How do I Begin to Thank You!
Through the years I have been asked this question numerous times. I have heard the expression "I just can't thank you enough for capturing my special day (..family...children..etc.)". Or "How do I begin to thank you for everything you did for us?". Here are a few of the ways that brides/grooms, families, seniors etc. have thanked me that really meant the most to this ol' softie heart of mine.
8. ORDER YOUR PRINTS THROUGH ME AND HANG THEM ON THE WALL! Seems pretty simple right? But, you would be completely amazed at how many clients years later tell me that they loved their photos,but still haven't printed or hung them. When I am on social media and see that phone photo you post of your kid in your living room eating a popsicle being all cute, I am searching the background to see what you have on your walls (to be perfectly honest!). I love knowing that the images were important enough to you to display, love and smile at each time you catch a glimpse as you walk by. That's a huge compliment to me.
7. Gifts. Not just gifts in general, but thoughtfulness. I have had gift cards given to me (quite a few times actually) to places that someone heard me talk about one time and knew I liked it. Or saw on my Facebook page that I take my kids there for dinner occasionally. I have had GC for a massage because during our session I complained my back had been bothering me lately. When clients show up to a session when it's about 1,000 degrees outside and have a nice cold bottle of water or soda for me..that is a god send! The client I had show up at their holiday session knowing I had a full day of mini's after theirs with some granola bars and energy drinks was so thoughtful and sweet! The little boy that made me homemade cookies for his family session...priceless! The gift itself is amazing and always a complete surprise, but the thought behind it is what melts my heart.
6. Thanks at Weddings. Sounds simple enough, but when you get a thanks not only from the bride and groom (or bride and bride), plus the bride's mother, the groom's grandmother, the best man etc it really makes you feel appreciated. During those speeches that brides and grooms thank those who played a big part of the day at the reception and they include you in that list..well....that's icing on the cake! Was totally taken by surprise at that one...and I won't lie...it made me shed a tear..or two!
5. Sharing my page, my contests, announcements etc.
4. Thank you cards...and save the dates..and party invites...and graduation announcements..etc. When you use my images to create a small part of your big events, I love knowing that you have used my images to do that. It tickles me to know that you love them enough to share with your friends and family. I get all giddy when I get something in the mail from an image I helped you create.
3. Leave me a review on my Facebook page. Tag me in your social media posts that pertain to your recent session. Tag me in the edited photos you post. When someone says "hey I love your photos!" make sure you tell them I took them and how to find me.
2. A TIP! Even a small tip goes a really, really long way. It says that you not only value the investment of the photos themselves but also me..as a person. I worked at a job for many years that I lived off of tips. I worked solely for them. If I didn't do a good job, I didn't make any money. So, anything above and beyond your session fee that you feel obliged to give, makes my heart pitter patter and that "Awww..." expression to naturally flow from my mouth. I appreciate all the gestures of thanks but especially one that allows me to do something small for myself. Weather it's stopping on the way to my next session for a milkshake or grabbing that new candle at the mall I've been eyeing up...guilt free. I still feel guilty spending money on myself...for any reason. Guess it's a mom thing, but when a few extra bucks is put into my pocket, it eases that guilt a little bit.
1. The best thing you can do by far to thank me is to send your friends my way! Referrals keep my business going and thriving. To be contacted by someone who says "Jane Doe sent me your way. She absolutely loves you and made me so excited to work with you" is so humbling. It helps me to know that every experience you have had with me, weather it was just once, or numerous times, meant something. What I did for you was important and appreciated. Not only did I do my job, but I did it well. Everyone who is anyone can tell you that if you feel appreciated your whole outlook and job takes on a whole new meaning. You have purpose.
Although none of the above are by any means expected...they are always appreciated. It is my hope that none of you feel obligated, but genuinely and truly WANT to share my work with your friends and family and that you really do love me enough to bring me a bottle of cold water in mid July! I want nothing more than for your experience with me to leave you returning time and time again and anxiously anticipating the delivery of your finished photos. Until next time we see each other, keep in mind, I will be creeping Facebook to see if my photos actually get hung on your walls. :)
Have a fantastic week!
Joyce
xoxoxo
