7 Productive Things Female Photographers Can Do When Bookings Are Slow

As a female photographer, you might have experienced the ebb and flow of the business. There are times when your calendar is packed (and if you aren’t there yet, do not worry and please don’t give up), and then there are periods when bookings slow down. While it can be frustrating to have gaps in your schedule, these moments present a golden opportunity to invest in your growth, creativity, and business. Here are seven productive things you as a female photographer can do during those slower periods to turn downtime into an advantage.

1. Update Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your visual resume, showcasing your best work to potential clients. When bookings are slow, take the time to refresh your portfolio. Review your recent shoots and select images that highlight your evolving style and skill set. Consider whether your portfolio accurately reflects the type of work you want to attract. If not, curate it to align with your goals. Don’t forget to update the galleries on your website and your social media profiles - consistency is key to making a strong impression.

2. Connect with Fellow Businesswomen

Networking is a powerful tool, especially for female entrepreneurs. Use this time to connect with other women in business, whether they’re photographers, creatives, or professionals in complementary fields. Attend local networking events, join online communities, or simply reach out to someone you admire for a coffee chat. These connections can lead to collaborations, referrals, and valuable insights that can help you grow your business.

3. Do Creative, Fun Shoots

When client work slows down, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in creative projects that ignite your passion. Plan a fun, personal shoot where you can experiment with new techniques, concepts, or locations. Not only will this keep your creative juices flowing, but it will also add fresh, unique content to your portfolio. Plus, these shoots often attract attention on social media, helping to keep your work visible even during quieter times.

4. Write SEO-Focused Blog Posts

Blogging is a great way to keep your website active and boost your SEO rankings (this is one of the reasons I utilise this platform to get my content in front of the right audience). Use this time to write blog posts that target keywords relevant to your business. For example, if you specialise in maternity photography, write about "How to Prepare for a Maternity Photoshoot" or "Top Locations for Maternity Photography in [Your City]." Not only does this establish you as an expert in your field, but it also helps potential clients find you more easily online.

5. Offer Mini-Sessions or Special Promotions

If bookings are slow, consider offering mini-sessions or special promotions to attract clients. Mini-sessions are shorter, lower-cost photo shoots that can appeal to clients who may not be ready to invest in a full session. You can also create limited-time offers, such as a discount on bookings for a specific type of shoot. These strategies can help fill your calendar while introducing new clients to your work.

6. Learn Something New

Slow periods are the perfect time to invest in your education. Whether it’s learning a new photography technique, mastering editing software, or diving into business skills like marketing or finance, there’s always room for growth. Consider enrolling in an online course, attending a workshop, or even reading books that inspire and educate you. The more you know, the more you can offer your clients, and the better prepared you’ll be when bookings pick up again. On this note: The Empowered Woman Photography Course will open it’s doors for the last time on the 19.09.2024, for a limited amount of students - will you be one of them?

7. Organise and Backup Your Files

It’s easy to let file management slide when you’re busy, but slow periods are a great time to get organised. Review your digital files, delete duplicates, and ensure that your photos are properly labelled and stored. Most importantly, make sure your work is backed up. Invest in an external hard drive or a cloud-based backup system to protect your files. A well-organised, secure archive of your work will save you time and stress down the road.

And another thing I really want to emphasise here is, when business is slow take it as a reminder to slow down too, invest into your self-care, go for long walks, go to the gym. Being a photographer means you put other people in front of you (lol no pun intended) which makes it even more important to pour love back into yourself. You might have heard me say it before but I will say it again: you can not pour from an empty cup. 

Embrace the Downtime

Slow periods in your photography business don’t have to be a source of stress. Instead, view them as an opportunity to invest in your growth, creativity, and business. By updating your portfolio, connecting with other women in business, indulging in creative shoots, and taking care of the other tasks on this list, you’ll be better prepared for the busy times ahead. Remember, every step you take during the slow season is an investment in your future success, don’t give up hope, I promise you we will get there, together.