Setting boundaries feels like a “duh” moment, I’m sure. But setting boundaries that feel good and right to you is about a lot more than saying no. It’s about recognizing what you can carry & setting yourself up for the future.
No more working overtime and getting paid in good vibes for it.
Common boundaries for your photography business
Methods & Times of Communication
Whether it’s in an email upon booking or during consultations, make sure you let clients know when and how you will be communicating with them. They should also know how and when to communicate with you. If you don’t respond to Facebook messages (like I don’t), tell them that. To make it even easier on yourself, you can turn messaging completely off on your page.
File Delivery Times
- “When will my photos be ready?”
- “Can I have a picture of my mom and I as a Christmas gift even though you provided 50 other photos I can choose from?”
- “I’m so excited to see my photos, think you could give me just a few more photos to hold me over?”
You’ve heard them all. Did you know that you can pre-emptively send an e-mail that will stop 85% of these questions from hitting you on all sides? The day after the wedding, send an email telling your clients how much you loved being a part of their day. In that e-mail, you’ll let them know all the good stuff. Things like how many previews are you sending, when to expect them, and when the final gallery will be ready.
Late Payments
As small business owners, every dollar counts. I know I’ve been in a place where one payment could turn my whole month around or could pay an overdue bill, but your client just isn’t paying. And unfortunately, we don’t have the same protections as larger businesses. In your contract & to your client, as folks sign things without reading them all the time, you’ll need to lay out and enforce a late payment policy. It can be a flat fee. It can be a percentage. But do not deliver final products without full payment.
Re-schedules
Reschedules also take up your time, & if you work with other vendors/contractors, you may still be footing their reschedule or cancellation fees because they’re better at setting & keeping boundaries than you are.
My current policy is $200 for reschedules & $400 for cancellations. It’s enough to pay for my make-up artist & my studio rental. 30 days before my session and the day before their session, I send an email to confirm our appointment. At the bottom of that e-mail, I remind them of my rescheduling fee and ask them to let me know immediately if they intend to reschedule.
How to set boundaries in your photography business
Early & Often
Get in front of questions before they’re asked. When you’re on your discovery/consultation calls, weave delivery times, amount of files, etc. into your conversations so you’re already planting seeds of your boundaries. Then send e-mails that answer these questions, and reinforce it when you leave your couple at the end of the night with a hug and a goodbye.
Use Automation
Setting up a sequence of e-mails that automatically go out throughout your process with your client. Think about where they are in their process, what’s coming up, and what you can say to them to set proper expectations & stop unneeded questions?
Then, when you’re reinforcing, make automated messages like “Payment due soon” or “Your payment is overdue, pay now before fees begin” so they feel matter of fact.
Remove the Emotion
No apologies needed, you have policies and run a business just like every other business owner out there. There’s no need to apologize when you’ve made intentional & meaningful choices for your clients and yourself.
A free email template for confirming sessions with your clients.
Here’s a template similar to what I send for my boudoir clients. It can be used to confirm any kind of appointment though, so don’t worry too much about genre.
“Hey client name,
Once you have read this e-mail, please reply and confirm your attendance. If I have not heard from you by 9PM, you will need to reschedule your session.
This is a quick email confirmation for our session together tomorrow, insert date here, from insert time span. We’ll be meeting at insert address here. Please arrive on time with a bare face and clean, dry hair.
Our studio is located in the arts district and is directly across the street from our local dance studio. You’ve probably seen the disco balls in the windows. Free parking is available via the lot on 12th street or along any of the nearby main streets.
When you arrive, please text me at 314-555-5555 and my assistant will be right out to grab you. If you have any questions, please let me know at the number above or by replying directly to this e-mail.
Please remember, if you would like to reschedule for any reason there will be a fee of $350 that must be paid prior to any rescheduling. I’m super excited to hang out tomorrow and make some beautiful art!
Talk soon,
Your Name Here”
Not sure where to start with setting your own boundaries?
I’ve got a workbook for you! Check it out here.
