Are you a photographer that feels sometimes like there is no way you will ever stand out in the over-saturated world of photography? We live in a digital era.  Most people have high-quality cameras on their phones. Photography education from professionals is more accessible than it has ever been.

If you’re a photographer, all of this might make you panic. You know you have skills, and that you can get beautiful photos into the hands of people who truly DO want them. How do you stand out in the photography world?

I’m going to assume that you deliver beautiful images to your clients, and have a wonderful client experience. If you feel less than confident about those things, focus there. This blog post is for you if you are talented, but don’t know how to talk about it.

Stop using the word emotion

My honest opinion: stop using the word emotion in your copy! It seems like every single photographer I see says “emotion-filled,” “emotional moments,” or “capturing emotion.” Find a synonym for emotion, instead. Describe the emotions you take pictures of. Or if you use the word, use it in a way that genuinely surprises you when you read it! 

I love photos that have emotion in them– but I think the word inself has been overused and will make you blend in with the crowd.

Eliminate other common words

Emotion definitely isn’t the only word that I see photographers using too loosely. 🙂 A few years ago, lots of people used words like “boho,” and “wild.” Those are lovely words, but I saw them so often they lost their meaning! 

I recommend researching other photographers–especially photographers that have similar style to you–and try to use different words than they do, and a different tone. You don’t have to be totally unique and original, but don’t copy someone else, either. 

Don’t pretend you’re the only photographer out there

As I referenced before, photography is common right now! Don’t avoid that fact! You know you’re not the only option–and so do your clients. I suggest addressing that directly by saying things like: “I know I’m not the only photographer out there. What do I do differently?” And then sketch out your approach, or your style, or the things that you specialize in. That doesn’t mean that NO ONE ELSE IS LIKE YOU AT ALL. So don’t pretend that that is true! Instead, be forthright and clear about the way you do things.

Demonstrate your personality

Photography is such a personal thing. I know that for my own wedding pictures, I wanted someone who I knew and loved and was comfortable with! Some people want bubbly and energetic photographers. Others want someone who will just tell them what to do and not say very much. You don’t have to try to sound overly professional, or like another photographer you admire. Just let your own quirks and phrases show through as you write your copy.

Photographer, you don’t have to resign yourself to blending in! If you’re struggling to stand out, try changing your copy. It will make you feel more confident in what you do, and your clients will understand your photos and know exactly when they want to book your lovely photography services.

Who is your ideal client?

If you’re ready to get started in distinguishing your message from the rest of the crowd, identifying your ideal client is the place to begin. Knowing who you idealize working with is the first step in clarifying what you do differently. You can click here to download a free guide that I made to help you find your ideal client and speak directly to them.