How to flatter your would-be photographer… It’s been a while since I blogged a personal story, and this was one of those “have to write about this” opportunities.

A family from Texas found me through a Google search one month ago and reached out for a family photosession. They are a “family of 13 coming to visit the Bay Area…” many of whom are successful entrepreneurs, movers, shakers, hard to get in one room at the same time! I received the inquiry while vacationing on the magical island of Maui, but never leaving an interested client hanging, I gave them a quick ring and we had a lovely conversation about the goals for their session. I learned about what a wonderful group of individuals they all are, splitting time between the United States and many incredible overseas places, only all seeing each other maybe once a year. “This is going to be a special photoshoot” I think, the stakes are high to rock this one. We were both easily put at ease early on as our personalities just gelled, this was going to be one fun shoot!

There was only one problem that brought our booking to a screeching halt – the dates they needed were the dates that I would be in NY for a friend’s wedding… Literally the exact same opposite travel plans, almost to the hour 🙁 As disappointed as we both were, I was determined to make this happen for them, so we had two options: 1) It just so happens that I’m going to be in Texas for a long weekend this month, only 1 hour from where many of the family live; 2) There are a few other amazing family photographers in San Francisco to say the least, so let’s see who else they are interested in, and give them a good referral/recommendation and introduction to someone amazing to work with them in my place.

I reviewed the other photographers they were considering and gave them my honest feedback and opinion. I thought one they liked would really fit with their goals, and offered one other they hadn’t considered who I am a fan of their work.

Long story short, turns out the whole family won’t all be in Texas during the dates I’ll be there, bummer… one down, one to go, let’s get them a great shoot in SF. A week goes by and I send a follow up email just to make sure they’re taken care of and found someone they love to capture their trip, and this is from the response I receive, it made my day:

“We should be making another trip to Bay Area end of this year, we will try and attempt another family photo session this fall 🙂 I will keep you in mind and my contacts. Thank you again for all your help, we decided not to go with any of the other photographers, family only liked your work. We will try again this fall!!”

I’m honored to hear that of all the fine choices for photographers in San Francisco, they only wanted to work with me, truly flattered 😉 That one part of their reply “… we decided not to go with any of the other photographers, family only liked your work” really made my day. This is me smiling and having one of those “why I do this” moments.

Little happy gifts from the people you interact with come and surprise you each and every day. Stay open to the greatness.