As a professional headshot photographer, I take pride in providing an excellent experience for my clients—from booking to delivering the final edited images. To ensure my schedule stays organized and my time is respected, I require a non-refundable $100 deposit at the time of booking an individual headshot session, which also serves as a cancellation fee if a session is canceled within 24 hours. If a client gives at least 24 hours’ notice, I allow the deposit to go towards our future shoot.
This policy isn’t just about securing payment—it’s about creating a professional, reliable experience for both me and my clients. Here’s why it’s essential:
1. It Ensures Commitment
A headshot session is an investment in your professional self, and I want my clients to be fully committed to the process. When someone pays a deposit, they’re more likely to show up to their photo session because they’ve already made a financial commitment.
2. Last-Minute Cancellations Affect My Business
Photography is appointment-based, and each time slot is reserved specifically for that client. If someone cancels last minute, I often can’t fill that space on short notice, resulting in lost income and wasted time. A deposit helps ensure that my schedule stays on track and that last-minute cancellations are minimized.
3. My Time is Valuable
Just like my clients’ time is valuable, so is mine. Beyond the actual session, I spend time preparing for the shoot, setting up equipment, and editing photos afterward. A deposit acknowledges that work and ensures that my time is respected.
There was one time I was already on the road to meet a client at my office in Santa Monica when he texted me saying that he felt sick. That is fine because everyone gets sick, but why didn’t he text me the night before or earlier on in the morning. Plus, he never rescheduled and never gave me a deposit.
4. It’s a Fair and Flexible Policy
While the deposit is non-refundable, I offer flexibility for clients who need to reschedule. As long as they provide at least 24 hours’ notice, they can apply the deposit toward a future session. This way, clients aren’t penalized for legitimate scheduling conflicts, and I can still maintain a structured calendar.
5. It Creates a Smoother Booking Experience
Requiring a deposit sets clear expectations from the start. Clients know that their session is secured, and I know that they are serious about moving forward. This simple step eliminates confusion, prevents last-minute scheduling issues, and helps keep everything running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A deposit is not just a payment—it’s a sign of commitment, respect for time, and a way to create the best experience possible for both myself and my clients. By implementing this policy, I’ve seen fewer cancellations, a more organized schedule, and clients who arrive ready to get the most out of their headshot session.
If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a professional headshot—whether for yourself or your entire team—let’s connect! I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, and I can travel to your location anywhere in LA. Call 323-493-2552 to book your session today!
#HeadshotPhotography #ProfessionalHeadshots #LosAngelesPhotographer #PhotographyBusiness #TimeIsValuable
Local SEO: The Secret Weapon for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
As a headshot photographer, I know the power of a first impression. But before potential clients even see my work, they have to find me first. And in today’s digital world, that means mastering local SEO.
If you run a brick-and-mortar business, getting listed on Google My Business, Yelp, and other relevant platforms isn’t optional—it’s essential. Why? Because when people search for a service—whether it’s “headshot photographer in Santa Monica” or “law firms in Venice Beach”—Google prioritizes local businesses with complete, optimized profiles.
The Three Local SEO Must-Dos for Business Owners
So how do you make sure your business ranks high in local searches?
1. Claim & Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
Your Google My Business (GMB) profile is your online storefront. Ensure your address, hours, services, and website are accurate. Add high-quality photos (Google loves fresh content) and update your profile regularly.
2. Get Those 5-Star Reviews
Reviews aren’t just about reputation—they impact search rankings. Google favors businesses with consistent, positive reviews, so encourage happy clients to leave feedback. A simple follow-up email or friendly reminder can make a big difference!
3. Be Everywhere
Beyond Google, make sure you’re listed on Bing Places, Apple Maps, Nextdoor, and industry-specific directories (The Knot for wedding photographers, Avvo for attorneys, etc.). The more places your business appears, the higher your chances of being found.
