Initial Inquiry & Quote Request
A client contacts a photography studio or individual photographer for the first time to inquire about their services, availability, and to request a price quote for a specific type of photo session (e.g., wedding, portrait, event).
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
quote
A quote is an estimated price given by a service provider before starting work. In this context, it's a price estimate for a photo session. Use it when asking for costs, like 'Can I get a quote?'
portrait
A portrait is a photograph of a person or group, often posed to show their face and expression. Here, it's for a family portrait session, common in professional photography.
flexible
Flexible means able to change or adapt easily. In the dialogue, it describes dates that can be adjusted. Use it for schedules, like 'I'm flexible with times.'
portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of an artist's or photographer's best work to show their style and skills. Photographers share it online to attract clients.
package
A package is a set of services or products offered together at a fixed price. In photography, it includes shooting time, photos, and extras like editing.
availability
Availability means the times or dates when someone is free to work. Ask about it when booking, like 'What's your availability next week?'
breakdown
A breakdown is a detailed list explaining parts of something, like costs or inclusions in a package. Request it for clarity, as in 'Can you give a breakdown of the costs?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm interested in getting a quote for a family portrait session.
This sentence is a polite way to start an inquiry about services. 'I'm interested in' shows polite interest, and 'getting a quote' is a common phrase for requesting prices. Use it at the beginning of business conversations to ask for estimates. Grammar: Present continuous 'getting' for future arrangement.
Can you tell me a little more about what you have in mind?
This is a useful question to gather more details from a client. 'A little more' softens the request, making it friendly. It's great for service providers to understand needs better. Use in consultations. Grammar: Indirect question structure for politeness.
We're open to suggestions!
This expresses willingness to accept ideas from others. 'Open to' means receptive or not opposed. It's practical for negotiations or planning, showing flexibility. Use when you want advice without committing.
Could you provide a breakdown of your package options and what's included?
This requests detailed information politely with 'could you' for modal politeness. It's useful when comparing services. Explains what to ask for clarity on costs and features. Grammar: 'What's included' is a contraction for 'what is included,' common in questions.
That sounds great!
A simple, positive response to show approval. 'Sounds great' is idiomatic for expressing enthusiasm. Use it in conversations to agree or show satisfaction, keeping the talk positive and flowing.
What's the pricing for the standard package, and what's your availability like for May or June?
This combines two questions using 'and' for efficiency. 'What's the pricing' asks for costs, and 'like for' describes general availability. Useful for booking services. Grammar: Informal 'what's' for 'what is,' suitable for customer service talks.
Please send over the portfolio and the calendar link.
This is a direct but polite request using 'please.' 'Send over' is casual for emailing or sharing digitally. Use when following up on information needed. It demonstrates clear communication in professional exchanges.
It was a pleasure speaking with you.
A courteous way to end a conversation, showing appreciation. 'It was a pleasure' is formal politeness. Use at the close of calls or emails to leave a good impression. Grammar: Past tense 'was' for completed action.