Professional photographers should probably seriously consider the use of models like a project management framework as some of the best mechanisms to deliver high quality services to their clients and develop their own business efficiency by:
Defining Project Scope and Objectives: The first step in project management is to define the scope and objectives of the project. In photography, this means understanding the client's requirements, including their expectations, budget, and timeline, commonly referred to as the ‘client brief’. You should ask detailed questions to get a clear understanding of the client's needs and budget, and then develop a plan that outlines how those needs will be met. Write that stuff down, get the client to look over a copy and get them to sign it.
Creating a Project Plan: Once the scope and objectives have been defined, you should create a project plan that includes tasks, timelines, resources required, budget and milestones. This will help you stay on track and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. This plan should be shared with the client, so they understand what to expect and can provide feedback.
Managing the Project: During the project, you should manage the project to ensure that it stays on track. This includes monitoring progress, communicating with the client, and making adjustments as needed. Any issues or changes to the project should be communicated to the client as soon as possible, so they can be addressed promptly and if any changes are made then that’s also documented and signed off by the client.
Delivering the Project: Once the project is complete, you should deliver the final product to the client. This should be done on time and to the client's satisfaction. You should also solicit feedback from the client, so you can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to any relevant or appropriate process in the future.
Continuous Improvement: You should aim to continuously improve your process and service offering based on client feedback and industry best practices. This can involve updating your project management framework, investing in new equipment or technology, or developing new services that meet evolving client needs.
By using even a generic project management framework like PMBOK, we all can, as photographers, ensure that we deliver high-quality services to our clients and develop our own business efficiency. This approach helps me as my photographery stays organised and focused, which leads to better outcomes for both me and my clients.
It’s also helpful that I’m a qualified project manager