Pricing your Photography and Finding Clients
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Squarespace link for 10% off: www.squarespac...
My Instagram: / seantuck
My Website: www.seantucker....
Purchase my A4 Fine Art Print Sets:
www.seantucker...
Sign up for monthly emails:
www.seantucker...
Music:
'Karo' by Cowboys in Japan
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/35...
Get a 30-day free trial of the best music for your videos.
This is a playlist of favourite tracks of mine which I have used in previous videos: share.mscbd.fm/...
In this video I give you some practical advice for building a photography business, from choosing clients to pursue, to building your skillset and a portfolio, preparing your pitch, setting you pricing, and getting that all important meeting to introduce yourself.
Share this video on if you found it helpful.
#photographybusiness #clients #pricing
"Most potential clients don't know the difference between good photos and bad photos, they will read the quality of your work on your price tag"
Amazing insight right there, didn't think of it that way.
PM, it’s so true. And the clients looking for the cheapest price are often the worst ones to work for.
sorry to be so offtopic but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account?
I was stupid forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
This is the most useful and honest advice I have ever come across for deciding if and how to go professional. I started and owned an ad agency that by luck was successful enough to support myself and 14 staff for 25 years. The one thing I did differently from Sean’s advice, was after an initial pitch meeting, I called the potential clients every one to two months with a very brief reminder of who I was and what work we had published recently. I repeated the calls until I was told specifically that the client chose not to work with us, or they gave us an opportunity to prove our skill. One client required four years of those calls before giving us a chance, but went on to be our biggest and most appreciative client for the next 20 years. Perseverance and commitment are key, in my experience.
Well written friend.
I'd add the once every couple of months frequency was well judged. I was once on the receiving end of such calls and one photographer rang me, or tried to ring me every single day. After two weeks he'd ruled himself out of ever working with us and sworn at the receptionist in the process.
@@Tom_UA-cam_stole_my_handle yup, its all about tact and timing
so many professionals just ignore the power of the "follow up"
Sean Tucker. I have just " discovered " you today and I must confess this channel is the best thing that happened to my Photography journey. Regards from Kenya.
As a working photographer, this is incredibly valuable advice (that I wished was around when I was first starting out) great content as always Sean, thank you
Wonderful content, Sean. Back when I was a full time portrait photographer, I was shooting nearly 500 portrait clients and about 25 weddings every year. It is imperative to do photography that your clients want, find flattering, and are willing to exchange money for those images. Sean, you are a portrait photographer at heart. You have the desire to bring out the best in people. That’s the purpose of this channel, and your portrait work. Excellent stuff.
Left the job, got married and Four years into photography as sole career now, yes i am struggling to get any client, in this whole process got only two pay shoots, for a baby portrait and a wedding. Got a family to feed, still depending on my parent to feed my family as I dnt get clients, deep inside I feel ashamed to tell others that I do photography for career. Yet I still say so as i am a photographer. It's almost dying but today you motivated me again. Thank you Sean Tuck, you are into true art of loving photography, look up to you as a mentor, all your video are great lesson and also makes me emotional as a struggling photographer.
Why don’t you find a part time or another side job? Putting all your eggs in one basket is the quickest way to fail in any business.
"Don't take it personally and just keep moving." Great insight!
Sean, you provided a very thoughtful and well thought out approach to the key elements in beginning a freelance photography and video career. What differentiates your approach to others that are out there is your deep emphasis on connecting our professional work to our inner life - how we can communicate commercially despite being an introvert - how we must not mistake commercial setbacks or failure with our intrinsic value as a human being. As you rightly say if we have prepared ourselves as well as we can and done our best even if we don’t get the gig we have succeeded anyway by doing our best. We can keep moving and try another day. Well done.
Thanks Roger:)
Oh Just to add, There have been a few occasions when I will take the time to go in for free, shoot a couple of hours, and i always just say to them, there is no need for me to sell to you the image is on the screen you can see for yourself if you think work is good. Once I’m in there I also say I’m happy to get right at it in that moment, 9/10 times I carry on shooting from that moment. I’m loving your advice and it’s plain to see you know what you’re talking about. This is a lot about people and personalities before it is photography. I’m hearing allot of similar experiences.Well done man.
