It is less a make out session and more a kiss and hold. Never open your eyes in a kissing picture, it's just plain "creepy". Rule #2 THE COMFY POSITION. If your not comfy, tell me. I will either make some adjustments or tell you, "buck up". Rule #3 THE SERIOUS FACE. Relax your face and look at me as a person, not as a camera. After a few minutes of chatting about my "informal rules", I have broken the ice, and we are ready to get started.
I always start my sessions with my 70-200mm lens so that I shoot from a distance. I am direct, quick, and have an agenda. These personality traits intimidate some clients. Using a long lens helps eliminate that intimidation. I give instruction by example rather than any physical contact with my clients. Your personality plays a huge role in how you put people at ease during a session. I think it is important to know your energy. Some are more conducive to making friends, creating great first impressions, leaving lasting memories, being comfortable, being funny, talking constantly, nervous talk, feeling comfortable with silence, having awkward silence, feeling rushed, high tension, easy going, care free! Know your energy, and use it. If you know your energy you can recognize how your personality effects people and then adjust your shooting style to best suit those traits. Your lens choice really affects the way that you interact with your clients. If you are a quiet, shy, warm person, then choose a wide lens. Really get in there and let people feel all of your good energy.
Praising your clients during a shoot is important. Even if they feel a lack of confidence at the beginning if you give them some praise they will start to feel confident as the shoot goes on! I love to tease my clients. But if I EVER tease them, I immediately praise them. For example "that is not a serious face, that is a stalker face". We laugh, try it again, and tell them "wow, right on the money, absolutely perfect". I want them to stay confident, comfortable, and continue to have fun!
Get to know your clients. I use the session to learn as much as I can about my clients. We talk about employment, education, wedding plans, music, style, and fashion. Getting to know your clients will help to build a lasting connection. This also bridges the gap to continue the connection in future sessions.
Remember to be confident, consistent, and create a memorable experience. Be yourself, and build a strong connection, and you will have life long clients. Best of luck!
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karene
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 100,139
August 2003
Posts: 5,201
Layouts: 0
Loc: Boston, MA
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 12:03:58 PM
Kellee, thanks so much for coming here to share all these great ideas and tips with us!
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whitneyzb
BucketHead
PeaNut 421,278
April 2009
Posts: 628
Layouts: 1
Loc: Texas
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 12:18:39 PM
Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us!!!!  |
Whitney
Canon 40D
Sigma 50-150 2.8
580 EX Speedlite
and a bit more, but a mile long wish list! | |
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LoriLeigh
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 97,944
July 2003
Posts: 5,544
Layouts: 251
Loc: Parkersburg, WV
| Posted: 4/27/2010 12:20:53 PM
thanks for sharing! great tips |
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clindroos
BucketHead
PeaNut 406,249
January 2009
Posts: 958
Layouts: 0
Loc: B.C., Canada
| Posted: 4/27/2010 12:30:01 PM
Welcome Kellee and thanks for a great first post! |
~~ Corrie ~~
Nikon D700 | Nikon D90 | 50mm 1.8 |35mm 1.8 |85mm 1.8
LR3 & CS5
Calibrated
Facebook
My Blog | |
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Moments By Kellee
PeaWee
PeaNut 466,085
April 2010
Posts: 3
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/27/2010 12:47:34 PM
Thank you so much! This has been a really fun experience! | |
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UtahMomX4
AncestralPea
PeaNut 39,805
June 2002
Posts: 4,325
Layouts: 37
Loc: Roy, Utah
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 12:51:32 PM
This is great, Kellee!!! Thank you so much for sharing this info with us! I really appreciate you stopping by. |
~Jami
Life in Moments Photography Blog
Canon 40D!!!!!, Canon XT, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 50mm 1.8
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. - Audrey Hepburn | |
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craftyluv
Prayers: You need 'em? I've got 'em <3
PeaNut 365,669
March 2008
Posts: 12,737
Layouts: 81
Loc: St. Louis, MO
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 1:08:00 PM
Thanks for sharing your knowledge & tips with us! Much appreciated! |
Blessings, Rebecca
My gear:
Nikon D700-a dream come true
50mm 1.8
70-200mm (old AF film lens)
Nikon D40-
18-55mm
55-200mm VR
Promaster 7400EDF flash
Close up macro filter set
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TREZmom
Lost and Found in Pea-land
PeaNut 138,098
March 2004
Posts: 5,812
Layouts: 2
Loc: NC but wishing I was somewhere else
| Posted: 4/27/2010 2:58:44 PM
Thanks a lot for your tips and techniques. Your work is really wonderful and inspiring! | |
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lstine
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 343,181
October 2007
Posts: 2,140
Layouts: 69
Loc: Southeast Kansas
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mommy2katia&karyme
The {Pea}J's Girl
PeaNut 87,750
May 2003
Posts: 5,295
Layouts: 45
| Posted: 4/27/2010 3:59:57 PM
Thank You so much for sharing your ideas and images with us. That third shot and the vintage reflection are just beautiful!!! | |
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sara.k
PeaNut
PeaNut 428,425
June 2009
Posts: 112
Layouts: 0
Loc: Pacific Northwest
| Posted: 4/27/2010 5:00:34 PM
Thanks so much for sharing! |
~Sara~
Sony A550, 50mm f/1.8, 70-300mm f/4-5.6, 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 | |
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TrinaRN
AncestralPea
PeaNut 262,177
May 2006
Posts: 4,753
Layouts: 102
Loc: Suburb of Vancouver
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 5:28:15 PM
THANK YOU!!
