From Crickets to Clients: How to Get Photography Clients You Actually Want to Work With

Learning how to get photography clients who truly light you up isn’t just about marketing harder—it’s about getting clear on who you’re meant to serve. If you’ve been hearing nothing but crickets after launching your business or you’re attracting the wrong types of inquiries, you’re not alone. Most photographers go through this in their early years.

The good news? You can turn things around with a few intentional shifts. Getting clients you actually want to work with takes more than pretty photos—it takes purpose and strategy. And it all starts with one of the most important steps: defining your dream client.

Hi, I’m Kellie—a lifestyle photographer, mentor, and educator based in North Dakota. I help photographers build intentional businesses that attract the right clients and reflect who they are. Ready to elevate your client experience or gain clarity in your brand and workflow? Explore my mentorships, download my free location guide, or reach out—I’d love to connect with you!

Define Your Dream Client

If you want to know how to get photography clients who truly feel like the right fit, start by getting clear on who you’re trying to reach. Many photographers skip this step, thinking that saying “yes” to everyone means more bookings—but that usually leads to burnout and clients who aren’t aligned with your style or values.

Think back to your favorite session—what made it feel so good? Who were you working with, and what did they value?

Your dream client isn’t just a demographic—they’re someone who connects with your work, trusts your vision, and walks away feeling seen. When you know who that is, you can shape your brand and message around them. That clarity draws in the right people—and makes your business feel a whole lot more fulfilling.

If you’re serious about turning your passion into a thriving business, don’t miss this post: How to Improve Your Client Experience — because happy clients are the heart of a sustainable, successful photography career.

How to Get Photography Clients by Refining Your Brand Message and Voice

Let’s talk money—because passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. One of the biggest factors in deciding Now Now that you know who you want to serve, it’s time to speak directly to them. One of the most important steps in how to get photography clients is creating a brand message that truly connects. Your brand isn’t just visuals—it’s the feeling people get when they interact with you. It’s what makes them feel seen, understood, and excited to book.

Ask yourself: if your dream client landed on your site or Instagram today, would they feel like they’re in the right place?

Your message should clearly share:

• Who you serve
• What experience you offer
• What makes you different

And most importantly—sound like you. Whether you’re warm and playful or calm and grounded, your true voice is what draws the right clients in. Photography is deeply personal, and when your message feels real and aligned, clients will connect with it—and with you.

Use Social Media with Purpose, Not Pressure

If you’ve been using social media and still wondering how to get photography clients, you’re not alone. Social media can feel overwhelming—like you have to post daily or chase every trend. But the truth is, it works best when you use it with intention, not pressure.

Focus on showing up where your dream clients are, in a way that feels natural to you. Whether that’s behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, or friendly, helpful captions—the goal isn’t to go viral, it’s to connect.

Try this:

• Share the kind of work you want more of
• Highlight the experience you offer
• Answer common client questions
• Make it easy to take the next step

You don’t have to do it all. One genuine post that speaks to the right client is more powerful than a week of rushed content.

Master Local SEO (Without Being a Tech Wizard)

If you’re wondering how to get photography clients in your area, learning the basics of local SEO can make a huge difference—and no, you don’t have to be a tech expert to do it well!

Think of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as the way people find you when they’re searching online. If someone types “family photographer in Williston, ND” or “senior photos near Minot,” you want your name to show up, right? That’s where local SEO comes in.

Here are a few simple ways to start showing up in local searches:

1. Add your location to your website (in your homepage, contact page, and about page).
   
2. Create a free Google Business Profile and keep it updated with current info and photos.
   
3. Use phrases your dream clients might search for—like “Williston wedding photographer” or “Minot maternity photos”—naturally throughout your site.
   
4. Blog about local sessions, venues, or tips for clients in your area.

I’m here to support you every step of the way—offering guidance, cheering you on, and helping you build a photography business that supports your life and lights you up from the inside out.

Build Word-of-Mouth with Intentional Client Experience

One of the best ways to get photography clients you truly want is by creating an experience they’ll want to talk about. Word-of-mouth comes from consistency, care, and connection—from first inquiry to final gallery. Clear communication, thoughtful touches, and a smooth process all leave a lasting impression.

When clients feel seen and supported, they naturally share your name. Make it easy by being memorable and encouraging referrals with a thank-you or small bonus. A great experience leads to real relationships—and more of the clients you love working with.

P.S. I dive deeper into this in this post all about client experience, if you want to explore this more!

How to Get Photography Clients Through Community Connections

When you’re learning how to get photography clients who truly align with your style and values, your local community can be an incredible resource. Some of the best connections (and bookings) come from relationships built right where you live. Instead of waiting for people to find you online, go out and meet them where they are. Look for ways to partner with other small businesses that share your audience.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Reach out to local vendors like florists, event planners, boutiques, or hair and makeup artists. A simple introduction can lead to future referrals or collaborations.
• Offer to collaborate on a styled shoot where everyone gets content to share. It’s a great way to build your portfolio and cross-promote each other.
• Create brand photography for a local business in exchange for being tagged or mentioned on their website or social media.
• Attend community events or markets where you can meet people face-to-face and let them know what you do.
• Refer your clients to other local vendors—and in return, they may refer their clients to you.

These kinds of partnerships don’t just help you grow your visibility—they build real trust. People are much more likely to hire a photographer who’s recommended by someone they already know and love.

Step Into Your Next Chapter and Learn How to Get Photography Clients That Align

Getting photography clients you truly want to work with comes down to clarity, connection, and consistency. When you know who you’re serving, speak to them clearly, and show up with purpose, your dream clients will start to find you. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with heart. Keep showing up, keep refining, and trust that the right people are out there looking for exactly what you offer.

If you’re ready to stop hearing crickets and start booking clients you’re excited to work with, I’d love to support you. As a photography mentor, I help photographers like you build a business with intention—one that attracts the right clients, reflects who you are, and sets you up for long-term growth. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let’s take that next step together.

Don’t forget to check out my free scouting guide I have available! In the meantime, you can check out some of my other blog posts, follow along on Pinterest, or join in on the fun on Instagram!

If you liked this blog, be sure to check out these posts:

The Business Side of Photography: How to Price Your Work with Confidence

Hobbyist to Pro: How to Know When It’s Time to Become a Full-Time Photographer