If you’re a photographer, you know that photography bookings during booking season can make or break your year. This is the time when clients are actively inquiring, booking dates, and planning their upcoming weddings, portraits, or branding sessions. But it can also bring a lot of stress and uncertainty—especially when you start wondering:

“What if this is the year no one hires me?”

First, let’s take a deep breath. There is still plenty of time to book your dream clients. You don’t need to panic and fill your calendar with low-paying or uninspiring work just to feel “secure.” Instead, let’s focus on 9 powerful ways to boost your visibility, attract inquiries, and fill your calendar with clients you love.

By applying these strategies, you’ll set yourself up for success so that next year, you won’t be stressing out during slow months. Ready? Let’s go!

9 Ways to Get More Photography Bookings During Booking Season

1. Collaborate with Local Blogs, Instagram Accounts & Events

One of the biggest mistakes photographers make? Only focusing on their own Instagram or website for marketing. Instead, look for collaboration opportunities with brands, businesses, and influencers who already have your ideal clients in their audience.

Ways to Collaborate:

• Partner with venues, dress shops, florists, and hair/makeup artists to create styled shoots or shared content.
• Get featured on local wedding or parenting blogs that your clients are already reading.
• Offer to shoot events or pop-ups that align with your brand (like bridal fairs or networking events).

Start making a list of potential collaborators, and reach out with a thoughtful pitch that benefits both of you!

2. Send Galleries to Vendors & Follow Up with Gratitude

Every wedding or shoot is a team effort. And yet, so many photographers forget to share their images with the vendors who made it all possible!

Action Steps:

• Send galleries to vendors, venues, and designers as soon as possible.
• Follow up with a thank-you note or text to show appreciation.
• Tag vendors in your social media posts to encourage them to reshare your work.

Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on the obvious vendors—think about the dress designers, stationers, musicians, or event planners who might also love to share your images!

3. Create an Instagram Stories Highlight for Your Portfolio & Booking Info

Your Instagram should guide potential clients through the booking process. One of the best ways to do this? A well-organized Stories Highlight with:

• Your best portfolio images
• Links to your website & blog posts
• Booking availability & pricing info
• Testimonials from happy clients

Make it super easy for people to see your work and inquire in just a few taps!

4. Share Anniversary & Celebration Posts

Bringing back past client work is a great way to increase visibility and remind people to book you.

Ideas for Celebration Posts:

• Wedding anniversaries (tag your past couples!)
• Business launches or rebrands (for branding clients)
• First birthdays or maternity milestones (for family photographers)

Tagging past clients often encourages resharing, putting your work in front of new potential clients.

5. Use Social Proof with Booking Announcements

People are more likely to book when they see others booking you. This is called social proof—a psychological principle that builds trust and urgency.

How to Do This:

• Post when new clients book: “Excited to capture [client’s name] wedding at [venue] next fall!”
• Share behind-the-scenes: “Just had an amazing consult with a couple planning a vineyard wedding—can’t wait to work together!”
• Show availability updates: “Only two spots left for March weddings—grab yours before they’re gone!”

The key? Keep it authentic and celebratory—no pressure sales tactics needed!

6. Write SEO-Friendly Blog Posts That Attract Ideal Clients

Blogging might feel old school, but it’s still a powerful way to drive inquiries—especially when optimized for SEO.

Blog Topic Ideas:

• “Top 5 Wedding Venues in [Your City]”
• “What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot”
• “How to Plan a Stress-Free Branding Session”

Google and Pinterest are search engines—meaning your blog posts can attract clients long after you publish them. (We recommend Sarah Does SEO to help with all of your SEO needs!)

7. Reconnect with Industry Friends & Build Referral Networks

Feeling anxious about bookings? Instead of panicking, lean into your community.

Ways to Build Referral Networks:

• Check in with fellow photographers and vendors—see how you can support each other.
• Set up a referral system with industry peers: “If I’m booked, I’ll send leads your way, and vice versa.”
• Offer second shooting or assisting opportunities if you’re in a slow season.

Photographers who work together book more than those who isolate themselves.

8. Share Your Availability & Booking Calendar

People won’t know you’re available unless you tell them. Create a sense of urgency and clarity by:

• Posting your open dates for mini sessions, weddings, or travel sessions.
• Updating your website & social media with availability reminders.
• Sharing a visual booking calendar with “booked” and “open” slots.

This makes it easy for clients to take action and book before spots fill up.

9. Clarify Your Unique Selling Point (USP)

What makes you different from every other photographer? If you can’t answer this, it’s time to get clear on your unique value.

Ask Yourself:

• What do my favorite clients say they love about working with me?
• What part of photography lights me up the most?
• What’s one specific experience or skill that makes me stand out?

For example, I realized my wedding clients loved that I capture epic reception moments—so I started highlighting that in my messaging. What’s YOUR thing? Find it, talk about it, and attract the right clients.

Final Thoughts: Stay Focused & Stay Visible

The biggest takeaway? Don’t panic, don’t undercharge, and don’t disappear.

Your game plan for booking season:
✔ Show up consistently (social proof, collaborations, blogs, and vendor connections)
✔ Make it easy for people to inquire and book
✔ Hold your pricing and value—don’t book from fear!

And if you want extra support this booking season, I’d love to help! Inside Dangerous Creatives , we help photographers book higher-paying clients, improve visibility, and create a sustainable business.

DM me on Instagram (@kristinsweeting) or apply for coaching today!