Finding and Working with Clients

One of the most exciting — and sometimes intimidating — parts of running a photography and videography business is finding and building relationships with clients. Early on in my journey, I realized that having great gear and technical skills is only part of the equation. The other, perhaps more important, part is being able to effectively connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver results that align with their vision.

In this post, I’ll dive into how I found my first clients, how I built relationships with them, and some of the strategies I’ve used over the years to grow my client base and create lasting partnerships.

Starting from Scratch: How I Landed My First Clients

When I first started my business, I had a solid portfolio and a few connections from my time working at a production studio, but I had no idea how to find clients consistently. I knew I had the technical skills to create great work, but that wasn’t enough. I had to learn how to put myself out there, communicate my value, and build trust with potential clients.

I started small — reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances. Honestly, I was surprised by how many people in my network needed professional photography or videography services. Whether it was a friend getting married or a small business looking for product photos, these initial jobs helped me build my portfolio and gave me the confidence to keep going.

But I didn’t just wait for clients to come to me. I began networking aggressively. I attended local events, joined creative communities online, and made sure to introduce myself to anyone who might need my services. Word of mouth was invaluable early on, but I also knew I had to actively build relationships. I asked clients for referrals, which led to new opportunities, and offered discounts for testimonials that I could showcase on my website and social media.

Another thing I did early on was collaborate with other creatives. This was a huge win because it allowed me to share resources and expand my network. Working with other photographers, videographers, makeup artists, and stylists helped me connect with new potential clients while also sharpening my skills in different genres.

Building Relationships: The Importance of Trust and Communication

Finding clients is only half the battle. The real work begins when you start building relationships and working on projects. Over the years, I've realized that the key to long-term success in this industry is developing strong client relationships. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Understand Their Vision

The first thing I always do when meeting a new client is ask a lot of questions. What are their goals for the project? What message are they trying to communicate? What style are they drawn to? I’ve found that the more I understand their vision, the better I can tailor my work to their needs.

Sometimes, clients don’t know exactly what they want, so I make sure to offer guidance and suggestions based on their brand, personality, or personal preferences. In these cases, I lean on my experience to help them clarify their vision, which ultimately leads to a stronger working relationship. Understanding their needs from the beginning sets a strong foundation for collaboration.

2. Set Expectations Early

Clear communication is essential in any business, but especially in the creative industry. Clients need to know what they can expect, both in terms of deliverables and timelines. I’ve learned the importance of setting clear expectationsearly in the process — whether that’s through written contracts or just honest conversations about the scope of work.

I also make sure to keep clients updated throughout the project. If there are any delays or issues, I let them know immediately. Being proactive and transparent builds trust and shows that I’m committed to delivering high-quality work on time.

3. Provide an Exceptional Experience

One of the biggest ways I’ve been able to stand out is by providing an exceptional client experience from start to finish. This isn’t just about delivering great photos or videos — it’s about how you make your clients feel throughout the process.

I try to go above and beyond in all aspects of my service. For example, if I’m shooting a wedding, I make sure to stay ahead of schedule, keep things relaxed, and help where I can — even if it’s something outside the scope of the shoot. If I’m working with a brand, I make sure the product photos reflect their vision perfectly, and I’m always open to feedback and revisions.

Creating a positive experience is what leads to repeat business, and it’s how I’ve built long-lasting relationships with many of my clients. When people feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to trust you again for future projects and refer you to others.

4. Be Responsive and Available

This one seems simple, but it’s one of the most important things I’ve learned when working with clients: be responsive. Whether it’s replying to emails quickly, answering questions on social media, or jumping on a phone call to discuss details, being readily available shows clients that you care about their needs and are committed to their project.

I use a combination of tools like email management software and client portals to keep track of everything and stay on top of communication. But even with all the tech, I always try to maintain a personal touch — a friendly text or call goes a long way.

5. Overdeliver (and Stay Humble)

A tactic that’s worked wonders for me is overdelivering on my projects. That doesn’t mean promising things I can’t deliver — it means finding ways to surprise and delight my clients. Whether it’s delivering the final images or video ahead of schedule, offering a free extra service (like a bonus video clip or additional edited photos), or just going the extra mile to make sure they’re thrilled with the result, it’s always worth it.

The key to this is making sure that every client feels like they’re your top priority. I’ve learned that even the smallest gesture — like sending a thank-you note after a big project — can create a lasting impression.

Growing My Client Base: Marketing and Referrals

Once I had a few solid projects under my belt, I began focusing on ways to attract new clients consistently. Here are a few strategies that have helped me expand my client base:

1. Social Media & Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Instagram, in particular, has been a powerful tool for me as a photographer and videographer. I make sure to post regularly, showcase my best work, and engage with my audience. A well-curated feed and behind-the-scenes content help build trust with potential clients before they even reach out.

I also have an active website where I share my portfolio, client testimonials, and blog posts. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has helped me rank higher on Google, making it easier for potential clients to find me when searching for local photographers or videographers.

2. Referrals and Testimonials

Referrals have been one of my most consistent sources of new business. After every successful project, I always ask clients for feedback or a testimonial, and I make sure to follow up with them after they’ve had time to experience the final product.

When a client refers me to someone else, it’s often because they had a great experience working with me — and that’s the best kind of marketing. Over time, I’ve built a network of repeat clients who trust me with multiple projects and send referrals my way. I also offer incentives, like discounts on future shoots, to encourage referrals.

3. Collaborations and Partnerships

I’ve also found that partnering with other creatives or businesses has helped expand my reach. Whether it’s collaborating with a local wedding planner, a marketing agency, or another photographer, these partnerships often result in shared clients and more opportunities.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Finding and working with clients is an ongoing learning process. What I’ve learned is that the key to success is creating meaningful relationships, being reliable and responsive, and always delivering value. Whether it’s your first client or your hundredth, building trust, communication, and a high-quality experience will set you up for long-term success.

If you’re just starting out, don’t be discouraged if things take time. The more you network, collaborate, and deliver great work, the more clients will find you. And remember: every client is an opportunity to learn, grow, and perfect your craft.

Thanks for reading, and I hope these insights help you as you navigate your own journey as a photographer or videographer!

— Clayton Duhamell