How to Train ChatGPT to Think Like Your Photography Business

If you're still wondering whether ChatGPT is worth using in your business, you're not alone—and you're not behind.

Some photographers swear by it. Others tried it once, got a robotic answer, and gave up. Totally fair. Because here's the truth: ChatGPT is only as powerful as the instructions you give it. It's not a mind reader. But it can become your creative assistant, content strategist, and marketing sidekick—if you teach it how to think like your business.

That’s what this article is about. We’re not diving into trendy prompts just yet. First, I’ll show you how to set ChatGPT up properly—so when you do start prompting, you’ll get tailored, strategic, and actually helpful answers.

Let’s dive in.

Why Photographers Should Use ChatGPT in 2025

You’re already wearing a lot of hats—creative director, editor, marketer, admin. The last thing you need is more busywork. That’s where ChatGPT steps in.

Here’s how photographers are using it effectively:

• Writing Instagram captions that actually connect with their ideal clients

• Planning content calendars in minutes instead of hours

• Brainstorming unique brand positioning ideas

• Improving 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 strategic side of your business.

But none of that works if you just ask, “Give me Instagram ideas for photographers.” That’s surface-level. You need to start deeper.

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

Before we get to the setup prompts, here’s something you need to understand:

ChatGPT does not remember your business automatically. It only remembers your setup for the duration of a single chat session—unless you’re using Pro with memory turned on.

There are two ways to keep your business context in play:

Option 1: Temporary Memory (Every Chat Thread)

If you're in a new chat window, ChatGPT will forget everything you told it in the last one. So you'll need to paste your setup prompt (below) each time you start fresh.

📌 Keep that setup saved in your Notes app so you’re ready to go.

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

If you're on ChatGPT Pro and have memory turned on, you can teach ChatGPT about your business once—and it will remember you across all chats.

To activate it:

1. Click your name (bottom-left corner)

2. Go to Settings > Personalization

3. Make sure Memory is toggled ON

⭐️Step 1: Introduce Yourself in a New Thread

Once memory is sorted, here’s the first prompt to paste at the beginning of a new thread.

“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.”

📌 Why this matters:
This sets the tone for every answer that follows. Without it, ChatGPT will guess—and generic guesses don’t help you stand out in a premium market.

Step 2: Define Your Brand Voice

If your content doesn’t sound like you, your dream client won’t connect. Copy this 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?”

📌 Pro tip:
Use this to make sure your captions, emails, and pitch messages all sound like you.

Step 3: Clarify Your Services & Strengths

Help ChatGPT understand what you actually sell—and why it matters. Copy this prompt:

“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.”

📌 Why this matters:
People don’t buy “photography.” They buy results. This helps you frame your services around what your client truly values.

Step 4: Set the Tone for Strategy

Tell ChatGPT exactly how you plan to use it. Copy this 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.”

📌 Why this matters:
This shifts ChatGPT from “random assistant” mode into “dedicated strategist” mode. That’s where the real magic happens.

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✍️ Set Custom Instructions (Optional, but Powerful)

If you’re using ChatGPT Pro, you have access to something called Custom Instructions—and this is where you can lock in your tone, voice, and how ChatGPT responds to you every time you chat.

Think of it as setting the “vibe” for your assistant—so even if you forget to paste your setup prompt, the way it speaks still sounds like you.

Here’s how to fill it out:

Go to:
→ Click your name (bottom left corner)
→ Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions

You’ll see two questions:

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

Paste something like:

"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?

Paste something like:

"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."

Should I Fill Out Custom Instructions If I Use Memory?

Yes—do both.

Custom Instructions tell ChatGPT how to speak to you (tone, formatting, etc.).
Memory stores your business info (like your niche, goals, dream clients).

Set the instructions once.
Feed the memory over time.

That way, you get replies that are not only smart—but sound like you.

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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.

Final Words: The Smarter Way to Use AI

Don’t skip the setup.
It only takes a few minutes—but it turns ChatGPT into your personal brand strategist.

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

Once you’ve got your business context locked in, you're ready for the next step.

➡️ Read: 11 ChatGPT Prompts to Help Photographers Attract Their Dream Clients on Social Media

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