Throughout every shoot you do with your couples, you coach them on the best ways to pose, ensuring that they look stunning in each image. When you receive your images back from ShootDotEdit’s photography editing services, you review to make sure that your clients sent a proper message with their body language that represented the wedding day. If they were slouching or leaning in the pose, the message is not as strong. Body language is the key to sending the right message, especially in photography!
This applies to you as a business owner, as well! One of the reasons your clients booked you is because they had a positive experience with you during the initial meeting. When you interact with your clients, it is crucial for you to begin creating trust. Not only does your body language increase your clients’ trust, it also boosts your confidence, which enhances the ability for you to book and sell your highest packages. Here are 4 tips for you to ensure that your body language is sending the right message.
1. Maintain Eye Contact
From the moment you meet your potential clients, eye contact is crucial! There is a balance to this, though – too much eye contact can make you come across as intimidating and even rude, and too little eye contact can give clients the impression that you are insecure or unprepared. So how do you find a balance to the right amount of eye contact? As a rule of thumb, keeping eye contact between 30%-60% of the time will help to create a comfortable atmosphere for both you and your clients!
It is important to remember that during an interaction, you communicate through your eyes and they send a message to your clients. You could be telling your clients about the most expensive package you sell – but if you do not have confidence that they will buy it, they will know! It is important to maintain eye contact AND to believe in what you say! The more confidence you have, the easier it will be for your clients to see it in your eyes.
Tip: A simple way to maintain eye contact without seeming as if you are staring is to look at the bridge of their nose. This gives your clients relief that you are creating eye contact with them, but does not make them feel uncomfortable.
2. Smile!
Did you know that it only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression? As a photographer, you have to embrace the happiness of the wedding day. When you smile, you send the message that you are excited to see your clients, and that sets an upbeat atmosphere. Your smile also tells your clients that you love what you do and you are confident in what you are doing. This means that from the moment you meet with your clients, you should smile! You have the best job in the world – you get to take stunning images of happy couples on their wedding day! Smiling is contagious, so if you greet your couple and their wedding guests with a warm smile, they are likely to smile back!
3. Stay “Open”
All throughout the wedding process, starting with the first client meeting, be aware of what message your body language might be sending to clients. While it can feel natural to cross your arms or legs, refrain from these positions! Crossed body parts can give the impression that you are closed off, so try to always stay open and lean in whenever possible. This will show that you are engaged with the conversation and interested in the couple. You want your clients to know that you value them and will be there if they have any questions or concerns.
“Powerful, confident people aren’t afraid to open up their body, especially their torso and chest, so that they are free of barriers—uncrossed arms and legs” – Vanessa Van Edwards
Here are a few other tips for you to show that you are open to communication:
- Give a firm handshake
- Maintain your good eye contact
- Stand in a confident manner (don’t slouch or cross your arms)
- Show interest in what your client is saying
Related: Top 5 Tips for Vendor Referrals
4. Put Your Phone Away
Have you ever met with a couple and they are constantly checking their phones or texting during a meeting? Not only does it seem like they are not interested to be there, but it is also distracting! When you meet with your clients, it is a good idea to put your phone away to ensure you are fully invested in the people right in front of you. When your phone is out, you may become distracted with too many things at once, and you risk forgetting details that your clients share with you. Take advantage of the face-to-face communication by putting your phone away, or step away from your clients when you need to take an important call.
Related: Understanding Client Referrals: Creating True Believers
The attention that would have originally been spent on your cell phone is now dedicated to the needs of your client. The experience of the in-person interaction has far more benefits for you and your client than when you communicate by phone.
Understanding the benefits of better body language will assist you in creating meaningful and lasting connections for years to come. You will feel more confident, and your clients and vendors will have confidence in you! Access our How to Grow Your Wedding Photography Business Guide to learn more about how you can make positive changes that will increase your bookings this year!
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