The Power of Local SEO for My Photography Business
As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how strong local SEO can bring in clients. In fact, potential clients find me all of the time. I have office locations in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, but I also travel to clients throughout the LA metro area. By keeping my listings updated and gathering reviews, I make sure my business ranks when someone searches for “Los Angeles headshot photographer.”
To streamline my local SEO, I use Semrush’s local listing tool—it updates my business info across multiple directories at once, keeping everything accurate and consistent. Plus, it lets me upload new photos easily, which helps me stay visible and relevant.
Is It Time to Update Your Headshot?
If you’re optimizing your business’s online presence, don’t forget about your own personal branding! A professional headshot makes a lasting impression—let’s make sure yours represents you at your best.
Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book your headshot session.
#LocalSEO #GoogleMyBusiness #SmallBusinessMarketing #PhotographyBusiness #SEOtips #headshotphotographer
How Using a CRM Helps My Photography Business—and Why It Can Help Yours Too
Running a photography business is about more than just taking great photos—it’s about building strong relationships with clients. Whether I’m capturing corporate headshots, family portraits, or special events, keeping track of client details, preferences, and follow-ups is crucial to delivering an exceptional experience. That’s why I recently started using HubSpot CRM, and it’s going to make a big difference in the way I do business.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system allows me to keep all my client interactions organized in one place, making it easier than ever to stay connected, track projects, and provide a more personalized experience. In an industry where communication and trust are key, having a streamlined system ensures I never miss an opportunity to serve my clients better.
How a CRM Benefits My Photography Clients
Implementing a CRM isn’t just about making my business more efficient—it directly benefits my clients in several ways:
1. More Efficient Follow-Ups
One of the biggest challenges for any small business is staying on top of follow-ups. Maybe you had a corporate headshot session with me a few years ago, and now you need an updated look. Instead of relying on memory or digging through old emails, my CRM helps me track when past clients might be due for a refresh. That means I can reach out at the right time, making sure you’re always putting your best face forward—especially in today’s digital-first business world.
2. Seamless Repeat Sessions
For businesses that hire me for team headshots, my CRM can store details about past shoots, including a company’s preferred style, background choices, and any retouching preferences. If a new team member joins, I can quickly pull up past session details to ensure consistency. This is especially useful for growing companies that want their team’s headshots to have a uniform, professional look.
3. Personalized Service & Stronger Client Relationships
Every client is unique, and I want to ensure that each experience reflects that. With a CRM, I can keep track of personal details—like whether you prefer natural light vs. studio lighting, or if you have a favorite side for portraits. Remembering these small details makes a big difference in creating an enjoyable and customized experience for each session.
4. Better Communication & Faster Booking
A CRM allows me to keep track of conversations, emails, and inquiries in one place, ensuring that no request falls through the cracks. Whether you’re a busy executive needing a last-minute headshot or a company looking to schedule a full team session, having a clear record of our past interactions means I can respond faster and more efficiently.
Why Small Businesses Should Consider a CRM
If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business owner, you might be wondering if a CRM is right for you. The short answer? Absolutely. Whether you’re managing a client-based business like photography, marketing, coaching, or consulting, a CRM helps you stay organized and deliver top-notch service without drowning in spreadsheets and email chains.
For photographers, in particular, a CRM can:
1. Track past clients and their session details
2. Remind you which clients you need to follow-up with
3. Help maintain strong client relationships for repeat business
I’m sure I’ll start seeing the benefits in my business, and I’m excited about how this will help me continue providing consistent, high-quality service to all my clients.
Have You Implemented a CRM? Let’s Share Tips!
If you’re using a CRM in your business, I’d love to hear how it’s working for you! Are there any features you’ve found particularly useful? Drop me a line—I’m always looking to improve my workflow and learn from fellow entrepreneurs.
And if you’re in the Los Angeles area and in need of a new headshot, let’s chat! I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City, but will travel throughout LA. Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to schedule a photography session.
#SmallBusinessGrowth #PhotographyBusiness #CustomerExperience #HubSpot #CorporateHeadshots #StevenHankinsPhotography #CRM #BusinessGrowth
