How to approach strangers and ask to take a photo
The main rule is to be friendly, confident and show examples of your work straight away!
Approach the person, smile, say hello and introduce yourself. It’s a good idea to show them 2–3 of your best photos from your portfolio straight away on your mobile or camera. This will help spark a potential client’s interest and build trust.
Whilst the person is looking through your work, briefly explain that you’re a photographer, either an amateur or a professional, and that you offer short photo sessions whilst out and about in the city.
What exactly should you say?
Example conversation:
‘Good afternoon! My name is Serhiy, I’m a photographer. I’m currently taking photos of people in our city and capturing beautiful shots like these. Please have a look – these are examples of my work!
I can offer you a short photo shoot, just for a few minutes.
You don’t need to pay anything right now!
Tomorrow you’ll be able to view the finished photos on the PhotoHunter.pro website and buy only the ones you like.
Each photo costs just (State the price). If you don’t like the photos, you don’t have to buy anything.
Fancy giving it a go?”
Why is it important to show your portfolio?
People are more likely to agree to a photo shoot when they can immediately see the results they can expect.
So don’t start the conversation with long explanations about the platform. First, show some beautiful photos to spark their interest, and only then briefly explain the terms.
Be sure to mention that:
There’s no need to pay on the spot for the photoshoot.
The finished photos can be viewed online, for example the next day.
The price of each photo is known in advance.
The client chooses which photos to buy.
If they don’t like the photos, they don’t have to buy them.
What to do after the photo shoot?
Thank the person for taking part and show them the QR code or personal access code for PhotoHunter.pro
.
Explain that the next day, once the photos have been uploaded, they’ll be able to visit the website, find their photos, view them and purchase them if they wish.
What if the person declines?
Smile, say thank you and wish them a good day. Don’t press the matter or try to persuade them against their will.
Remember:
your main aim isn’t to force a photo shoot on them, but to spark their interest with beautiful photographs and offer them a lovely opportunity to preserve their memories.
The better the quality of your portfolio, the more confident you are when communicating, and the clearer the terms of purchase are, the greater your chances of getting consent for a photo shoot and a future sale of the photographs!