Photographers, let’s be honest… There’s nothing better than hearing a client say “OMG, I LOVE THEM!” the moment they see their senior photos. But what if I told you that you can start building that kind of reaction before they even lay eyes on their gallery?

We’ve covered how to prep your seniors before their session and how to set clear expectations about pricing – but there’s another piece of the client experience puzzle that makes a major impact: building excitement before they ever see a single image. When your seniors (and their parents) are emotionally connected to the experience, they walk into their reveal already invested and confident they’re going to love what’s coming. That confidence turns into higher sales, stronger word-of-mouth referrals, and clients who truly value your work.

1️⃣ Tease the Magic

Right after the session, I send a quick text or email to hype them up. It’s usually something like: “I just peeked at your images and OMG – you are going to freak out! I cannot wait for you to see them!” It’s short and sweet but creates instant excitement. This quick message helps your client know that everything went great – and keeps the good vibes going.

2️⃣ Sneak Peeks = Emotional Investment

Within 24-48 hours of the session, I post a carefully chosen sneak peek on social media. This isn’t just a random favorite – I choose something that shows the senior’s personality, confidence, and beauty all at once. It’s the image that gets them thinking, “If that’s just one photo, I can’t wait to see the rest!” Sneak peeks also get friends and family excited. They start cheering the senior on in the comments and add another layer of emotional connection to the session.

3️⃣ Hype the Ordering Appointment

Whether you reveal images in person or send a digital gallery, don’t just send a link – set the tone for what’s coming. I like to say things like: “Your reveal is going to be so fun! I’ll walk you through everything and help you pick the best photos for your home, grad announcements, and keepsakes.” Instead of clients feeling overwhelmed or unsure, they come into the experience feeling excited and taken care of.

Bonus Tip: Make It Personal

After each session, I try to include a little memory or moment in my follow-up. Maybe the senior told a hilarious story, nailed a hard pose, or chose a meaningful location… Bringing that up shows them I noticed and cared. When your clients feel seen and valued, the whole client experience becomes more memorable.

Ready to Try It?!

Pick one of these strategies to test this week – even a single hype message can shift how your clients feel about their session and their photos. Give it a try and watch how their excitement grows!

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