At Janelle Joy Photo Editing we are all about collaboration over competition. Everyone has their own strengths, ideas, and unique skillsets that make them highly valuable to our industry as a whole. Plus, being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes. Having people to bring into your photo business experience can be really fun and helpful. This is why I am sharing 3 creative ways to collaborate in your photography business.

Before we get started I think it’s important to explain what the difference is between a photography service and creating an experience for your client. Anyone has the ability to pick up a camera and take some photos. What separates a run-of-the-mill service from a high-line, luxury service is how the client feels and is treated throughout. By implementing these practices you can not only attract more ideal clients but be able to charge more for your time and expertise.

It also doesn’t take *that* much more time or effort. Most of the magic lies in the intentionality and small details that really make your clients feel special. Most of which can be added without you doing any extra work! So with that, I am going to jump into my 3 creative ways to collaborate in your photography business.

Collaborate with a Cosmetologist!

Adding hair and makeup services to your boudoir, bridal, senior, and branding shoots can make a client feel extra pampered and excited to work with you. Throw in a glass of champagne and you just created an experience she will not only remember, but rave about to all of her friends.

To execute this collaboration, have a hair & makeup artist (or one of each) that are your primary people and you call them first for every booking. Then have a backup if they are not available. Then incorporate their fees either in your pricing or as a “booking fee”. 

With any collaboration, you’ll want to start by building a relationship/rapport with this person to ensure compatibility.

Not only is collaborating with a cosmetologist a great way to create an overall experience, but it also makes for amazing social media content. Having that beauty session gives you a chance to share it on your Instagram stories and take “behind the scenes” pictures before the shoot. PS. If you both tag each other you can get some highly beneficial cross exposure and marketing.

Gifts that Keep on Giving

A fun way to up the ante with your client experience is to give them a “thank you” gift when they book with you. Then, when you collaborate with other local vendors for these gifts, the gesture also works as a marketing strategy and becomes beneficial for both parties. 

For example, you could send your clients fresh flowers provided by a local florist. As you are collaborating, I recommend negotiating some kind of agreement where you get a discount on the florals, in exchange for your commitment, consistency, and marketing exposure. If you are using their services over and over again, while sending their product directly to their ideal clients, plus posting and tagging them on social media, it’ll be well worth it to them.

You could also send personalized thank-you notes provided by a local wedding stationery service. Or send mini “wedding” cakes from a bakery. Don’t be afraid to get creative, by using local services you not only get a more personal consumer experience, but you help support the people and businesses around you.

It’s also important to remember that word-of-mouth is still valuable, even in the social media age. If you’re building rapport with local vendors, they will be far more likely to recommend you to their inner circle and clients.

Go Where The People Are

My last tip for the 3 creative ways to collaborate in your photography business is to go where the people are. If you are a wedding photographer, I recommend checking out some local bridal shops and offering a “mini” shoot session for brides who want to document the dress shopping experience. Or you can collaborate with a bachelorette planning company to provide mini sessions there.

Not only is this a chance for you to bring in some easy income, but you’re getting your face, name, and services out in front of real brides and their friends! 

If you’re a senior graduate photographer you can collaborate with a local high school and do sports sessions. Offer to do mini shoots for high school athletes or Homecoming/championship games. No matter what kind of photographer you are, there are ways to get your foot in the door.

There you have it, my 3 creative ways to collaborate in your photography business. Now, if you end up getting so super booked with all this collaboration & exposure you’re getting, then I invite you to check out our photo editing services! 

Janelle Joy Private Photo Editing Services

Me and my team of highly-skilled editors provide quality, timely photo editing so that you can take on more clients, have more freedom in your business, and make more money per hour.

To inquire about photo editing services click here to set up a discovery call with our team! 🙌 During this process, you will be paired with your potential, 1-on-1, private photo editor to see if we are the right fit for your business and editing needs.

*If we are fully booked at the time of your inquiry you will be added to our waitlist and will be the first to know when we have availability!

>>> Click here to inquire for editing services!