If anyone else can do the same pictures as you, even an amateur with a cell phone, then you’re probably out of a job.
Every customer expects that you own the necessary camera gear and the appropriate computer and software. They expect you know what you’re doing.
Customers expect that you can do more than just take pictures. After all, anyone can take pictures.
Customers also expect that you:
• Are self-motivated and have up-to-date skills.
• Know something about the legal, moral and ethical issues surrounding photography.
• Understand picture usage and licensing.
• Have suitable people skills.
• Have project management skills.
• Can think and act in the best interest of the customer.
They also expect that you know their expectations.
As a professional photographer, you’re expected to be the expert when it comes to all things photographic. You’re expected to be more than just a camera owner and operator.
Are you marketing yourself as a camera owner and operator or as a photography expert?
An owner and operator markets what equipment they own and their technical abilities. These photographers are essentially nothing more than a human photo booth.
A photography expert markets their experience, their management skills, their willingness to be a team player, their trustworthiness and their effectiveness. This is the best way to show that you’re not just someone with a camera.
Customer expectations are about much more than just pictures.
