How to Get More Google Reviews for Photographers

Turn thrilled clients into 5-star reviews with perfectly timed requests that capitalize on the emotional high of seeing their photos for the first time.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

The moment clients see their final gallery and gush over the photos. This is when they're emotionally invested, reliving the memories, and genuinely excited. Their gratitude is at its peak, making them eager to help you.

Worst Moment to Ask

Before the shoot when they haven't experienced your work yet, during editing delays when they're anxious, or if they're unhappy with the results. Also avoid asking during stressful wedding planning phases.

Gallery Delivery Email with Embedded Review Request

When you send the email delivering their final gallery, lead with excitement about the photos, include 2-3 preview thumbnails, then add a personal note: "I loved capturing these moments for you! If you're thrilled with how they turned out, I'd be so grateful if you'd share your experience in a quick Google review-it helps couples/families find me." Include the review link right there while they're clicking through their gallery.

Photography is inherently emotional. When clients see photos that capture precious memories-their wedding, newborn, family-they experience a rush of joy and gratitude. This emotional peak is your window. Ask for a review while they're actively looking at and sharing the photos, not weeks later when the excitement has faded.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

I'm so glad you love them, [Customer Name]! It was such a joy capturing [event/session type] for you. If you're thrilled with how the photos turned out, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a quick Google review. It helps other [couples/families/etc.] find me when they're looking for a photographer. Here's a card with the link-no pressure at all!

Email Script

Subject: Your photos are ready, [Customer Name]! 📸

Hi [Customer Name], I'm so excited to share your gallery with you! Your [wedding/session/event] was absolutely beautiful to photograph, and I think you're going to love how these turned out. View your full gallery here: [Gallery Link] I loved working with you and capturing these special moments. If you're thrilled with the photos, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could take a minute to share your experience in a Google review. It truly helps other [couples/families/businesses] find me when they're searching for a photographer: [Google Review Link] Enjoy reliving these memories, and thank you again for trusting me with such an important day! [Your Name] [Business Name]

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name]! Your photos are ready and I'm so excited for you to see them! 📸 [Gallery Link]. If you love them, I'd be so grateful for a quick Google review: [Google Review Link]. Thanks for letting me capture these moments!

Who Should Ask

Lead Photographer or Studio Manager

Training Tip

Train yourself or your team to recognize the "wow moment"-when clients gasp, tear up, or gush over their photos during reveal sessions or after gallery delivery. That's when you mention reviews. Make it feel natural: "I'm so glad you love them! If you'd share your experience on Google, it would mean the world to me."

Follow-Up Timing

Same day or within 24 hours of gallery delivery. If they don't respond, send one gentle follow-up 5-7 days later asking if they've had a chance to look through the gallery and enjoy the photos.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

Review cards with QR code

Beautiful branded cards handed to clients at in-person photo reveal sessions or mailed with prints/albums. QR code links directly to Google reviews.

Studio or office display

Framed sign in your studio waiting area or meeting room: "Love your photos? Leave us a review!" with QR code.

Print packaging and albums

Include a review request card inside print orders, album packaging, or USB cases you deliver to clients.

Thank-you cards

Send handwritten thank-you cards after the shoot with a subtle review request and QR code on the back or an insert.

Digital Placements

Gallery delivery email

Email sent when you deliver the final gallery, with review request and direct link embedded while clients are viewing photos.

Gallery page pop-up or banner

Add a non-intrusive banner or pop-up on your gallery viewing page: "Loving your photos? Leave us a review!" with clickable link.

Email signature

Include a "Love your photos? Leave a review!" button in your email signature on all client communications.

Social media story highlights

Create an Instagram story highlight titled "Reviews" encouraging clients to leave Google reviews with swipe-up link (if available) or link in bio.

Getting Reviews Is Only Half the Battle

Once the reviews come in, you need to respond - fast and on-brand. Reply Champion uses AI to write personalized responses to every review automatically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your photographers business.

The golden moment is when they first see their final gallery and react with excitement. Send the review request in the same email that delivers the gallery, or ask in person during a reveal session. Their emotional high makes them eager to help you. Don't wait-ask while they're actively viewing and sharing the photos.
Yes. Wedding clients are highly emotional-ask right when they see the gallery. Portrait clients (families, seniors, newborns) also respond well to immediate asks. Commercial clients are more transactional-wait until after they've used the images successfully, then ask: "Hope the photos worked great for your campaign! If you'd share your experience, I'd appreciate it."
No. If they've expressed dissatisfaction, address it first. Offer re-edits, reshoot if necessary, or work with them to make it right. Only ask for a review once they're genuinely happy. A forced review from an unhappy client often leads to a bad review.
Frame it as helping others: "Your review helps couples planning their wedding find a photographer they can trust." This shifts focus from self-promotion to community service. Also, ask once in the gallery email, follow up once a week later, then let it go. Persistence feels desperate in creative services.
No. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews. Plus, in photography, authentic enthusiasm matters more than volume. Clients who genuinely love their photos will naturally want to help you-no bribe needed. Focus on delivering stunning work instead.
Respond professionally and empathetically. Acknowledge their disappointment, briefly explain your process or what happened, and offer to discuss it privately. Never argue or get defensive publicly. A graceful response shows future clients you care about their experience even when things go wrong.
Send one friendly follow-up email 5-7 days after gallery delivery: "I hope you're enjoying your photos! If you have a spare minute, I'd still love your feedback on Google-it really helps me out." After that, let it go. Over-asking feels needy in creative fields.
Yes, with permission. When you share client photos on Instagram or Facebook, tag the clients and add a caption like, "So grateful for clients like [Name]! If you've worked with me, I'd love your review on Google [link]." This social proof encourages others to review you too.