If you’re a photographer, you probably know the fall rush is no joke. Between family sessions, mini shoots, newborn bookings, and client emails stacking up—things can go from chill to chaos real quick. That’s why slow seasons like summer (or even January for some) are the perfect time to regroup and prep your business.
In this post, I’m walking you through the five things I’m doing right now to set myself up for a smoother, more aligned, and more enjoyable busy season. These aren’t just random tips—they’re changes I’m making in real-time to shift my business towards what I actually want to be doing (and away from what I don’t).
Read on for more or listen to the Audio Version HERE.
1. Refresh Your Website and Booking Workflow
Let’s be real. For years, I let my website sit there collecting dust. I was using Instagram as my main portfolio and directing clients to Canva links for things like session guides and client closets. The problem? That setup gave me zero Google traction. If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, so would most of my online presence.
What I’m Doing Differently Now:
- Moving all my guides (location, client closet, prep info) from Canva onto my website.
- Embedding my booking calendar directly into my site.
- Blogging again, not just sessions but also helpful tips for SEO and Pinterest traffic.
- Finally listed my business on Google after 13 years of relying on word of mouth and social.
The goal is to stop sending people away from my site and start drawing them in—so they can book, browse, and learn all in one place.
2. Plan Your Content with Purpose
This summer, I decided to really dig into content planning—not just for fun, but to actually fill the sessions I want to shoot.
I asked ChatGPT to help me create a rotating 30-day content calendar to market:
- Newborn and maternity sessions
- Family storytelling sessions
- My Blowing Rock petite sessions
- Educational content for photographers
Here’s What That Looks Like:
- I built a 9-grid content strategy with rotating themes each week.
- Each post idea includes a hook, a caption starter, and even a story prompt to use in IG Stories.
- I’ve created a clear picture of my ideal client (her name is Susie!) so I can tailor all my messaging to speak directly to her.
Now I don’t have to scramble for content ideas. I know exactly what I’m posting, why I’m posting it, and who I’m speaking to.
If you are interested in Growing Your Business on Social Media with the help of ChatGPT, grab my Guide Here with easy copy and paste prompts to plug in and find your brand identity, ideal client, and Instagram Marketing Strategy.
3. Upgrade Your Client Experience
I’ve learned that if something’s always coming up in client emails, it’s worth turning into a resource. So during this slow season, I’ve been building out tools to make the experience smoother—for them and for me.
What’s In My Client Experience Toolkit:
- Location Guide hosted on my website (includes images, pricing info, and tips)
- Client Closet page with outfit ideas and shopping links
- Prep guides for newborn and maternity sessions
- Album ordering guide with pricing, layouts, and FAQs
- FAQ page answering common questions ahead of time
I also updated my intake forms in Acuity to ask things like:
- Preferred location type
- Names and ages of everyone in the session
- Mailing address (for surprise gifts!)
- Prompts they respond to best
This kind of info helps me show up more prepared and tailor the experience without endless back-and-forth emails.
4. Add AI to Your Workflow
AI has been a game-changer for me—especially for editing and content planning.
What I’m Using:
- AfterShoot for AI-powered editing. I’ve trained it with thousands of my photos so it edits in my style. Total lifesaver when I’m slammed. Get 10% off with this link!
- ChatGPT for blog posts, caption ideas, and even writing SEO image metadata for my blog images. (Yes, that’s a thing, and yes, it helps with Google search results.)
Slow season is the best time to test out AI tools and train them. That way, when your calendar gets full, they’re ready to go.
5. Map Out Your Calendar Now
This one’s huge. In the past, I’d overbook myself in the fall and miss out on things I actually wanted to do—like fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and family time. Not anymore.
What I’m Doing:
- Blocking off holidays, school breaks, and non-negotiable family days.
- Pre-scheduling specific dates and times for Blowing Rock petite sessions.
- Adding padding between sessions to avoid burnout.
- Using Acuity so clients can book themselves (no phone calls or email chains).
Being in control of my calendar means being in control of my life. And that’s the kind of business I want to run.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your business in a week. But using your slow season to tackle even just one or two of these things can totally transform how your busy season feels.
Quick Recap: 5 Things to Do in Your Slow Season
- Refresh your website and booking workflow
- Plan your content calendar with purpose
- Upgrade your client experience with helpful resources
- Add AI to your workflow to save time later
- Map out your calendar and protect your time
Your future self will thank you.
If you want a FREE Fall Session Prep checklist, grab it HERE.