Hey Sean. I know this is an older video of yours, but it came at just the right time. As I continue to bang my head against the wall of marketing, often with no results, I just needed a little boost. You've been a great virtual mentor since the beginning of my portrait photography journey a year ago. Your knowledge, your outlook, and your passion are a tonic. Keep up the good work! And I'll keep up the fight. Warren (WARREN SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY)
Lots of good advice here Sean. Can I add one more suggestion? Photographers should look for clients that have an ongoing need for photography, where it’s critical to their business and they understand its value. So your e-commerce product shooting is right on target, where shooting individual headshots is a harder row.
Best lecture on "photography as a business" that I have EVER watched and heard. If they watch it and take it to heart, you have done alot of amateurs(including me), a great service. Thank you Sean Tucker.
Exactly
Where did those 25 minutes go? You exemplify the very best of the advice you give, Sean, by making your video an exemplary pitch in and of itself. And your honesty and eloquence are so convincing that you hardly need any images as "proof".
One thumb up is not enough for all the good that you are giving in your videos. Thank you Sean!
Timeless advice Sean. Been following for many years, always a good source of truth and motivation :)
you are a true mentor! everything you share is so important and inspirational. please check the subtitles settings for this video
This is golden advice. This and the critical video Passion vs Profession are essential advice for young and enthusiastic photographers to see, internalize and practice. Just excellent material Sean.
This one is easy, as much money as you can get and hustle, hustle, hustle. I’ve had to transition from full time musician to product/fashion photography and am looking into property. The main reason is that very thing. It’s a growing market. The price depends on the client. What they can realistically afford and if you get the price point right you’ll build a client base. You’re right on the money with the product angle. It’s also something you can do in isolation during this strange time. Once i get the job at any cost i then try to over deliver up sell. For example Video adverts that they didn’t know they wanted. With my current client, I made an advert on spec and spent 26 hours creating and advert, they went for it and asked for 10 more! So pricing is a tricky one as you may get more work moving forward. Anyway very good advice. Nice one.
After 3 years travelling with a van in South America, we have decided to take a break ( mainly due to the covid19) and start and photography business in a little city of Brasil. Its definitely a tricky time to decide how much to charge, we mainly do real estate photography, and hotel and house owners may decide to not spend much money in photography because of the crisis on the tourism sector. But as your said, investing in good photos means they will sell/rent easier. Thanks for all the tips Sean, and big thanks for all your videos! I am sure you know, but you are helping and cheering up lot of people that love photography! We really appreciate your work! we used to live in London years ago! Who know, one day we go back and we join one of your photography meetings :) cheers mate!
lemme tell you something. out of every youtuber in this category you are the most useful and inspiring youtuber i have ever seen.
thanks man a lot. your channel will definitely succeed with more authentic viewers.
My man, you are criminally underrated and deserve a million subscribers. As a new amateur photographer, your videos have immensely helped. You have more than earned a new subscriber. Thank you for the clear, concise, and honest videos.
Sean. Thanks so much for the honest grassroots advice. Photography is a hobby and side hustle. I’m increasing my skills in food and still photography.
this was so helpful thank you! Time to start sending out emails
Holding prints is impressive for clients. That's why I use heavy weight Canson or Hahnemuehle paper exclusively. I've had clients feel the heft of the paper and actually thumb the corners of a print.
This video should be watched by watched by all creatives who feel like giving in - it provides the motivation to keep on going. Thank you Sean.
Your videos never disappoint. The most honest photography channel on UA-cam. Thank you so much for your work sir. God bless.
I love your content, Sean. The more I watch, the more I connect with your approach and realise how pertinent it is to me as an individual; I learn as much about myself as I do about photography. Thank You.
Your honesty is spot on.
I really appreciate this content and the effort and the clarity. Deeply thank you for your channel, a recent discovery thanks to a good friend. All the best!!!
Thanks Diego:)
one of the most helpful videos I have found! Thank you so much.
Hands down the best advice video for aspiring photographer like myself who is in a dilemma regarding these! Thanks Sean!!!
Hey Sean, thank you for sharing your wisdom. I'm returning to this space after a period of depression and this advice is extremely useful for me to press forward.
As always, Sean is straight to the point. No BS, no sugarcoating. Awesome advice! Thank you 🙏🏻
Great video. Having a positive mind set is a huge thing. It has taken me years to learn to value myself and even now after winning awards and having been given great compliments by some the UK's most respected photographers, I still think of myself as an average and look at my work half the time with a feeling of loathing.
