As senior photographers, it’s important that we create a positive and welcoming experience for our clients. Anything that’s a little different than the standard experience helps you create something even more meaningful for your clients – and is another point you can use to help yourself stand out in your market. One of my favorite experience upgrades is a Style Closet for our clients! Style closets solve two problems: what your clients should wear AND how to stand out in your market. 
Why a Style Closet?
Let’s face it, what a client wears can make or break a photo. And while I’ll never tell a client not to wear something they love (because these are their photos!), I do believe that certain choices create photos we love. We’ve all been there when clients arrive in clothes taht don’t fit them or they aren’t comfortable in. By styling my clients and their wardrobes, I have been able to not only elevate their portraits but also their experience with me. Being able to choose their wardrobe also means they’re more confident and sure about their photos! Seriously, it’s a win-win all the way around. You don’t have to be super into fashion or an expert to create a client closet that will benefit your clients and your business. Read on to see my tips for building your own style closet! 
What is a Style Closet? 
Simply put… A style closet is a collection of clothing, jewelry and/or accessories that a photographer collects and allows a client to borrow for a photoshoot. These are pieces that you’ve come across over the years and can be worn by many clients to create the photos they’re dreaming of! Style closets are so helpful for clients because it’s one less thing they have to worry about now. They can work with you to pick out what to wear and they’re already feeling more confident going into their session! 
The Benefits of a Style Closet
Not only do style closets benefit your current clients, but they benefit your future clients. When your clients borrow from the closet, you immediately know that you have images that will fit your aesthetic and brand, which means you’re more likely to share those images. Let’s be honest: it’s the truth! This helps your potential and future clients understand what their portraits could look like with you. Even if your clients don’t borrow from your closet, they’ll know the kind of outfits that work well with your style of photography. 
Client closets also give you more options for creative shoots. You can highlight outfits in your style closet for bigger photo shoots – or, if you don’t have what you need, you know you can add that item to your closet to be used again. It’s a super easy way to build up (and regularly use!) your client closet pieces. 
How do you get started with a style closet?
First and foremost, you need money and a budget! Search for sales at places you like and try thrifting. That can be a great way to get the most out of your budget. I always recommend you consider pricing your sessions in a way that additions to your stye closet can be covered by some of the fee. You also need space to house the outfits you purchase. You don’t need a studio to be able to have a closet! Keep the outfits on a rack in your office or a closet in your house. Don’t forget a way to store accessories like jewelry, hats, or props. 
Next, you’ll need a little extra time. By offering this style closet to your clients, you’ll need to have time in your schedule to actually meet with them. I have a 45 minute wardrobe consultation at my house where they can look through the closet and choose what they want. We look at the outfits together and figure out what they want to use – or use from their own closet! If you don’t want to do that in person, you’ll want to come up with a way to do it offline. Finally, you need the actual pieces of clothing! I encourage you to start small and grow from there.