Portrait photography: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering portrait photography

You offer portrait sessions for individuals and small groups, with posed or natural styles. This guide covers what customers ask, how to win the booking and what to show on your profile.

What customers ask

  • How much retouching is included?
  • Can you help me choose outfits and poses?
  • Do you shoot in a studio or on location?
  • Can I use the portraits for business?
  • How many final images will I get?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask about the purpose of the portraits, the look the customer likes, the location preference and the number of people before you talk about the booking
  • Send a sample set of portraits with a before-and-after retouching example, labeled with the style
  • Put the session length, the number of looks, the retouched image count, the retouching level and the usage rights in the written quote
  • Share a short wardrobe and color guide so the customer can plan the session
  • Confirm the studio time or the location and any permit needs in writing
  • Explain how you guide posing and expressions so the customer knows what to expect
  • Name your backup date and what happens if the session must move

What to put on your profile

  • Portraits grouped by style, such as posed, natural or environmental
  • A few before-and-after retouching examples, with the level noted
  • Photos of your studio and any locations you shoot often
  • Your insurance status and the types of portrait clients you serve

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a print or frame set as an optional add-on after the session
  • Suggest a seasonal or yearly session for clients who want to track changes over time
  • Recommend a styling consult or a hair and makeup partner the client can choose to book

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for portrait photography. Carry general liability insurance and check local permit rules for studio and public locations with your state or local licensing agency.

Questions

How do I set retouching expectations?

Show before-and-after examples and write the retouching level into the quote. Agree on the number of revisions before the session.

Who owns the portrait images?

Agree on this in writing before the session. The contract should say who owns the images and what the client may do with them.

What should I do if a client is nervous?

Start with easy poses, talk through the session plan and give simple, specific direction. Short breaks help people relax.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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