How to write a perfect follow-up email as a photographer (including 3 word-for-word scripts)

Sending a follow-up email to potential clients is the best thing you can do to improve your chances of landing a photography job.

Here are the exact steps, pro tips, and a couple of word-for-word scripts you can use to send the perfect follow-up email.

Why Sending A Follow-Up Email Is Critical

Imagine you’re in the process of hiring a photographer and you have two potential candidates.

Both create great images and they’re pricing isn’t very different.  But only ONE of them sent you a follow-up message thanking you for your time and interest, telling you how much they would love to work with you.

Who do you think you’re going to pick for the job?

Answer: THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THE FOLLOW-UP MESSAGE!!

So it doesn’t matter how good your images are, or how sharp pricing offer is.

You STILL need to send a follow-up email for five reasons:

1. It leaves a good impression. And impressions are everything when it comes to getting a photo assignment.
2. They will remember you. You were likely one of several photographers they got in touch with. Don’t get lost in the fray. There’s no better way to keep you in their minds than by sending a follow-up email.
3. You show that you have initiative. When you go out of the way to send a follow-up email, it shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond to deliver.
4. The client will see that you’re genuinely interested. The follow-up email is a good way to separate you from the other potential photographers who most likely didn’t even think about contacting them again.
5. Interview follow-up emails work. Your chances of getting the shoot go way up if you send a follow-up email. Especially if you are neck-and-neck with another photographer.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the clients’ money (and reputation) is on the line.

This is key, so I’m going to say it again.

Your clients’ money is on the line.

Based on some basic information like your portfolio and the few minutes they interact with you, your potential client has to make a descision.

Do you have the right skills? Will your images fit with the company’s style and vision? Are you reliable and trustworthy? etc.

It’s like speed-dating on steroids, with one major exception. If they judge you incorrectly, they don’t just risk an awkward second date. They risk their money, or their boss questioning their judgment.

So if it doesn’t work out, they have wasted time and dollars, or even worse: they only have crappy images from an important event.

They need to get this right. Not just for YOU but for THEM.

So your success is in their best interest. And when you follow up, you make their job (and choosing you) easier by proving you’re someone who deserves the job.

A Quick Example

So you had a meeting or call with someone about a potential photoshoot and you’ve sent them a proposal with your price.

Now what?

Most people just sit around and wait for the client to accept or, like most of the time, reject the proposal.

But there’s a better way.

Be proactive and send a follow-up mail!

It doesn’t have to be long, something simple will suffice.

For example:

While simple it does a couple of things.

Not only does it show you’re friendly and enthusiastic, but also that you’re willing to take action for the job.

This can be easily improved upon even further though: Here’s a three-step system for following up that goes beyond a single email. Do this right, and it will instantly make you the clear favorite for any photography job you’re after.

Let’s get started.

(Note: This post is about emails, but you can do the same with a physical card too)

The Three-Step System For The Perfect Follow Up Email

Step 1: Gather Information

This step might seem optional, but it’s actually the most important one.

It will transform your email from a generic one that you could have sent to anyone into a highly personal one that makes you stand out.

So start with gathering some information about your potential client that’s important to them.

What’s the main reason why they want to do the photoshoot (get more clients, show off something, create a memory,…)?

Were they proud of something? Did they have a child or a dog and what was its name? Did you get referred by someone? Is it a family-owned business that’s been going strong for generations?

Write all these things down!

Step 2: Create The Follow-Up Email

First, take the email script I showed you before. (Copy paste the script below into your email program)

Then, take one or two details from step 1 and personalize the email.

For example, change “I’m really looking forward to working together!” into “I’m really looking forward to capturing all those emotions durign your special day” or “I’m really looking forward to helping you spread the word about those great jewelry pieces you’re creating!”.

You can add other things like:

• “I’m so glad Susan referred me because…”
•  “PS: I loved your kid/dog Jack and hope to see him again soon.”
• “It’s great to see how much passion you’re putting into your family-owned business…”

These details will trigger a person’s memory and help make a great, lasting impression.

Whatever you do, make sure to keep the follow-up email simple and short.

Step 3: Send (And Follow Up Again)

Ideally, you should send your email within a day of your chat or after you’ve sent your proposal.

This will show your enthusiasm, and it’ll be easier for you to remember the details you should include.

After that: be patient. It may take them several days or weeks to make a decision and get back to you.

If you have not heard from them after a few days, you can send another follow-up email to check-in.

For example:

Make sure to keep this email short and simple as well, and avoid giving them a feeling of guilt for not getting back to you sooner.

They’re probably just busy or haven’t made a decision yet. Or worst case, the email got lost in their inbox.

Bonus Step: The Bump Email

Let’s say that after a while you haven’t heard from your potential client even after that last mail.

In that case, there is one more thing you can try.

Reply to your previous follow-up email, saying this:

If they’re interested and missed the email they’ll just get back to you.

If they still don’t reply, it’s probably safe to assume they’ve chosen someone else for the shoot.

Advanced Tips For Sending Follow-Up Emails

Coming Soon