How to Set Your Photography Business up for Success in the Off-Season
The off-season might mean fewer shoots on your calendar, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hit pause on your business. In fact, this is the perfect time to get ahead, fine-tune your workflow, and set yourself up for an even better busy season. Instead of just waiting for inquiries to roll in, here are some ways you can use this downtime to grow, refine, and prepare for what’s next:
Give Your Portfolio & Website a Refresh
When’s the last time you updated your website? If it’s been a while, now’s the time! Your portfolio is one of the first things potential clients see, so make sure it truly reflects your best work and current style.
Action Steps:
✔ Swap out old images for fresh, standout shots
✔ Update your “About” page and refresh any outdated info
✔ Double-check that your pricing and services are accurate
Revisit Your Pricing & Packages
A slower season is the best time to take a hard look at your pricing. Are you charging enough to cover your costs and make a profit? Have your expenses changed? Pricing isn’t just about what feels comfortable—it’s about making sure your business is sustainable.
Action Steps:
✔ Review your past season’s income and expenses
✔ Adjust pricing if needed (and don’t be afraid to raise your rates!)
✔ Update your pricing guide so everything is ready to go
Organize Your Client Management System
If your inbox is a mess and you’re constantly searching for contracts and invoices, it’s time for a little cleanup. Whether you use HoneyBook, Dubsado, or something else, getting organized now will save you so much stress later.
Action Steps:
✔ Archive old projects and inquiries
✔ Refresh your email templates and workflows
✔ Automate as much as possible to make life easier
Update Your Client Guides & Contracts
Your client experience is everything, and having solid guides in place makes a huge difference. If you haven’t updated your welcome guide, wedding guide, or contracts in a while, now’s the time!
Action Steps:
✔ Refresh your client guides with updated info and images
✔ Make sure your contracts reflect any new policies or services
✔ Consider adding FAQs to streamline client communication
To make this even easier, check out my template shop for ready-made templates—just drag and drop your images and text, and you’re good to go!
Batch Content for the Busy Season
When you’re slammed with sessions, marketing tends to fall to the bottom of the list. Save yourself the stress and prep ahead of time by batching your social media posts, blogs, and email newsletters now. Your future self will thank you!
Action Steps:
✔ Write and schedule blog posts in advance
✔ Batch-create Instagram posts, captions, and reels
✔ Plan and schedule email newsletters to keep in touch with clients
Invest in Education & Growth
A slower season is a great time to work on your business instead of just in it. Whether it’s learning new editing techniques, improving your posing skills, or diving into the business side of things, investing in education can be a game-changer.
Action Steps:
✔ Take an online course or join a workshop (My faves: Basecamp by Dawn Photo or Rise Photo Academy by Dawn Charles)
✔ Seek mentorship or coaching from a photographer you admire
✔ Read up on business and marketing strategies to level up your brand (My fave podcast: The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher)
I also offer photography business coaching through The Photography Intensive, where I provide personalized guidance to help you build a thriving business. If you're looking for one-on-one support, learn more and book a coaching session here!
Streamline Your Workflow
Think about the areas in your business that slow you down. Whether it’s editing, communication, or delivering galleries, the off-season is the perfect time to make improvements.
Action Steps:
✔ Organize your editing workflow
✔ Improve response time by using email templates
✔ Use a project management tool to keep track of tasks (Save 30% on your first year of Honeybook here!)
Shoot for Yourself & Get Creative
When was the last time you picked up your camera just for fun? Personal projects keep your creativity alive and can even lead to new opportunities.
Action Steps:
✔ Plan a creative shoot just for yourself
✔ Collaborate with other vendors or creatives to help build your portfolio
✔ Try out new techniques, styles, or locations
Believe me, after a busy photography season, the last thing on your mind is working on the inside of your business. While it's okay to take some time off—in fact, it's encouraged—come back when you're ready and get your business set up again. Instead of seeing the off-season as a slow period, think of it as your chance to get ahead. By updating your website and guides, refining your systems, and investing in your growth, you’ll step into the next busy season feeling prepared and confident. Each year is a new opportunity to grow, refine your business, and elevate your client experience!