Great 1 on 1 With Kenna, Experience Tips, Business Tips, Lighting tips, etc

🎯 Client Experience Tips

• Give more than expected: Clients light up when they get more than 5-10 photos. Include the full unretouched gallery in your packages — raise your prices to cover it.

• Snacks + vibes matter: Keep water, snacks, a vanity kit, and a tripod at the studio. It makes clients feel taken care of.

• Let clients DJ: Hand the aux cord (or SoundCloud playlist) to the client or their friends — it makes the shoot feel more collaborative and fun.

• Pre-select sides: Ask their "good side" right away to get them comfortable and confident early in the shoot.

• Have a retouch tier: Offer base retouches and premium retouches at different prices. $25 per retouch isn’t wild — people will pay for quality.

📸 Photo + Studio Setup Hacks

• Light "rain down": Use a 7-foot umbrella slightly above and in front of your subject for soft, flattering light. Add a reflector or low softbox to fill shadows under the chin.

• Constant + LED combo: Combine constant lights and small LED panels creatively. Even if it’s not the most expensive gear, lighting is about positioning and vision.

• Use Pixieset for selection: Deliver JPEGs via Pixieset for clients to choose retouches. Keeps the process smooth and organized.

• Play with Mylar: Mylar and LED panels bounce light in cool, creative ways — looks great in studio work.

🧠 Business & Booking Game

• Bundle & upsell smart:

  • Example: Instead of $175 + $100 for full gallery, just make it a $275 package with the full gallery baked in.

• Use Squarespace + Acuity: Seamless integration for sites, scheduling, and automated messages. It's worth the switch.

• Automate like a boss: Set up auto-texts and emails (reminders, follow-ups, review requests) via Acuity.

• Turnaround buffer: Publicly list a 2–3 week turnaround, but deliver earlier when possible. Creates happy surprises.

• Use "read before booking" FAQs as a contract — clients check a box, no extra paperwork needed.

📈 Growth & Mindset Reminders

• Record BTS content often: Clients want to know YOU, not just your work. Show your face. Be in the frame.

• Post the journey, not just the results: Process, gear setups, posing prompts — it all builds trust.

• Don’t stress terminology: Knowing the technical name doesn’t matter. Your results and bookings speak louder.

• Get an LLC around $10K total revenue: For tax clarity, legal protection, and credibility.

• Work-life balance is a must: In peak season, grind. But long-term, build structure that protects your health and time.