How is our summer almost over already? In just a few short weeks, many of us will be heading into a photographer’s busiest season – FALL. Headshots, family portraits, senior photos, and holiday sessions, just to name a few. It may seem like we’ve still got some time before the rush starts, but there’s a lot to do before then! 

If you’re wondering how the heck you will be ready for the Fall Photo season, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I have some of the best (and easiest!) tips and tricks you’ll need for months of smooth shooting. Plus, there are some extra goodies for you that could take your business to the next level. Let’s get into it! 

Tip #1: Filling Out Your Calendar 

We all know how tough it can be to do all the things, but if you get your calendar sorted prior to the busy season, it makes a huge difference! Remember this: the first priority is you. 

Fill in all of your personal events, appointments, etc. and keep self care days in mind. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so be sure to keep yours full! A fulfilled and healthy photographer is the best photographer. 

Next, start filling in any sessions that may have been booked early. This will give you a better idea of what your availability is going to look like in the coming weeks and months. 

If needed, pick a handful of days a month that you are unavailable. These are separate from your self care days and more for other photography-related activities: editing, purchasing any necessary supplies and props, location scouting and so on. 

Tip #2: Use an Automated Scheduling Platform 

To help get your calendar in order, I have a special recommendation that will save you time, and maintain your sanity. HoneyBook is the perfect website that ties booking, invoices, payments and more all into one place. You can try it free before starting your subscription, which can cost as little as $10 a month! 

HoneyBook is very user-friendly and has awesome templates. There is also an app, so you can access your account at home and on the go, and even manage ongoing projects! 

As well as using an automated platform, you can also hire a virtual assistant to lighten your workload. For more information on what can be delegated, click here to read my article dedicated to virtual assistants and how they can benefit you and your business.

Tip #3: Scout Out Locations 

There’s three things we love to talk about as photographers: lighting, props, and location! Sometimes, having locations picked out can make the process flow a bit smoother. Clients often don’t have a specific place in mind, aside from a studio, so being able to give them some ideas will really help them (and you) out. 

It’s also a great way to plan a day of back-to-back sessions. Your clients will come to you at the location of your choice. This is perfect for getting a lot of content in a shorter period of time. Just remember to make time for editing in the days and weeks to come! 

Outdoor shoots are extremely popular for the fall season, so scouting out some beautiful places with expansive views, good golden hour lighting, etc. will really help take your busy months to the next level. For more tips on golden hour shoots, check out this article. 

Tip #4: Editing Preferences 

With technology always expanding, there seems to be new editing platforms almost daily. One of the favorites for quick yet amazing editing is Adobe Lightroom. Presets are available everywhere, with thousands of photographers making and selling their own. 

I also have several of my own presets available, and you can find them here. There’s something for every mood, indoor and outdoor. 

All of the options, as well as the tools and how to utilize them, can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. For a deeper dive into the how-tos of the app, you can read this article for all the Lightroom secrets. Their website also has great tutorials for first-time users. 

Tip #5: Connect With Other Photographers 

Even with all of the information that we can find these days, sometimes talking to those that are also going through the same experiences is an even better option. 

Many photographers experience the busy seasons around the same time. Chatting with each other and asking questions can open up different doors than doing online research. 

Having a community of like-minded professionals is so important. If you want to read more about this, I have an article dedicated to the importance of community here. 

To join some amazing photographer communities on Facebook, simply search ‘photography tips and tricks’ and find all sorts of doors to open. You can also find some great communities on Discord and Reddit. Photographers are everywhere!

How Are We Feeling? 

I know it’s a lot, and I know it can feel like too much, but there is so much help available to us. The real work comes from our passion and how we put our knowledge to use. 

If you’re in need of some extra inspiration or tips, check out some of my other work here. I cover everything from boudoir tips, camera settings, lighting recommendations and more. Like I said, there’s endless resources for us. 

I hope this article is helpful in your ventures and your business. May this Fall Season be your best and busiest yet! And remember: YOU are your first priority, so plan accordingly.