In the world of wedding photography, hitting a rough patch can feel like you’re stuck in quicksand. The more you search for the answer, the deeper you sink. But what if the key to breaking free isn’t ‘push harder,’ but to pause, reassess, and strategically adjust your approach? Here’s how to pivot when your current strategies aren’t bringing in the clients or the revenue you’ve been hoping for.
But First, Let’s Not Get Insane
Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This needs to be your motto right now. If you’ve been fighting to find a way to grow your photography business but nothing is working, you won’t find the answer doing the same old tricks you’ve tried. If your business is stagnating, it’s time for a change. I want to help you get there. But first…you have to be open to chucking old habits and plans out the window.
1. Conduct a Business-Wide Audit
Every aspect of your online presence, from your Instagram feed to the functionality of your contact form, needs to work seamlessly. I’m proof that a glitch can result in a significant loss of your money. Last year, I noticed my social media leads were drying up. After lots of digging, we found that my Instagram had not been pushing posts to Facebook for months – months – because I had been posting all Reels. (And fun fact, Reels don’t auto-push from Instagram to Facebook…) Thankfully we caught it, which is why I am a believer in “audit everything” when leads aren’t coming in.
2. Reconnect with Your Network
The relationships you’ve built with planners, venues, and fellow photographers are invaluable. However, they require maintenance. A simple follow-up or an email asking if they need updated marketing materials can remind people you’re available. Don’t underestimate the power of a personal touch. Invite your favorite planner out to lunch. Send a thank you card for the last referral you received. The little things add up to create a stand-out brand people want to send business to.
3. Trim Up Your Expenses
Hang in there, this one hurts. It’s easy to get caught up in business subscriptions or overhead in the hopes of enhancing your business. However, if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself hemorrhaging money on subscriptions that add little to no value to you. Take a hard look at your expenses and cut back on redundancies, especially if you’re juggling multiple services that serve the same purpose. Have a studio you only use twice a month? Ask yourself if you need it. Find that you’re paying for two AI editing software? Ditch the one you don’t like as much. It’s not fun to scale back your finances, but a lean business is an open business. And when you’re dealing with slow bookings, every bit of money saved helps.
4. Adjust Your Mindset
The psychological aspect of entrepreneurship is a crazy roller coaster. Feeling defeated after pouring your heart and soul into your business without seeing the desired results is natural. However, the key to resilience lies in maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on the future. This is where seeking external support can be helpful. Seek out a mentor who has been in your shoes and overcome. Business is full of ups and downs. The goal is to not get caught up in the little snags. If you feel like you need help finding the missing piece or getting out of your head, there’s no shame in asking for help.
Try 1:1 Business Coaching
Feeling stuck in your photography business is a signal to seek guidance, and that’s where 1:1 coaching can make a big difference. Working with a business coach who is also a (currently practicing) multi-six-figure wedding photographer offers insights and strategies tailored to your unique challenges. It’s not just about improving your business practices. It’s about elevating your mindset and setting your sights on higher goals. My background going from running a top Jacksonville physical therapy office to a wedding photographer was full of ups and downs. Thankfully, those have equipped me with a unique ability to guide you through your own journey. Together, we can work on up-leveling your client list and conquering those mental hurdles that have been holding you back.
If you’re ready to take your wedding photography business from surviving to thriving, consider the impact that 1:1 coaching could have. Let’s turn those obstacles into stepping stones towards success. Learn more about my one-time sessions and one-day sessions here.
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