When Someone Steals Your Clients

Dear Jasmine,
I have been working [as a portrait photographer] in this area now for four years, gaining many clients who come back year after year. Now all of a sudden, a girl who knows many of my clients and me has started up a photography business.
She has been contacting my clients and offering free sessions to them to build her portfolio. I feel as though she is stepping over boundaries and crossing lines. I don't know what to do, or if there is anything I can do.
What is your advice on this?
Sincerely,
Oh No She Didn't

Dear Oh No She Didn't,
Allow me to start by saying how frustrating this situation can be. Photographers work hard to build a base of clients and when someone else steps in the way, it's easy to feel slighted, and, perhaps, territorial. But now let's deal with reality: we can't change the actions of others, no matter how hard we try…the only thing we can change is ourselves, so I suggest you start there.

Sure, it may be easy to stew in the venom of insecurity, but try to keep in mind that your repeat clients love and appreciate what you do for them and how you make them feel in front of a camera. No else can duplicate that because they're not you. For instance, it's easy to assume that all your clients will take the offer of free photographer, but this might not be the case. Sure, some might, but others will remain allegiant to your services and, furthermore, even if they received the free photography session, there's no way in knowing whether they'll return to that photographer (due to quality of experience, aesthetic, personal style, etc.). Listen, if a new stylist offered to cut my hair for free, I wouldn't take the offer…I love my hair stylist and I'll gladly pay for her talent because she's worth every penny. Your clients may likely feel the same way.

But let's not forget that this is a wakeup call: If another photographer is on your heels–ready to snag your work–you must dedicate yourself to creating an unparalleled experience. Every interaction (online, social, and in person) must be executed with prestige and attention to detail. Stay in constant communication with your clients. Send a small thank you gift. Go out of your way to make them feel special. If you create an experience in addition to taking lovely photographs, your clients will have a higher propensity of remaining faithful because you offer the only thing no one else can: you

Shine on,
j*