Hey, look at that, the second edition of Greasy Pig Studios’ interviews with some of our favorite clients and collaborators!

Today we’ll hear from Renee Cascia, a photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in fashion, editorial, product, and portrait photography.

Our first collaboration was way back in the summer of 2007 (!) when I developed her website. She also introduced me to Jennyfer Rodgers and Epicurean Umbrella (the beautiful images of EU’s food was shot by Renee), and we’ve collaborated on a few other microsites as well. Since updating her site a few days ago, that brings the length of our professional relationship up to two-and-a-half-years and counting!

So how did you find out about myself and Greasy Pig Studios, and what have we worked on together?

I crossed paths with Arvin and Greasy Pig Studios, while searching for a web designer via Craigslist about four years ago. I was very happy with the first project he completed for me. Arvin has the excitement, attention to detail, creativity, professionalism, forward thinking, and integrity I was looking for. Arvin has a smooth way of listening while at the same time politely educating the customer about trends and tactics. We have worked together ever since. I have referred him to many colleagues and they have all been delighted as well.

Any interesting trivia/anecdotes about the two of us working together?

I love the accessibility of Greasy Pig Studios, our communication has always been great. We have worked via email and FTP. It is always a very smooth process. The turnaround time is always before deadline, I love the surprise email that my project is finished ahead of time.

(Here’s a fun fact: In the two and a half years we’ve worked together, Renee and I have NEVER met each other in person! 99% of our communication is via email)

As both a business and a client, Please describe what, to you, makes for a good client/freelancer relationship. How can the freelancer make sure to satisfy the client, and how can the client get the most bang for their buck?

One of the most basic and effective ways to keep your clients happy is by exceeding their expectations. They hired you because you know what you’re doing and have proven your worth, but that’s not always enough. Striving for consistency and excellence across the board will not only make you an increasingly valuable partner to your client, but it will make you very hard to replace. If you have great relationships built on depth and knowledge, you will eventually reach a point where you can anticipate their needs before they even have to say them out loud. This can make your work more effective and valuable because it saves the client time and energy, and they are assured that you can pick up any open items they may drop.

Responsiveness is important for every long-term relationship. Whether you communicate via email or telephone, don’t make your clients wait to hear back from you. You can also facilitate open communication with your clients by keeping them informed through mailings and newsletters, and communicating with them across various social media outlets. And lastly, don’t be shy about letting your clients know how valuable they are to you. Holiday gifts, an unsolicited thank you, and even a structured client appreciation program can reinforce how important your clients are to your business. And we all, clients included, like to hear that we’re appreciated.

What are your tips for someone in your field, just starting out?

My biggest tip would be for the aspiring photography is to obtain an internship with a photographer that they admire. I have a BFA, but I think I learned more about the actual life of the professional photographer while interning in NYC for a fashion photographer. Become an Intern, be on time, have integrity and be a person of your word. Also keep up to date with all of the new photographic technology by attending conferences, talk to other photographers and read industry magazines. Also the world of having your own small business is based on who knows you, so get out there and network.

What are your preferred methods of communication when it comes to your work? How actively do you market and advertise your services, and via what methods?

All of my clients have been word of mouth referals. I attend many events, conferences, women business owners groups, industry parties etc. and still everything comes from word of mouth. Enthusiastic customers are the most effective sales team you’ll ever find. The reason is simple enough: Customers aren’t paid to praise. When a customer becomes a passionate believer in your products and brand, it means you truly earned it. Whenever they buy your product or service, customers feel like special club members.

And finally, what are you working on next?

What I am working on next, is the continuum of the motto-

“If you love what you do, you‘ll never work a day in your life”

When I am shooting a creative photography project I feel as though I am truly one with my art and found my place in the world.

Thanks again Arvin for all of your great work,  I feel extremely fortunate to have found Greasy Pig Studios.