Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 5x7 technique for photographers?

The 5x7 technique is two rules for handling inquiries: respond within 5 minutes, and follow up at least 7 times. Call back every form submission, phone call or missed call within five minutes, then keep reaching out by call, text or email until the person books or tells you no. Humberto says doing both can double your bookings at the very least.

How fast should I respond to a photography inquiry?

Within five minutes. Most people inquire with several photographers at once, and the first one who calls wins the conversation, especially with leads from Facebook or Google ads who are comparing options in real time. People are often surprised by a call that fast, and that surprise becomes your first impression. If you reach them, ask questions and get them talking about what they want.

How many times should I follow up with a photography lead?

At least seven times, usually over three to seven days. Calls, texts and emails each count as a touch, so mix them and notice what your leads respond to. Humberto prefers calling and texting. Vary the time of day too: if someone inquired at 3 p.m. from work, try after work hours next, then early the next morning.

Should I leave a voicemail when a photography lead doesn't answer?

Only if you are confident you can say it clearly. Humberto normally does not suggest voicemail. Instead, text right away: say who you are, that they just submitted a form on your website, and ask when is a good time to talk. Or simply state when you will call back, such as after 5 p.m., so the next call is expected.

How can I call leads back within five minutes when I'm photographing a session?

Have someone else answer for you. Humberto suggests an assistant, a virtual assistant, or a second shooter who can take calls on a wedding day. He treats speed as the foundation: if you cannot respond fast, the rest of the system falls apart. Each inquiry is worth too much to miss, and he puts a portrait client at $1,500 to $3,000.

Is a photography lead dead if she doesn't answer my first call?

No. It is an untouched opportunity. People get busy, miss calls and mean to reply but forget. Most photographers call once, hear nothing and give up, but the fifth attempt may be the moment the person is ready to talk. Until someone books or tells you no, silence is not a rejection. It is timing.

Do I need a CRM to follow up with photography inquiries?

Not at first. If you do not get many inquiries, a simple spreadsheet is enough to track who you have called. A CRM helps as volume grows: it can trigger a call reminder within minutes of a form submission and run your follow-up sequence. For the inquiry stage, Humberto recommends the free HubSpot CRM or ActiveCampaign, and prefers 17hats and HoneyBook for after a client books.