As a photographer, you want to provide your clients with the best possible client experience. One way to do this is by offering a client closet, filled with clothing and accessories that will make your clients feel confident, supported and beautiful during their photo shoot. This guide will take you through the steps of starting a client closet, from choosing the right items and colors to organizing and promoting your new luxury service.
Determine Your Target Client and Style.
Before you start building your client closet, it’s important to determine your target client and the style of photography you specialize in. This will help you choose clothing and accessories that will complement your photography and editing style and appeal to your target audience. For example, if you specialize in family photography, you may want to focus on clothing options that are comfortable and practical for parents and children. If you specialize in high-end fashion photography, you may want to focus on designer clothing and accessories.
Choose Versatile and Timeless Pieces.
When building your client closet, it’s important to choose pieces that are versatile and timeless. This will ensure that your clients can wear the clothing and accessories for years to come, and that they won’t go out of style quickly. Look for classic pieces like flowy maxi’s, dresses that fit many sizes, and cute kids outfits that can be used for various sessions. Accessories like hats, socks, blankets, bonnets, and scarves can also add versatility to your client closet. By choosing versatile and timeless pieces, you’ll be able to create a variety of looks for your clients without having to constantly update your inventory.
Consider Your Budget and Storage Space.
Before you start building your client closet, it’s important to consider your budget and storage space. You don’t want to overspend on clothing and accessories that you won’t be able to use or store properly. Start by setting a budget for your client closet and stick to it. Look for deals and discounts on clothing and accessories, and consider buying items in bulk to save money. You should also make sure that you have enough storage space for your client closet. Invest in sturdy hangers, garment racks, and storage bins to keep your clothing and accessories organized and in good condition.
Build Your Collection Over Time.
Building a client closet can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Start small and gradually add to your collection over time. Focus on versatile pieces that can be used for multiple clients and sessions. Consider the types of sessions you typically shoot and the styles that your clients prefer. This will help you choose clothing and accessories that will be in high demand. Don’t forget to regularly assess your collection and remove items that are no longer in good condition or are not being used. By building your collection over time, you can create a well-curated and cost-effective client closet that will enhance your client experience, and meets your clients specific needs.
Here are a few ways to save money while building your client closet:
- Host Model Calls where the participants pay for the pieces that you will add to your client closet in exchange for images.
- Offer Clients a discount on their photoshoot or extra images for donating pieces to your client closet, they must be pieces you recommend.
- Rent out your dresses to local photographers that don’t have a client closet when you aren’t using them with clients.
- Get the Honey App and Extension to save money while shopping online (you’d be surprised how often there are coupon codes available)
- Look out for Sample Sales, Joyfolie has them often as do other retailers. You won’t be able to pick your pieces with this option but you get a lot more for your money.
Where to Shop for your Client Closet
You don’t want just any regular old pieces in your clients closet. You want Epic pieces that will Wow your clients and make your portfolio second to none! It’s going to take some time, effort, searching and money to get pieces that will fit the bill, but it will all be worth it in the end.
First, you must pick a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get out of hand when shopping and investing in your business, so it’s great to start with a plan on how much you can spend. Quality is going to outweigh quantity when building a client closet. You want these pieces to last through as many photo shoots as possible, look amazing and stand out on social media. Here are some ideas of where to shop to find those pieces.
- Selkie
- Joyfolie
- Free People
- Ivy City
- Morning Lavender
- Amazon (you’ve got to be really picky with these, check out this article and this page for some recommendations)
- Needle & Thread
- Love Shack Fancy
- Jen’s Pirate Booty
- Reformation
- JessaKae
- Etsy
And here’s a few picks to get you started. It’s a mix of all different styles, there should be at least one for your editing style and clientele.
Market Your Client Closet to Attract More Clients.
Once you have built your client closet, it’s important to market it to potential clients. Showcase your collection on your website and social media platforms, and include it in your client welcome packet. Make reels about your dresses, with BTS video clips of sessions and try-ons. Consider offering a styling consultation or including a personal stylist service as part of your photography packages. This will not only attract clients who are interested in a unique and personalized experience, but it will also set you apart from other photographers in your area. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your client closet – it’s a great way to showcase your style and personality as a photographer.
Get the Client Closet Checklist
I am so excited to help you get started building your Epic Client Closet! I put together a little checklist for you to help you stay organized and with some additional tips.
And if you are like, this is too much work, I don’t have the time! Let chat! I offer Client Closet Curation services where I help you choose your palettes and pieces and build your closet out to perfection! Set up a consultation by clicking here and choosing a time that works best for you. I can’t wait to hear all about your photography business!