Do you believe you have to have the best planner connections in order to book luxury clients? Think again. This chat with luxury French photographer friend, Audrey Neracoulis, proves that an impeccable portfolio is your strongest asset when it comes to booking luxury, and she shares her secrets to getting there. From styled shoot, portfolio curation, and networking tips – this episode is chock full of invaluable information. Hit play to soak it all up.

About Audrey:

Based in the heart of Paris’ Marais district, Audrey is a film photographer known for her unmistakable fashion house-inspired aesthetic and distinctive, sophisticated, editorial, boudoir, and wedding photographic work.           

In true Parisian style, she brings a certain “je ne sais quoi” to her images, which resonate with classic femininity and timeless elegance; capturing romance at its most chic. 

Her vision – a delicate balance between fashion photography and cinematic documentary style – has made her a much sought-after partner in Paris’ creative industry, and a favorite among her wedding and elopement clients worldwide, print and online publications – Glamour, Vogue, Brides Magazine, and Style Me Pretty among them – and anyone who values elegant simplicity. 

The Secret to Successful Styled Shoots & Photography Workshops:

• Styled shoots helped Audrey grow her business because she was able to create a vision for her clients and tell them what type of package they needed to get that look. Her clients went from booking 2 hour elopements to 6+ hour days because they wanted the look she was showcasing in her portfolio from styled shoots.
• The venue is the most important element of your styled shoot or workshop! You need to show your clients that you’ve worked there in order to book destinations and venues that you want to book. If you are showing venues like beaches or less luxury locations, you’re not going to attract the clientele that will book luxury packages.
• The same goes for showing couture dresses and other luxury details. It all creates a more luxury look for your brand.
• Don’t go cheap on your models and use people who are too young. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the details are if your models don’t look connected or the age of your clientele.

Is Networking with Planners the Way to Break Into the Luxury Market?

• When it comes to getting connected with luxury planners and vendors, Audrey recommends (again) to create impressive work at the venues that they often work at.
• Planners are approached many times a day being offered free services and asked to go for coffee or a drink. You can’t stand out or earn their respect by doing that. Putting out great work until they notice you (or their clients do) is the best way to connect with them.
• If you want to connect with planners, connect with those who are at the same place in their business as you and grow alongside them.

Adapting Your Portfolio and Social Media Curation for the Luxury Clientele:

• Audrey chooses to share what is popular at the time. When she knows a lot of people are inquiring about Lake Como, for example, she shows a lot of that work on social media.
• She knows her luxury clients want more black and white and direct flash right now, so she shows more of that.
• You need to adapt your portfolio to what your clientele is wanting. When you up-level your clientele, learn what they’re looking for.
• If you’re stuck in “fine art” you could be limiting yourself. You have to be willing to adapt and evolve your work and process to serve your clientele. “Fine art” natural light photography isn’t necessarily luxury anymore.

A Glimpse at Audrey’s Gear:

• Sony 7iii
• Studio Lights (not flash)
• No stands (assistants hold the lights because people are always moving)

For more ways to listen to this episode – CLICK HERE!

Check It Out!

• Visit Audrey’s Website 
• Follow Audrey on Instagram
• View Audrey’s Opéra Garnier Wedding
• Check Out Audrey’s Rendezvous Retreats