Most of the successful portrait photographers I know have been influenced in pricing by Venture but manage to keep the pricing without the negativity which came with the franchise. They are not selling photos, they are selling memories and experiences that make the client feel good, both now and in the future. They make the client want to come back, if shooting families and they build relationships, which help get recommendations. It doesn't matter that the work most of the photographers are producing isn't their best work, it is the work that is successful and sells well.
I am currently, working down a completely different path, than what I expected a couple of years ago. One that I don't know if it will be successful but stands me the most chance in the future because it is a neche, where I can stand out. I will still do the basic bread and butter photography but to really become successful, need to try a few things, which will hopefully bear fruit over the next couple of years... Or will end with me having to sell my house in abject failure. :P
Even though I'm an amateur/hobby photographer, thank you for sharing this valuable info. You're a great guy and superb photographer! Keep up the good work and thank you very much for sharing. Kind regards from the Netherlands. 😎👍
So spot on with your advice allways my friend. Do not chase the money because it will look for you!. Just enjoy the craft and produce dreams for the money makers
Awesome advice. You are obviously a caring person to share all of your tips. Thank you!
I hope people are not skipping the video just because they are not thinking about becoming a pro. I think this video is an essential advice for any photographers working with people. For portrait photographers, even I don't think about becoming a pro, things up to the pricing helped me find models for TFP/PFT. No model accepted my offer when I didn't have a clean portfolio to show. After putting up my consistent clean portrait portfolio helped me a lot to find models accepting my TFP offer. Great video always.
Thanks my friend:) Good point. I'm not sure why so many resist the clean portfolio if it's for the purpose of going after work? I'm glad it worked out for you. (Your prints are on their way, thanks for your support:)
Wow... This is by far one of the best videos of you Sean. Love how you have simplified the whole process. Never ever seen any youtuber or any professional being so open about their business. I am my self a wedding and family photographer and totally understand how it feels after you do your pitch to the client and then wait for their response.
I remembered how deep I sank im your channel Dean, 2 years ago, how all of IT resonated with me. I AM glad, that i found you. Thanks for making, whats you making
Every minute in this video is worth watching..! Great video..
That advice about finding clients is solid no matter what field you're freelancing in. Pure gold as always ❤️
Thank you for your honest and raw advice. I also recently watched your video where you discuss trolls and I found that to be reassuring - thank you xx
OK just the stats alone that you're sharing are gold! Thanks again as always. I already do product photography as secondary offer beyond virtual tours but the stats are what's the difference. Thank you!!
Thanks!
Extremely well done. Sean packs an enormous amount of useful information in this video. Not a second wasted.
As a union actor in the states, it touched me deeply that you helped many an aspiring actor in London with a discount on Head Shots. As you well know, they can get very expensive very fast...and the "right" HS is so crucial in our business!!! THANKS THANKS AND EVER THANKS
Great video,, I love the fact that you don’t just talk about settings and equipment. You’re so right about the selfie thing. I’m just starting out using off camera flash and modifiers and I’m using friends and family as subjects. I took some pictures of my daughter last weekend and she liked the shots on the back of the camera, but hated the final images, she said that she looked terrible! Of course she did it, but was used to ph9 e selfies with a heavy use of filters.
excellent... and the best part, a lot apply to other domain , not only photography.
This 25 minute video has helped me more than all the hundreds of videos previously. Thank you Sean.
Great video, Sean. As always, I watch and listen to the great advice you give. After that, I restart the video, mute the speakers and gaze at the fantastic lighting you use and admire the photos of your mentors on the wall. I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy.
Just like you read my mind. I'd this question in my mind and suddenly video notification. Thank You!
As a photojournalist, I just enjoy taking photos and finding clients who like my work enough to PAY me for it! Thanks for this...very insightful!
Wonderful clear and to-the-point message. Thanks for sharing.
Sean you are the best!! Thank you for your valuable advice. Very much appreciated 🙏
I could listen to Sean talk all day haha!
very great insights.. thank you Sean
So refreshing to hear someone speak the truth about photography and gaining work. Thanks Sean for your words
Probably my favourite video of yours till date. Thanks Sean.
that's the best video on the subject ever! Thank you so much for sharing it! I love your retouching videos, great stuff! But this one is especially helpful! THANK U SO MUCH!!!!
I have no intention of turning photography into my day job.But I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. A joy to watch as always and extremely insightful. Great content as always.
