january 2007 - Professional Photographer Magazine

showing their feelings for one another.
Back in 1983, I wouldn’t dream of
dressing for work in anything but a threepiece
suit. I had to look as successful and
professional as my clients, who now dress
casually for work every day. Even home
décor has become less formal. These
changes reflect how people see themselves
and how they want to be portrayed in
portraits in their homes.
Discover how your clients see themselves
in the pre-portrait consultation. Listen to
their responses to the images you show
them. If you’re new at this, have popular
magazines in the studio, ones that picture
people in various kinds of clothing, just in
case your images don’t seem to be
resonating with a certain client.
Your clients likely won’t know what kind
of information will help you fulfill their
needs. Often, they have little idea of what
they want, but they know what they don’t
want. Ask questions about their home,
where the portrait will be displayed, and the
January 2007 • Professional Photographer • 87