Podcast Summary: Book More Photography Clients Podcast

Episode: How to Get Your Friends & Family to Choose You as Their Photographer

Host: Brooke Jefferson
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode tackles a common struggle for photographers: why friends and family often don’t book your photography services, and how to navigate these feelings so you can focus on building a profitable business. Brooke Jefferson responds to a listener’s question about getting loved ones to choose you as their photographer, offering honest insights and encouragement while redirecting focus toward building a client base outside your close circle. The overall tone is empathetic, real, and supportive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Friends & Family Don’t Usually Book You

Timestamp: 02:24 - 05:12

• Brooke reveals the hard truth: “The majority of the time your friends and family won’t choose you as their photographer. And I know that that stings to even hear me say that, but unfortunately it’s the truth.”
• Friends and family are generally not your ideal clients. They're often more inclined toward cheaper options or have trouble viewing you as a professional.
• Brooke’s own journey in photography and network marketing reinforces that real, paying clients typically come from outside your personal circle.

2. Shifting Your Focus Beyond Your Inner Circle

Timestamp: 04:32 - 06:50

• Don’t spend energy trying to convince loved ones of your value.
• “Go find the people that you don’t have to twist their arm and convince them that you are worth every dollar you’re asking for.” (Brooke, 04:48)
• Focus marketing efforts on clients who already value your work and are willing to pay your prices.
• Fulfillment and success are found in building relationships with your true target market—not trying to win over your closest acquaintances.

3. Understanding Friends & Family Intentions—It’s Not Personal

Timestamp: 07:00 - 09:20

• Often, loved ones act from a place of wanting to “keep you comfortable and keep you playing small.”
• “They can’t see past keeping you comfortable and keeping you safe. This is very true if you have a spouse that is concerned or isn’t really buying into your dream.” (Brooke, 07:35)
• Their concern isn’t about your value but their own aversion to risk or change.

4. Anecdotes & Personal Stories

Timestamp: 10:02 - 12:30

• Personal story: Brooke’s mom often refers potential clients, but then says Brooke is "too expensive" and looks for cheaper alternatives.
• Early on, this stung, but now Brooke laughs it off and doesn’t rely on family as referral sources.
• Discounting: Brooke only ever offers a discount to her sister—everyone else pays full price.

5. Patience & Trust Building

Timestamp: 12:40 - 14:52

• “A lot of people are going to sit back and they’re going to watch what you do, they're going to see if you get going... Some people will literally watch to see if you fail.”
• Establishing yourself as a professional in the eyes of friends and family can take years—even over a decade.
• New clients can still come from acquaintances after many years of consistency.

6. Final Words of Encouragement

Timestamp: 15:04 - End

• “You can get friends and family to book you, but you should not be twisting anybody’s arm.” (Brooke, 15:12)
• The most important takeaway is encouragement: focus on your ideal clients and keep moving forward.
• “Keep going. You’ve got this. I’m cheering you on.” (Brooke, 15:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the reality of friends and family bookings:
  “The majority of the time your friends and family won’t choose you as their photographer. And I know that that stings to even hear me say that, but unfortunately it’s the truth.” (02:24)

• On shifting focus:
  “Don’t put all of your energy and effort into getting your friends and family to pay you full price for what you do. Instead, go out and go find your people.” (04:38)

• On their intentions:
  “Most of these people, they want what’s best for you... they don’t want you to take risks, they don’t want you to raise your prices, they just want to keep you comfortable and safe.” (07:36)

• On value and referral stories:
  “Every time I send [my mom] a copy of the investment guide, she always tells me that I’m too expensive and that she’s going to help them find someone cheaper... now I just kind of laugh.” (10:32 – 11:09)

• On patience and credibility:
  “People that I have known and that have sat there on the sidelines and watched me for 11 years before they decide to invest their hard earned dollars with me. So trust takes a long time.” (13:36)

• On encouragement:
  “That’s all I want you to walk away from this episode with, is to be encouraged. I don’t even have an action item for you. I just want you to say, okay, I get it...” (15:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:24: Why friends and family rarely book you
• 04:38: Refocusing your marketing and energy
• 07:00: The real motivations behind loved ones’ hesitation
• 10:32: Personal anecdote about family referrals
• 12:40: Building real trust and credibility
• 15:12: Final encouragement to focus on ideal clients

Conclusion

Brooke Jefferson provides clear-headed reassurance that it's normal for friends and family not to book your photography services—and that’s okay. She urges listeners not to seek validation or clients from their immediate circle, but instead to pursue and serve their ideal clients for a more fulfilling and profitable business. The tone is uplifting, honest, and deeply empathetic, making it a supportive listen for any photographer feeling discouraged by lack of personal network bookings.