How to Survive and Thrive During the Holiday Rush
For professional photographers, the holiday season is our Super Bowl. It's a time of high demand and extra stress, and it can easily lead to burnout. I've seen so many talented photographers struggle with this—some even leaving the industry entirely. It breaks my heart because documenting our clients' lives is what we love, and it shouldn't come at such a high personal cost.
I was determined to find a way to serve my clients at the highest level while maintaining a healthy balance for my own family. I needed a better system that would allow me to do what I love while making the process easy for both me and my clients.
Here are a few tips that helped me thrive during the holiday season, so my business and my family could both flourish.
1. Book Holiday Portraits Early
I'm talking as early as October! After a few seasons of late nights and stressful, last-minute deadlines, I realized I needed to get a jump on the holidays. This gives me enough lead time to provide my clients with the beautiful archival products they expect, without pulling my hair out.
Now, I offer holiday mini and full sessions in October, which leaves November for focusing on order fulfillment. By December, as it should be, I can celebrate with my loved ones. I'm firm on my deadlines and will politely decline last-minute bookings to avoid the chaotic rush. This teaches my clients to plan ahead and allows them to enjoy more options.
2. Do What Makes You Happy
If you love bringing in Santa and using props, do it! If not, don't. The holidays don't mean you have to go against your usual artistic style.
For years, I let others dictate what and how I should photograph. What I learned is that by not taking the lead, I wasn't giving myself the opportunity to offer my unique artistic approach. One of the best tips I can give any photographer who wants to grow is to ask yourself, "What do I love to photograph, and how?" Be specific. Do it. Share it. Become known for it. This will attract clients who share your vision and allow your art to flourish.
3. Create Holiday Collections & Build Excitement
Get your clients excited about getting ahead of the game and having a stress-free holiday. Use your blog and social media to create a buzz. I've even done a fun countdown on my social accounts leading up to the release of my holiday portrait announcement.
Offering a few seasonal collections with your most sought-after holiday services and products makes it easy for clients to choose. Most people want family images for cards and gifts. They often think buying digital files and doing the DIY approach is easier and more affordable, but this usually results in more tasks on their to-do list and mediocre products from consumer labs. Avoid this by offering high-quality, custom cards and archival prints that can be beautifully framed or given as gifts.
4. Offer an À la Carte Menu
Don't assume every client has the same needs or that you have to include everything in your holiday collections. Make it easy by including the two most popular items—cards and prints—in your collections. Then, create an à la carte or add-on menu so clients can purchase other items they want, which also ensures you don't leave money on the table.
When you select unique holiday products, make sure they come from professional labs that only work with photographers. This way, you can stand behind the archival quality of the product, and clients will feel confident they've chosen a special gift that can be cherished for generations to come.
5. Limit Your Mini-Sessions
Mini-sessions are perfect for clients who only want a few great images for cards and gifts. What's worked for me is offering them only once or twice a year, over a single weekend at a location of my choosing. This keeps them exclusive and effective. I never compromise on value, and I won't give away my work. I want my clients to walk away with something special and archival.
I hope these tips encourage you to structure your busy season in a way that blesses your clients, yourself, and your family. If you're a professional photographer or small business owner looking for more guidance, our business coaching sessions can help you create a sustainable and profitable business that works for you.
From my family to yours, I wish all my fellow photographers a prosperous, healthy, and joyous holiday season.
Miranda & Team