Let’s face it: You’re already juggling a million things—creative director, editor, marketer, admin, therapist (yes, really)—all while trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. The last thing you need is more busywork. This is exactly where ChatGPT comes in, making it easier to run your business without losing your mind.

TLDR: Listen to the Audio Summary…

I’ve been using AI for a while now, and I’m not here to convince you that it’s going to replace your creativity. But I am going to show you how it can help you with the strategic side of things—the stuff that slows you down—so you can focus on what you do best.

Integrating AI into my business has transformed the way I work. It’s not just about automating tasks; it’s about creating a smoother, more efficient workflow that saves me hours every day. This has given me the freedom to slow down and truly enjoy my mornings with my baby, without feeling overwhelmed by my to-do list. My business is more organized, my time is better managed, and I’m more focused on what truly matters. It’s the kind of freedom I didn’t know was possible—and it’s something I want for other photographers and creative business owners, too. – Ren Lenhof

Here’s how photographers are using it effectively:

• Writing Instagram captions that actually speak to their ideal clients

• Planning content calendars in minutes, instead of hours

• Brainstorming unique brand positioning ideas that stand out

• Polishing client emails, welcome guides, and pitch decks

• Clarifying their niche and refining their marketing language

It’s not about replacing your creativity—it’s about speeding up the boring, repetitive stuff that doesn’t move the needle for your business.

I use ChatGPT to speed up my workflows in my photography business and it has given me SO much of my precious time back! I love never having to choose between my son and clacking away at my keyboard!

First, How ChatGPT “Remembers” You (Or Doesn’t)

Before we dive into how to use ChatGPT to its full potential, let’s clear up one thing: ChatGPT doesn’t remember you automatically. It doesn’t know your business inside and out unless you tell it to.

This is how you keep things in play:

Option 1: Temporary Memory (Every Chat Thread)

If you open a new chat window, ChatGPT will forget everything you told it in the last one. So, you’ll need to copy and paste your setup every time you start a new chat. It’s a little tedious, but here’s the good news: you can keep your setup saved in your Notes app for quick access.

Option 2: Long-Term Memory (Only with Pro)

Now, if you’re a ChatGPT Pro user with memory turned on, this is where the real magic happens. You can teach ChatGPT about your business once—and it will remember you across all chats.

Here’s how to activate memory:

1. Click your name (bottom-left corner)

2. Go to Settings > Personalization

3. Toggle Memory to ON

Why does this matter?
It means you don’t have to remind ChatGPT who you are every time. It’ll remember everything, making your interactions smoother and way faster.

Easy Steps to Make ChatGPT Work For Your Photography Business

Step 1: Introduce Yourself

Once memory is set up, here’s your first prompt to paste at the start of a new thread (whether with memory or not):

“You are now my assistant. I am a [type] photographer who specializes in [niche or industry]. My style is [describe it briefly—bold, clean, colorful, moody, editorial, etc.]. My business goals are [list them—ex: land 3 high-paying clients per month, book more retainer work, build authority online]. I serve [describe your dream clients]. Please remember this context for all future questions I ask.”

This is the foundation of every conversation. Without it, ChatGPT will only guess—and those guesses won’t help you stand out. You need ChatGPT to know exactly who you are.

Step 2: Define Your Brand Voice

Have you ever read a caption or email and felt like it wasn’t quite your vibe? That’s a problem. You want every piece of communication to sound just like you—because if it doesn’t, your dream clients won’t connect with it. So, let’s define your brand voice:

• Here’s the prompt: “My brand voice is [list 3–5 adjectives: confident, fun, luxury, playful, minimalist, professional]. Can you give me 5 examples of captions or messages I might post on Instagram that sound like me and would attract my dream client?”

Use this prompt to make sure your captions, emails, and pitch messages all align with your authentic voice. No more bland, generic copy that doesn’t resonate.

Step 3: Clarify Your Services & Strengths

You know what you offer. But does ChatGPT? Not quite. Let’s make sure it knows what to emphasize when helping you craft messaging that resonates with your clients.

• Here’s the prompt for that: “These are my services: [list your packages, content types, pricing model, or unique delivery process]. What parts of my offer would be most valuable to highlight when speaking to [insert your dream client]? Help me understand what they care about and how I should talk about my services to them.”

This helps you move away from selling “photography” and focus on the outcomes your clients really want. If you’re a newborn photographer, it’s not just about getting cute baby photos—it’s about giving parents a timeless keepsake they’ll treasure forever. That’s the story you want to tell.

Step 4: Set the Tone for Strategy

You’ve told ChatGPT about your business, your services, and your voice. Now let’s tell it how you want to use it.

• Here’s the setup prompt: “You now understand my brand and business. From this point on, I’ll be asking you for help with client profiles, content ideas, marketing strategies, and messaging. Please keep all previous information in mind and act as a strategist helping me grow my photography business.”

This shifts ChatGPT from “random assistant” mode to “dedicated strategist” mode. And trust me, that’s where the real value comes in. ChatGPT will act like a business partner who’s got your back.

⭐️ Step 5: Set Custom Instructions (Optional, but Powerful)

If you’re on ChatGPT Pro, you can make it even smarter by setting Custom Instructions. These are like the “vibe settings” for your assistant—so it automatically speaks to you in the tone and style you prefer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click your name (bottom left corner)

2. Go to Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions

3. Answer the two questions about your preferences

For example:

What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?

“I’m a product photographer who specializes in [industry/niche]. I’m focused on attracting high-paying brand clients through strategic marketing, consistent messaging, and premium content. My business goals include [insert a few goals], and I’m building a recognizable brand that speaks to [describe your ideal client].”

How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

“Speak to me like a business-savvy creative. Be clear, confident, and strategic—like a mentor who understands brand building and high-end photography. Avoid filler or generic advice. Prioritize clarity, tone, and real-world action steps.”

This will save you time and get you responses that are aligned with your business. And yes, if you use both memory and Custom Instructions, you’ll get responses that are smarter and more personal. Win-win.

Bonus Tip: Start a New Chat for Each New Topic

Whenever you switch gears—say, from writing a pitch to planning Reels—start a new chat and re-paste your setup prompt (if you’re not using memory). This keeps your results focused and on-topic. No more random advice; just tailored, strategic responses.

Final Words: The Smarter Way to Use AI

Don’t skip the setup. It’s a quick, easy way to turn ChatGPT into your personal brand strategist. Just a few minutes of prep can save you hours of work down the road.

📌 Save your prompts.
📌 Paste them at the start of new threads.
📌 OR Turn on memory if you have access to it. (Pro accounts only)

Let ChatGPT be the assistant that takes your business to the next level. You’ve got the vision—now let’s let the strategy follow suit.

How’s that for turning AI into your business partner? If you’re ready to cut down on the time-wasting and double down on the results, ChatGPT is your secret weapon for 2025!

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