• Busy now? That’s exactly why you need to think ahead. The best time to prep for a strong slow season is right now, not when your calendar dries up.
• Client experience = future bookings. Little touches like same-day slideshows, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes content lead to referrals, word-of-mouth, and more re-bookings.
• Stay top-of-mind online. Use tools AI to automate social media and keep your brand active even when you're off editing or shooting.
• Simple habits, big impact. Weekly networking lunches, positivity in your messaging, and team-driven content creation all help build long-term sustainability — with minimal effort.

You've heard the saying “fight or flight”, right?

Similar (and perhaps related) is the other popular saying “when it rains it pours”.

As a photographer, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you're like most photographers, you're probably smack-dab in the middle of the busy season right now. No matter what you photograph, right now is likely the time-of-the-year when you are most booked.

And … when you're not shooting, your day is filled with culling, retouching, designing albums, sorting out print orders, emailing clients, and so on. You're focused on the here and now; you only really care about what you need to get done today and this week.

What you have going on in 3 months from now is probably the farthest thing from your mind. And 6 months from now? Yeah right! That's a pipe-dream. You're just trying to survive busy season!

But … do you know the best time to guarantee growth in 6 months? Today.

There's a popular Chinese proverb that says:

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
Chinese Proverb

Chinese Proverb

Basically in the context of the conversation here today, this means that if you want success and growth in the future, the best time to act is now.

I know, you're probably saying "but Bryan, you just acknowledged how busy I am right now, how am I supposed to think about success and growth in the slow season when I'm here, right now, in the busy season?"

My rebuttal is that you don't have a choice.

If you want sustainability and constant growth, you have to be constantly moving and thinking. You have to always keep the future top-of-mind. If you wait until the slow season to start drumming up business or act on new promotions and plans, it's too late. You must act now.

This doesn’t mean you have to stop shooting now in the busy season to plan out promotions for the off-season. It just means you need to get the wheels in motion sooner than later, and you need to do things now that will get you on the right foot come off-season.

Here are 7 ideas that you can implement right now!

These ideas take next to no time now, but will garner great results in the long-term.

1. Talk about how happy you are

Don’t talk about how busy you are, talk about how happy you are.

People (your clients and your potential clients) pick up on subtle social cues. If you're constantly complaining about how busy you are or making it seem like you’re drowning, you’ll turn them off.

They’ll subconsciously make the connection to booking you equals making you busy equals making you unhappy. Stay positive. Being busy and booked is a good thing, remember!

2. Focus on the experience

Make people happy and focus on the experience.

You'll get more word-of-mouth and repeat business by having happy clients than anything else you can do in your business. Always focus on giving a great experience to your clients if you want them to refer you and come back in the future.

3. Do same-day slideshows

If you’re a wedding photographer, do same-day slideshows.

This has been something I've done for almost every single wedding I've ever photographed, and it’s been one of the most effective forms of word-of-mouth and marketing that I’ve done.

Do them for every wedding from now on and you’ll fill up your calendar next year before you know it.

4. "Sneak peeks"

Post sneak peeks on Instagram Stories or Reels while your client is still on a high. Capitalizing on the emotional high will keep the energy up and they're much more likely to share the sneak peeks (therefore increasing word-of-mouth).

5. Use AI-scheduling tools to stay relevant

Use AI powered tools like Later, Metricool, or Planoly to keep a steady stream of content and images in your social stream. This will keep you top-of-mind and relevant even when you're busy doing other things.

6. Get lunch

Dedicate 1 day per week to have a networking lunch with someone. Everyone has to eat, so might as well make it productive.

7. Tell a story

Clients want transparency and storytelling. Have your assistant or 2nd shooter take behind-the-scenes photos while you're shooting. This will give you more content to share and will give a much more human touch to the experience you give.

There's so much more that you could do (and so much more I could write about), but these will get you going in the right direction. They all require very little work now, but will give you a great payoff in the future.

Plant those seeds now and you'll eventually grow trees. You'll thank yourself.

