Published as a People Exclusive! Surprise Proposal with CHEER star, Morgan

Photographers – read on to find valuable tips on market research and how clients find you.

Earlier this year, someone reached out to me to book a session type that I don’t typically do! I love focusing on senior and branding photography, so a surprise proposal was so fun to be a part of. The shoot tied into my expertise because the coordinator who approached for the proposal said that the shoot had a “branding component” to it. To my shock… the surprise proposal would be for Morgan from the Netflix series CHEER! (She was one of my faves!) And featured as a People Exclusive! After being in business for 17 years, you still have goals and aspirations for yourself, right?… One of my biggest goals was to be published with a major brand, like People.

Planning

All communication between Morgan’s agents and Stone, Morgan’s soon-to-be fiancé, was on the down low considering the surprise proposal. We discussed deliverables needed, how quickly the timeline was for the People Exclusive, and so many other details. Not only was this featured as a People Exclusive, but also featured on Kay Jewelers social media as they were the ring makers of Morgan’s stunning engagement ring. (and soon to be published in an Entertainment Tonight episode!!)

Location

We were blessed with an absolutely beautiful weather day, on a beautiful downtown Dallas Hotel Rooftop, The Hall Arts Hotel.

Morgan is such a lovely person and her family could not have been more kind, gracious, and so in love with the photographs. And, of course, I was jumping for joy at the opportunity to be a part of a People exclusive! {Que the AS SEEN IN People to my website! }

Afterwards

The proposal in Dallas was scheduled for a Saturday and the deliverables were needed by the following Sunday afternoon, as the People Exclusive was to go live the following day, Monday at 11am! It was a quick turnaround, but analyzing the potential exposure and to be a part of such a fun event….totally worth the timeline!

Research How Clients Find You

When the dust settled, I reached out to the person who booked me, thanked them and asked some valuable questions. Such as “Tell me a little bit on how you found me, and why you chose me?” I asked this question, because this information is SO VALUABLE in marketing efforts going forward. 

Her response was incredibly helpful!! She communicated that she searched hashtags on Instagram, saw me and investigated. She mentioned the precise style of photography, lighting, and personality that she was looking for. And talked in depth at how my videos and reels, talking about my experience, and showing a bit of my personality … made her instantly trust me with this project.

Photographers

PHOTOGRAPHERS – This is your sign to find out HOW your clients find you. Simply ASK them! This will tell you if they are searching hashtags (they actually are) and sometimes they will even tell you the EXACT phrase they typed into Google to find what they were looking for. Use those exact phrases to title your photos, use those words/phrases in your blog posts, etc.

ALSO – this is your sign to put your face and personality out on your Instagram feed. It is literally what got this person to reach out to me. There is the law of repel and attract. You might repel a few people that’s OK…. they are not your people, but you will ATTRACT people that are similar to you. People want to work with people that are like them. They are not going to know if you are like them if you are not showing your face and personality. It lends itself to the  instant know/like and trust factor for those that resonate with you.

So, do it…put yourself out there!

If you are afraid to begin with your face to camera, begin showing behind the scenes of your shoots and just you talking behind the camera, And then work your way to face the camera. There is something so freeing about being yourself, as the face behind your business, and attracting customers who resonate with you!

Not only am I jumping for joy and incredibly honored to be featured in a People Exclusive article, I am happy to share the knowledge I gain as a photographer along the way.

Cindy Swanson, Cindy Swanson Photography

To read more in the People Exclusive click here!

Cheer’s Morgan Simianer Engaged to Stone Burleson: ‘I’ve Been Dreaming About This Day’

To book me as your photographer, click here, if you’re a photographer and would like to work with me, click here.