Why Every Photographer Should be Conducting Discovery Calls with Every Senior Session

Do you want to know the best thing that I added to my senior on-boarding process in 2023? Scheduling a 10-15 minute discovery call after clients booked their session.

Building Connections

Sure, it takes time out of my day, but spending less than 30 minutes with a senior client and their parents actually helps me to be more efficient in the long run! Let’s unpack the benefits:

• Discovery calls allow me to listen to my clients’ needs and wants for their senior session. During our conversation, I’m able to start visualizing session locations that they’ll love or connect with, as well as a few must-have shots. 
• Discovery calls also give my client and I a jumpstart on outfit planning. During this call, I share what to wear and what to avoid, what clothing photographs well in certain locations (i.e. no heels in the pasture!), as well as share the style guide and the link to my Pinterest board of outfit ideas. I also encourage them to communicate with me as they choose their outfits, either via text or email.
• Discovery calls help me to learn what to expect as part of the on-boarding and off-boarding process, from invoicing and contracts to payment, gallery delivery, and more.
• Discovery calls open the door for my clients to ask any and all questions!

Building Trust

Overall, discovery calls help to build trust between my clients and me. After this brief call, they know that I am committed to providing the best possible portrait experience for them, which helps them to feel prepared on their session day to truly enjoy the process.

A bonus tip: I like to record my discovery calls, either through voice memos or on my computer via Zoom. This allows me to replay the call again to refresh my memory when it comes time for their session!

I hope these ideas encourage you to support your seniors by scheduling discovery calls with them! If you have any questions or discovery call tips of your own to share, I’m just an email away.

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