Great tips!
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~~Trina~~
Website | Blog | Facebook
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Nikon D700 | Nikon D300 | 24-70/2.8 | 70-200/2.8 | 85/1.8 | Sigma 105/2.8 macro | SB900 | Apollo Westcott 50x50 softbox | AB400
CS5 | LR 3
Calibrated with spyder 3 PRO!
On location photog, wishing for a studio soon! | |
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paintedmoon
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 150,843
June 2004
Posts: 7,808
Layouts: 213
Loc: Texas
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 5:38:50 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your techniques with us, and your lovely images!
I really love your advice about "finding your own type of energy and utilizing it." That makes perfect sense, because not everyone is the same.
Know your energy, and use it. If you know your energy you can recognize how your personality effects people and then adjust your shooting style to best suit those traits.
This is brilliant!
Anne | |
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traciegibbs
Thinking Hap-Pea Thoughts
PeaNut 63,394
January 2003
Posts: 8,891
Layouts: 92
Loc: Pacific Northwest
| Posted: 4/27/2010 5:52:01 PM
Thanks for this great lesson! Your work is beautiful |
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Dewey06
Drink lots...PEA pale!
PeaNut 276,190
September 2006
Posts: 22,612
Layouts: 717
Loc: Colorado
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 5:53:45 PM
Thank you for taking the time to share. We really appreciate it |
Heather-Feather!
Canon5DMkII
24-70 2.8L
100 2.8L IS macro
135 2.0L
85 1.2L II
Fisheye 15mm
Tamron 70-200 2.8
Lensbaby Composer
CS4 on a calibrated Mac
My blog
Photography website
Woolywishes Etsy shop
[error_in_url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woolywishes/193307734022795[/url] | |
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jodar
mama to 3 now!
PeaNut 305,846
March 2007
Posts: 8,539
Layouts: 41
Loc: Australia
| Posted: 4/27/2010 7:09:56 PM
That was fabulous. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. |
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bpalmer
PeaNut
PeaNut 235,721
December 2005
Posts: 248
Layouts: 21
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 4/27/2010 7:53:42 PM
Thanks so much! Love the images they are beautiful. |
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Meldan
AncestralPea
PeaNut 15,356
May 2001
Posts: 4,581
Layouts: 153
Loc: Upstate NY
 | Posted: 4/27/2010 9:21:59 PM
Thank you so much! Your images are gorgeous! |
Melissa
My Gear: Nikon D300; Nikon D70s; 50mm 1.8; 85mm 1.8; 18-70 kit lens; 70-300mm; 80-200mm 2.8; Tamron 17-50mm 2.8; SB800 speedlight
POTD
CreativeLEE Photography - Blog
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal | |
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ptphotog
PeaAddict
PeaNut 395,199
October 2008
Posts: 1,996
Layouts: 7
Loc: Wichita, KS
| Posted: 4/27/2010 11:12:33 PM
Great info and great photos!!!! Thank You so much!!!! |
Danielle
Nikon D3S ~ Nikon D700 ~ Nikon D300 ~ Nikon D70s
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ~ Nikon 24-70 f2.8 ~ Nikon 105mm F/2.8 micro ~ Nikon 50 mm f1.4 ~ Nikon 85mm 1.8 ~ Nikon 24mm 2.8 ~ Nikon 18-200mm VR ~ Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 ~ SB600 ~ SB900 ~ LR3 ~ CS5 | |
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Moments By Kellee
PeaWee
PeaNut 466,085
April 2010
Posts: 3
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 4/28/2010 1:11:19 PM
I am so glad you all enjoyed it. I hope that some of my insight can help to better your own photo shoots. If anyone has any questions do not hesitate to ask. I am open to anything.
Thanks, Kellee | |
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rachag03
WHOOPea!!!
PeaNut 254,107
March 2006
Posts: 29,049
Layouts: 29
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 4/28/2010 9:26:38 PM
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Kellee! |
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WVButterfly
Ok, I have 5000 posts...now what?
PeaNut 230,463
November 2005
Posts: 10,109
Layouts: 1
Loc: West Virginia Mountains
| Posted: 4/29/2010 8:43:12 AM
Welcome to the pod, Kellee Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of that information with us!
Hope you'll stick around |
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Carla
Sony A200 DSLR
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (kit lens)
Sony 50mm f/1.4
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto/Macro
Sony 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 Telephoto (it was on sale for $69.00...I couldn't resist!)
Sony HVL-F20AM flash
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mrstown04
100 cans of Peas on the Wall...
PeaNut 456,601
February 2010
Posts: 100
Layouts: 0
Loc: Surprise, AZ
| Posted: 5/5/2010 11:24:16 PM
thank you soooo much for taking the time to do this! I can't wait to read this!!! Your pictures are breathtaking!!! |
Ashley
Canon 20D|Canon 50mm 1.4, Canon 17-40mm 4.0L, Canon 75-300mm 4.0|Speedlite 430EX
CS4|LR2 Calibrated! | |
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