I understand and know exactly how it feels to be swept up with a perfect family photoshoot experience that starts out sounding totally amazing! Low-cost voucher or session and even "free" - only to then be hit with those hidden extra costs, rushed decisions and pressure to buy there and then without having the chance to think or talk properly about it.
I have been there, I have sat though sales-focused photography appointments, watched the price skyrocket without any warning all because the image I've fallen head over heals with is apparently a 'signature image' and I can only get that image in one format, with one package which is going to cost me an eye watering total of £2,000! The pressure I felt to spend that money in a matter of minutes or lose the image forever was heartbreaking. And honestly, did I enjoy the photoshoot experience, yes, but did I enjoy the sales tactics afterwards? Absolutely not. It was stressful, manipulative, all a marketing ploy, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth and overshadowed what should have been a joyful experience.
As the owner of Yellow Blossom Photography in Haverhill, Suffolk, have also been told by other photographers and sales experts that I should follow this type of format, or I will never make any money - I beg to differ, which is why I'm running my family photography business my way, on my terms, and how I would expect to be treated should the shoe be on the other foot! Yes, maybe I'll never be “rich” but being “rich” to me isn't just about what's in my bank balance. It's about the family's lives I get to touch, the memories I help capture, the care, the love and the understanding I can offer to those around me.
I believe photography should be a joyful, relaxed experience. EVERYTHING PROVIDED UPFRONT SO YOU CAN BUDGET FOR THOSE MEMORIES YOU'll TREASURE FOREVER AND WORK OUT IF IT'S SOMETHING YOUR FAMILY CAN AFFORD - not a financial ambush WITH MARKETING TACTICS ADDED IN ALONG THE WAY.
So..... My Promise to You is:
I will ALWAYS provide clear and honest pricing - UPFRONT - Before you book anything, you’ll get a complete price list. It's as simple as that. I’m not interested in hiding prices for certain images or surprising you after the session. Transparency is everything to me.
I will NEVER hide costs or bring out those sneaky sales tactics - You’ll never be tempted in with a free or cheap session only to find out it’s going to cost £400+ for just a couple of images you love. That’s not my style, and it never will be. If you have been or are lucky enough to be gifted a FREE session from me (I do offer these from time to time to give back to my wonderful clients and the local community), it is actually FREE. There are absolutely NO strings attached. There are no hidden deposits - No “£35 to hold your spot” nonsense. I trust you’ll show up for a FREE session - because everyone always does (And if not… well, let’s just say it won’t be offered to you again! 😄). I have only ever had one person who didn't show up, and it turned out afterwards it was because she went into labour earlier than expected. So this lady and her little newborn received a free Newborn Mini session instead of the original free Maternity session.
I don't do those pushy appointments - I don’t offer in-person ordering/sales/viewing appointments where you're pressured in to making a quick decision there and then or risk never seeing the images again. That kind of pressure? It has no place with me. You deserve time - real time - to look through and discuss your photos with your family - reflect, and decide what (if anything) you want to order. With me, you get to do that from the comfort of your home, over a few days, without any stress.
But If You Do Want Wall Art… I am absolutely more than happy to welcome you in for a design session. It’s not a sales pitch - it's a designing your wall art session only - it’s a relaxed & chilled appointment with tea, coffee, cold drinks (or even a beer or cheeky glass of wine if you aren't driving!) and biscuits. Purely to chat about and look at the various layouts and sizing options, and to sign off the final design. No pressure, just support.
With me, you will always get zero pressure. ALWAYS! My goal is simple: I want you to feel good and for you to recommend your amazing, stress-free experience to others. With me, there are NO emotional sales tricks, no pressure 10-minute countdown dramas - “last chance to see your images before they are removed from the system.” You will always have the time, space and chance to talk privately with your partner or family to make the choices that are right for you.
Because let's be honest, photoshoots should not be about trying to squeeze every penny from you - they should be about creating an experience you’ll truly enjoy. Something to feel good about, that makes you smile, and that makes you want to return next year to do it all again. It should always be about delivering an amazing service that you'll be excited to share will friends and family, and giving you memories you'll cherish for all the right reasons :)
If you have any questions or just want a quick chat about how things work, I am always happy to help. There is no pressure, ever!