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162. What to Do When Bookings Are Low (& You’re Feeling Defeated)
Running a photography business—like any creative venture—comes with natural highs and lows. Slow seasons can feel discouraging, but they’re completely normal, and you’re not alone in experiencing them. Instead of seeing these quiet periods as setbacks, use them as an opportunity to strengthen and refine your business.
Embrace the Natural Cycles of Business
Just like nature has its seasons, so does your business. Most photographers go through cycles of busy and slow periods. Rather than stressing over fewer bookings, shift your perspective—this is your chance to reflect, adjust, and prepare for what’s next.
Use the Time for Meaningful Work
A slow season is the perfect time to focus on the areas of your business that often get pushed aside. Refresh your website, update your portfolio, or fine-tune your social media presence. Look through past work—share behind-the-scenes moments or client stories that your audience may have missed. Reach out to past clients for testimonials and showcase their words to build credibility.
Explore New Collaborations
Teaming up with other creatives can open new doors and reignite your inspiration. Whether it’s working on a styled shoot with another photographer, partnering with a local business, or attending industry events, collaboration brings fresh energy to your work. Sometimes stepping outside your usual routine is all it takes to see things in a new light.
Stay Consistent and Plan for Growth
Staying focused during slower times builds long-term resilience. Use this period to refine your marketing strategies, improve your client experience, and set up better workflows. The systems you put in place now will help you stay organized and in control when things pick up again.
Mindset Matters
Your mindset is one of the most powerful tools in your business. Avoid comparing your journey to others—focus on your own growth and what makes your work unique. If slow seasons create financial stress, plan ahead by setting aside a buffer to help you navigate these periods with confidence. A sustainable business isn’t just about income; it’s about long-term stability.
Take Small, Intentional Steps
What’s one thing you can do today to strengthen your business? Whether it’s reaching out to a fellow photographer for a collaboration, engaging more consistently on social media, or improving your client process, small actions lead to big results over time.
The slower seasons don’t define your success as a photographer. Instead, they offer you space to refine, strategize, and build a business that supports both your creativity and your financial goals. If you need guidance along the way, I’m here to help you navigate the ups and downs with clarity and confidence.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
hi, I’m ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
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