We recently connected with Angelique Alcaraz and have shared our conversation below.
Angelique, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.
If I was starting over, I would invest in my community and education more. I think when people start a business they turn to jumbo marketing like Google Ads, because they want everyone to know their name and see what they do. I think I fell into that trap when I started; I thought, the more people who know what I do, the more people who will hire me!
Really, I had it all wrong. I first needed to invest in myself — hone my skills further, seek out advice from those who have done it before, learn what really matters in business, like investing in my community. Clients don’t want to work with someone solely because they offer a service. They need to know what VALUE you can offer them. In today’s world, truly anyone with a smartphone can take a pretty picture. Not everyone can do editing magic, can capture the candid essence of your family, can give you a luxury experience you’ll want to share with friends — that is value.
Beyond that, I try to bring value to my clients before they even book me. We discuss their vision & I am able to offer recommendations both in & outside the realm of photography. After our sessions, I have a referral program that helps me to keep money in my client’s pockets instead of throwing it into mass marketing funnels.
I think the biggest thing is the mindset shift from “I want you to book me” to “I want to show what I have learned that can bring value to you”. That would be my top recommendation because it really covers honing your skill and SERVING in the best way you know how.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Angelique Alcaraz, but I go by Angel. I am the face, brain, & all behind Angelique Alcaraz Photography. I started my business in the period after Covid social distancing. I had just moved to a tiny house in the mountains and was starting to get cabin fever with my 1 year old son. While I absolutely adore being with my family, I have a servant’s heart & needed to contribute to something outside of my home. With my hubby working a full-time job I needed something that would be flexible and allow me to stay with my baby during the day.
I started to consider my interests more and decided to start a photography business. Ever since I got my first smart phone I loved taking beautiful photos. When I got into highschool, I joined yearbook where I learned more about composition and using a real camera. That interest followed me into my adult life where I would go out with friends and we would take turns shooting & modeling for one another. What better job to have, I thought, than a fun hobby that I already love? — so I started my official business in 2021.
I began my business as a family & maternity photographer, which is still my specialty, but I have now branched out into other areas including seniors, couples & weddings, headshots, and lifestyle newborn photography. My sessions include styling because I feel that is often the hardest part of having photos taken, for mother’s especially. It is also so fun to see my vision boards come to life during sessions & see my client’s confidence while looking their best.
I also offer location & prop consultation. Although I am in the beautiful mountainous Colorado, I find it important to offer a variety of sceneries to fit into each client’s vision. One of my favorite locations is a beautiful rose garden in my town. Along with location, props can help personalize a session to this season of life. I love suggesting items that feel timeless, like a wooden toy grandpa made, a lovey that your toddler won’t go anywhere without, or a classic book your family loves.
In such a digital age, I feel like it is important to have timeless images. Fads change by the week but your photos should be something your family can treasure for generations. That is one of the reasons I offer Fine Art print services. I heard another photographer say once that this is the Lost Generation. That when we age and pass, there will be no photo books to look through and say “here’s grandma when she was your age”. Instead we may search “grandma” and click through the images on the screen but the nostalgic feel will not be the same. I seek to give my clients physical images to hold, treasure, and display in their homes.
I would love all my clients to walk away from their session having had a fun, specially-curated experience to remember, stunning images to treasure, and beautiful Fine Art prints to pass from generation to generation. My job is to capture their essence on camera while providing an easygoing seamless experience.; I am proud of what I have to offer and love seeing my client’s reactions to their photos.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My best source of new clients has honestly been Facebook. I feel like I’ve tried it all: Facebook ads, Google ads, Nextdoor ads, meeting up with fellow business owners, referral programs, giveaways, hanging flyers, you name it! Through all of those, I have found the most success posting in local Facebook groups. Sometimes I make my own posts but most often I find clients through commenting on their posts searching for a photographer. It can definitely seem daunting throwing your name out into a sea of 20+ more talented photographers, but it is fun thinking of new and creative ways to stand out.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with clients through my referral program, the occasional email, and following them on social media!
Before we even shoot I like to follow my clients on social media so I can see what kind of images their eyes are drawn to. You will notice some people’s Instagram grid consists of mostly candid images, or close-ups, or images that really show off the scenery. Knowing this ahead of time helps me to curate my client’s session to the styles they already prefer so I can deliver a gallery I know they are going to love!
Following them on social media also allows me to keep in touch by commenting on the kid’s milestones or big life steps. I truly come to care for my repeat clients and love seeing the new directions their lives are going.
My past clients also get first dibs on mini sessions. There is something so incredibly special about photographing the same family year after year. I’d love to say I don’t play favorites but I truly do have a special place in my heart for my repeat clients so I want to be sure I am always able to work with them when needed.
Every past client also gets access to my referral program. This has changed over the years, but currently offers an amount off a session fee for each new client who mentions their name upon booking. As a small business owner, I have chosen not to throw my full marketing fund at mass advertisers, and instead use it to keep money in my client’s pockets and promote word of mouth sharing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angeliquealcarazphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angeliquealcarazphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeliquealcarazphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-alcaraz-photography/
Image Credits
Angelique Alcaraz Photography