As a photographer, the first thing I always want to do is make sure that my gear is insured. It’s expensive and I want to make sure that if it’s broken, damaged, or stolen, I can get have peace of mind knowing that I have the right coverage for it. That’s where PPA comes in. PPA stands for Professional Photographers of America. It is where I get my insurance from to protect my camera and also be able to shoot certain places (yes, you have to have insurance at some venues). I have been a part of PPA since 202,0 but I pretty much never go to any of their events….until a few weeks ago when I attended Rock that 2025 Atlanta. I want to share what I learned about the power of connection with PPA Atlanta and how we need to focus on relationships and not just sales.
The event was great! I got a lesson on headshots and got great info on real estate photography, something that I didn’t come to get but left knowing a little more about the industry. I wasn’t able to stay for the entire event because I have kids that I had to pick up and I had to get back to work I switched my time to go in that evening so that I could attend the conference that morning.
The biggest lesson I learned was that you need to connect with your clients and that people buy an experience. Anyone can pick up a camera and shoot it but people want to pay for the experience that you give them so they will opt for you instead of AI or someone who just has a camera. What experience do you give to people when you shoot them or for any industry…if you are a hairdresser, what experience do you give your clients? Why do people come back to you or tell people about you? It’s important to connect and not just sell. Here are some tips….
Focus on getting to know your clients loves. Ask questions to understand who they are and what they need without pitching them your service right away.
Find an opportunity to connect on a personal level. Maybe share something they have going on on social media, or attend one of their events if you can.
Establish a system and respond to them in a timely manner also don’t be so anal when people DM you on social, just direct them where they need to go and don’t just say go to the link in bio and book. Talk to them!
The experience you get with me is you get to shoot with someone who isn’t stuck up. Someone who likes to laugh and doesn’t do things by the book. I am intentional about making sure you have an easy experience with me. Throw out 3 dates that work for you and I’ll coordinate my schedule with yours. A quick email of what you are looking for and then I’m off to work, finding the perfect spot to take the photos to ease your anxiety and your worry. Also, I’m not as expensive so the experience you get with me is budget-friendly photos that don’t cost a lot but looks good. It’s how I retain my clients who come to me over and over again.
Quick run-down of the Rock that event
- Real estate photography is not something I want to get into
- One of the photographers takes a lot of celebrities’ photos, but she isn’t huge on social media. She said something profound….social media is not her job, she shows up there, but her job is to take the photos to get and keep clients coming back for more
- I need to go to Imaging Conference and I have yet to get there
- There are a lot of photographers who suck who make millions….I cackled because…true
- I finally saw one of my favorite photographers in person the husband and wife team of Creativesoul Photography. I have been following them for years and own their book. Love their photos!
- AI will not replace you. People don’t want an AI family. I don’t think AI will replace families, events, and weddings but Headshots and nature….I can see it.
Overall, it was great to be among other photographers. Remember to put insurance on your equipment via PPA or another company, and always be yourself so the right clients can find you.
Pics from event