The post What This Chinese Proverb Can Teach Photographers About Growing Their Business in 2025 appeared first on Sprout Studio.

• Embrace Digital Demand: In today's digital-first world, clients often seek digital files for sharing on social media, personal archiving, and creating custom products. Offering digital files meets these expectations and enhances client satisfaction.
• Flexible Pricing Models: Photographers can adopt various pricing strategies for digital files, including selling individual images, offering bulk discounts, bundling with packages, or including them with specific products. This flexibility caters to diverse client needs and maximizes revenue.
• Balance Prints and Digitals: While digital files are in demand, emphasizing the value of printed heirloom products ensures clients appreciate the tangible aspects of photography. Combining both offerings provides a comprehensive client experience.
• Educate and Set Expectations: Clearly communicating the benefits and pricing of digital files helps manage client expectations, reduces objections, and positions the photographer as a professional who understands modern client desires.

Are you struggling with how to price your digital files as a photographer?

Are you trying to balance offering digital files and printed heirloom products for your clients?

In today’s digital-first world, you must adapt to the growing demand for digital files. Yes, you know that most clients will be well-served with heirloom printed products to enjoy in their homes, but they still start by asking about digital files. So, how do you answer?

Why you should be offering digital files to your clients

There are plenty of good reasons why a client may want digital files.

• Backdrops or screen savers on phones or other devices
• Sharing on social media
• Digital frames and TVs
• Personal archives and backups
• Custom (or quirky) products and print orders (i.e. tote bags, pillows, etc.)
• Convenience and accessibility

Digital images are a part of our lives, so you shouldn’t gatekeep them from your clients. Instead, consider offering them as an upgrade or purchase or including them when your clients order printed products. That way, you’ll have the best of both worlds!

4 pricing models for your digital files as a photographer

There are 4 pricing models for how to price your digital files as a photographer. They are:

1. Single digital files
2. Bulk digital files
3. Included in packages
4. Included with specific products

Here’s a quick walkthrough of each and an answer to the question, “Do you sell digital files?”

Selling single digital files

Single digital files are sold individually, perfect for clients who want just a few select images. This model is ideal for clients who may want to purchase a couple of standout photos from their session. When asked, you can say, “Each digital file is priced at $X, giving you the flexibility to choose exactly which images you want.”

Selling bulk digital files

Bulk digital files offer clients a discounted rate when purchasing multiple images at once. This is a great option for clients who want a broader collection of their photos. When clients ask, you can explain, “You can buy 10 digital files for $X or get all the images from your session for $Y, offering you the best value.”

Selling digital files as a part of a package

Including digital files in your packages means they come as part of the overall service. This approach is suitable for creating comprehensive offerings that cover all client needs. When queried, you can state, “Digital files are included in our premium packages, which start at $X, ensuring you get everything you need in one package.”

Including digital files with specific products

Offering digital files with specific products, such as prints over a certain size or albums, provides added value and encourages product purchases. This method works well for upselling and enhancing the client experience. When asked, you can reply, “When you purchase an album or a print collection starting at $X, you’ll receive the corresponding digital files at no additional cost.”

How to calculate your digital file prices

Whenever you think about how you want to price anything in your photography business, it’s important that you consider your market, clientele, and costs (or opportunity cost in the case of digital files).

Specifically, when it comes to pricing your digital files, consider the following:

• Cost of goods sold (COGS): Even if digital files don't have direct costs like prints, factor in your editing time, software costs, and digital storage.
• Market rate: Research what other photographers in your niche charge for similar offerings.
• Value perception: Price digital files in a way that reflects their value and encourages print sales, possibly pricing them higher than smaller print products to promote physical purchases.
• Opportunity cost: When you sell a digital file by itself, the chance of you also selling a print of that image decreases, so selling the digital file has an opportunity cost associated with it.

How to implement your digital file pricing strategy

Once you’ve defined your pricing strategy for digital files, implementing it efficiently is important.

Sprout Studio is a great way to do that because it helps you be organized, efficient, consistent and professional throughout your entire client experience.