This is honestly the best guide related to finding clients and pricing work for photography I've ever come across, thank you so much! As a fellow photographer who has been struggling with finding clients, I will definitely be coming back to this video from time to time to remind myself of these methods to become a more successful photographer. You earned a sub! Please keep up the great work, your community appreciates it immensely!
Thank you for being one of the most intellectually honest people on the internet. You truly are helpful AND inspiring, both on an artistic and on a personal/ethical level.
Again, you are fantastic full of excellent information, and such a genuine guy, bravo
Great video with sound advice, as always. Currently balancing on the edge of taking the plunge into freelance scientific writing, and your advice and insights are just as valid for that as for photography. You’ve given me some useful things to take into account - and made me realise that in my field I can tick all the necessary boxes. So thank you 🙂
Taking a well lit product photo is incredibly fulfilling - for me.
I find it quite challenging and there is a lot to learn and TBH I think the lighting is much harder than ligthing a human for a portrait, weddings or documentary shooting.
I really enjoy the technical challenges in creative product photography.
what a gem of a video. Thanks for you
r honesty
such content from sean is what gives me more motivation on my photography and not to give up
Thanks for the sincerity, integrity and down to earth of your talks. Certainly the best videos out there on the craft. Keep it up, Sean. Kind regards from Mauritius.
Sean, as ever so many wise words and so many golden nuggets of wisdom.... very grateful 🤓
I am amazed of the value you are putting on in your channel. Truly remarkable! Thank you from the bottom of my heart..you are sharing a universe of experience.
this is the video ive been needing to watch for a long time. I wish more people would share this kind of information! thank you thank you thank you!
Yet again, another ‘nailed’ video Sean. Your channel content just gets better all the time, thank you.
Thank you so much Sean. Keep it up! all the best from Tunbridge Wells KENT. ( would love to see more about corporate headshots poses and HSS, lowish budget)
Great 👍 advice Sean!
Excellent! This doesn’t just apply to photography or even freelancing in any market for that matter - it’s great advice for anybody! Thanks Sean.
Excellent video Sean!
It's so true about waiting on a client for months. I've learned to keep promoting and finding more clients and that you have to be prepared to "waste" clients. Not everyone will fit in with what you do and by keeping attention on them, it holds one back. Just keep moving and promoting and new people will come along and you will get them. It is a process and as you go, observe and take note of what works and reinforce this and also observe what doesn't work or is as successful and do your best to remove this. Fine tuning this will really reduce the effort you exert and will increase your productivity.
Great video -- I had a photography business 10 years ago but could never discuss pricing, because I just couldn't assign a proper value to myself. I ended up losing all my passion and selling nearly all my gear to cover my debts. Now, 8 years later, I've finally got my passion back!
Wonderful video, and a touching message at the end. Thank you!
Simply “ spot on “ !!! Awesome , and thank you, Sean !!!
Thank you for such an informative and honest video Sean. Its genuinely appreciated. Love from Toronto
Best video ever! Thanks
great advice!
really made my morning frustrations go away,thnx.
very well rounded video! lot's of stuff that's really essential, 10/10
Thanks Sean, super timely for me. I am an introvert type looking to make this my full time gig and really appreciate the inspiration and encouragement right now 🤜🏻
You have dramatically changed my thoughts on this as I currently have a day job. Thank you.
Thank you sean, I really like your videos from rwanda
🇷🇼
Thank you, Sean! I appreciate every single video.
Thank you, this is so helpful I'm new in this business but I can already tell there's no better advice than yours! I felt like you were talking about my execution 💯
Sean, you always give such thoughtful and honest advice. I love your channel and thank you for creating such thought-provoking videos that pull the curtain and show people the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Really man !!!! your really very inspiring . This video helps me in many things. Thankyou so much for making.
I do freelance H&S consultancy which is a similar business to business service too. I can tell you there is a ton of truth and value in this video - very nicely done 👍👌
This is the best answer to this question. I really appreciate how you answer it.
Sean, your advice is spot-on for any photographer who is serious about their chosen profession.
Thank you Sean. I wish you the best always!
Incredibly well spoken and related to everything you shared!! Thank you for sharing your experiences
You're spot on. Love your videos.
So amazing video :) Thank you for your genuine personality.
Thank you for sharing.Hope everybody here becomes successful on UA-cam!
Great work Sean! Thank you!