Here are the 5 steps to follow to set up a successful digital file sales system in Sprout Studio:

1. Setup your price list
2. Choose how your clients can pay you (Sprout integrates with Stripe, Square, PayPal)
3. Upload and send your client their Gallery
4. Turn on automatic watermarks on your Gallery
5. Let your clients purchase digital files and automatically download them watermark-free

Of course, the best part about Sprout Studio being an all-in-one system is that it also has tools like email marketing built in. You can create email marketing campaigns within Sprout to promote special offers on digital files or to educate clients about the value of combined digital and print purchases.

If you’re not familiar with Sprout Studio, it’s an all-in-one system for photographers which gives you all the tools you need to run your business in one place:

• CRM - Get organized, save time and deliver a remarkable experience.
• Invoicing - Simplify and automate how your clients pay you.
• Contracts - Easily sign legal contracts with your clients with ease.
• Bookings - Book your clients while you sleep and even allow them to self-book sessions!
• Scheduling - Schedule meetings and sessions without the back-and-forth.
• Questionnaires - Ask your clients questions, get feedback, be better prepared
• Galleries - Beautifully show, share and sell your photos with clients.
• Email marketing - Design stunning emails and effortlessly create email campaigns.
• Album proofing - Get feedback and collaborate with clients on album designs.
• AI - The power of AI built into Sprout - write emails, create questionnaires and more!
• Reports and analytics - Learn more about your business health and analyze your growth.

Watch a free demo here and learn more here.

You may also be interested in reading our article about the top 6 CRM features every photographer needs or the 5 mistakes photographers make when choosing or switching their CRM.

Sprout Studio has a free 14-day trial to help you determine whether Sprout is a good fit for you.

Luckily - getting set up in Sprout is easy. We even have an article about how to set up and transition to Sprout Studio as your photography CRM.

You see, navigating the pricing of digital files doesn’t have to be daunting.

By understanding your market, aligning pricing strategies with client expectations, and utilizing Sprout Studio's robust features, you can create a profitable and sustainable approach to selling digital files.

The post How to price your digital files as a wedding and portrait photographer appeared first on Sprout Studio.

Being a photographer today can sometimes feel like being a grain of sand on a crowded beach.

How do you stand out?

Well – you can cut through the noise.

See, most photographers do the same thing, so it’s no wonder they blend in with each other. But they’re not the ones reading this email. They haven’t raised their hand to learn how to be strategic about their positioning.

They’re on autopilot. Not you, though. That’s why you’re destined for greatness.

You’ll learn the 5 brand differentiators and how to craft a client-focused value proposition.

Be consistent – Stop chasing every shiny trend. Be a rock of consistency instead with an established, unique style and approach. Let your clients know you’re solid – every time.

Talk their language – Stop speaking at your clients; talk to them! Create a sense of connection and understanding, and they’ll feel like you’re able to “get” them better than anyone else.

Unleash your unique spark – Learn to answer the question “What makes me different?” in just 3 sentences and then put that everywhere.

The power of happy clients – Chat with your top 5 clients and find out their worries, how you made magic happen, and what they loved most. Then share their stories like confetti everywhere!

People skills that rock – Have you read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie? If not, dive in! Learn to build rapport and connections like a pro.

Links and resources

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post How to be magnetic to new clients and stand out as a photographer appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 488 of the Business of Photography Podcast, Bryan guides you through the nuts and bolts of building and launching a successful promotion.

You’ll learn:

• How to build a meaningful, timely promotion
• How to choose the right market
• How to select and use the appropriate communication channel
• How to develop monetization strategies that speak to your audience
• How to plan and execute your promotion using Sprout Studio

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post The 6 phases of a massively successful campaign launch appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 487 of the Business of Photography Podcast, you'll dive into mastering the art of promoting your photography and proactive campaign planning. Bryan introduces the Proactive Promotions framework, which consists of six essential steps to help photographers master the art of promoting their photography and create effective marketing campaigns.

You’ll learn:

• How to define your goals and target audience
• How to research and understand your market
• How to plan your marketing calendar
• How to implement engaging marketing strategies
• How to track and analyze your results
• How to refine and adapt your strategy

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post Mastering the art of promoting your photography and proactive campaign planning appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 486 of the Business of Photography Podcast, we'll uncover how to confidently build a successful photography business using data. Join host Bryan Caporicci, as he discusses the three key performance indicators that every photographer should track, along with valuable insights on how to optimize your business strategies for long-term success. Tune in to gain the clarity and actionable insights you need to take your photography business to new heights.

You’ll learn:

• The importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)
• How to focus on the metrics that actually matter and avoid tracking unnecessary numbers
• The benefits of using tools like Google Analytics and CRM for tracking and analyzing data
• How to make informed business decisions based on historical data and insights gained from metrics

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post How to Build a Thriving Photography Business With The Power of Data-Driven Insights appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 485 of the Business of Photography Podcast, you’ll learn how to map out a series of personalized and timely follow-up actions, photographers can ensure consistent communication with potential clients, increasing the chances of conversion and minimizing missed opportunities. Mapping out the client journey is crucial for photographers to manage inquiries effectively.

You’ll learn:

• The 6 reasons clients ghost you
• 6 best practices for effective inquiry follow-ups
• The art of the follow-up
• Mastering the 5 types of follow-ups for booking more clients
• How to supercharge your workflow with Sprout Studio and automate your follow-up sequence

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post No more ghosting – how to follow-up inquiries in your photography business appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 484 of the Business of Photography Podcast, Bryan delves into unlocking the power of email templates, streamlining your client communication, and saving valuable time. Being a successful photographer is 80% business and 20% photography, so streamlining processes is essential for photographers to save time and focus on their passion for photography. 

You’ll learn:

• 5 risks in manually composing emails from scratch each time
• 4 rules to email that enhance client satisfaction and trust
• How to write templates using the 3 C's framework

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post A photographer’s secret weapon – unlock the power of email templates appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 483 of the Business of Photography Podcast, you’ll learn how to automate certain aspects of your photography business to alleviate the constant struggle between creativity and business. By embracing automation, you can reclaim time and mental energy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your artistic pursuits and rediscover the passion that initially drove you to become a photographer.

You’ll learn:

• The Momentum Method
• The 4 benefits of automating your photography business
• 14 things you can automate in your photography business TODAY!

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post Photography Business on Autopilot: 14 Immediate Steps to Embrace Automation appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 482 of the Business of Photography Podcast, you’ll learn how to start creating a strong financial strategy. With the right strategies in place, you can ensure that your business is well-positioned to succeed and thrive even during these trying times.

You’ll learn:

• Why unlocking a steady stream of cash flow is vital for photographers
• The hidden value of existing clients vs. new clients
• 5 golden rules for captivating clients with promotional messages
• 6 rapid revenue generation strategies for immediate cash flow

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook
• Full article on GetSproutStudio.com

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post Make Fast Cash as a Photographer with These 6 Easy Strategies appeared first on Sprout Studio.

In episode 481 of the Business of Photography Podcast, you’ll learn how to get feedback from your clients to improve your photography business. Bryan provides practical insights and strategies to level your business up, built on the foundation of client feedback.

You’ll learn:

• The 4 reasons why asking for feedback is so important
• The best 3 ways to ask for feedback
• 6 ways you can set yourself (and your clients) up for success with constructive and celebratory feedback
• A framework (with 6 example questions) for asking specific and open-ended questions

Links and resources:

• Seeds to Success
• Sprout Studio on Instagram
• The Sprout Studio Community on Facebook

This podcast is sponsored by Sprout Studio, the first all-in-one business software made by photographers for photographers. Sprout Studio combines studio management software with online galleries, wall portrait sales tools, design proofing, bookkeeping and more!

Start your free 14-day trial of Sprout Studio today and simplify your photography business, get more done, faster, and give your clients a great experience!

Join the Sprout Studio community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

The post Unlock the secrets to happy clients: The power of asking for feedback appeared first on Sprout Studio.