21 Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Photography Business (Part 1)
Getting clients through the door is one of the biggest challenges photographers face—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fill more bookings, the key to success isn’t just taking great photos—it’s knowing how to consistently attract and retain the right clients. In this blog, I’m sharing 21 powerful, proven strategies to help you bring in more bookings, stand out in your market, and build a thriving photography business. If you’re ready to get more eyes on your work, more inquiries in your inbox, and more dream clients on your calendar, let’s get into part 1 of ’21 Ways to attract more clients to your photography business’ — your next big breakthrough could be just one tip away! If you’re looking for part 2 of 21 ways to attract more clients to your photography business, you can find it here.
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Let’s Get Into The First Part of 21 Ways To Attract More Clients To Your Photography Business.
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1. Stop Waiting & Start Talking.
Many photographers think ‘If my work is good, client’s will come’ – I’m sorry to say but thats not correct. You have to tell people you’re open for business. If people don’t know you’re a photography, they can’t hire you. Sounds simple doesn’t it. But, there are so many photographers who don’t actively promote themselves!
So, do these 3 things today and start talking about what an amazing photographer you are and how you can make a difference to your clients:
1. Post on your personal AND business social media that you’re available for bookings.
2. Send a quick message to 3-5 people in your network letting them know you’re taking on new clients.
3. Offer a special limited-time deal for the first 3 bookings.
2. Three Places Your First Clients are Hiding.
You don’t need thousands of followers to book clients! Your first few clients are already in your network. Here’s where to look: Friends & family – Offer portfolio building sessions in exchange for testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals. Local Community Groups – Facebook groups, Nextdoor and small business networking events are goldmines for getting noticed. Set aside a hour per week to post and interact with people in these groups, you’ll be surprised by how much interacting and enquiries you’ll receive. Referrals – Past clients are your best marketers, so ask them for introductions. By creating a simple referral program, example ‘Refer a friendly and BOTH of you get 10% off your next session’ is a win win for everyone:
Your existing client enjoys a discounted photo session, your new client finally finds the photographer they’ve been searching for (with an introductory 10% off), and you benefit from positive reviews, a new booking, and a loyal returning client.
3. Fear of Putting Yourself Out There?
You don’t need to be a marketing genius, you just need confidence. Try these 3 tips to help you push past the fear:
1. Start with small steps – post one ‘behind the scenes’ video today, and plan one every week for the next few months.
2. Shift your mindset – think of marketing as helping people, not selling.
For example, if you’re a brand photographer, think about the challenges your client faces every time they launch a new product. Show them how you can solve those problems and create eye-catching images that stop the scroll and drive sales!
3. Remind yourself – every top photographer in your niche started exactly where you are. If they’ve built a successful business, so can you!
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4. The 30-second Elevator Pitch.
When someone asks, ‘What do you do?’ How do you respond? Try it, set a timer and imagine you’re in a lift and someone has asked you ‘What do you do?’ give them your best 30-second elevator pitch. How did it go?
Was it full of um’s, er’s and mumbles? Did you manage to resonate your unique style or photography service?
Try using this template: I help [WHO] capture [WHAT] through [HOW]. Here’s a couple of examples using this in practice: “I help busy mums capture beautiful, stress-free family memories through relaxed outdoor photo session”, or “I help couples capture the magic of their wedding day through timeless, emotion filled photography”, or “I help entrepreneurs and small businesses capture their brand identity through strategic, eye-catching photography.
5. Instagram is NOT a Portfolio.
Your Instagram is a marketing tool, not just a pretty gallery. Every post, reel & story should speak to your ideal client. Try these 3 highly engaging, out-of-the box content ideas that can be used no matter your niche:
1. “Behind the Shot: The Unexpected Story” – (Storytelling & Engagement). Share a photo with an unexpected backstory – something funny, emotional, or even a challenge you faced while capturing it. Then, ask your audience:“What do you think happened behind the scenes of this shot? Guess in the comments!”
Once people start commenting, reveal the true story in a follow-up post or reel!
Why it works: People love guessing games, and storytelling builds strong emotional connections with your audience.
2. Rate My Edit: Let’s Settle This Debate!” (Interactive + Educational)
Post two (or three) versions of the same image with different edits (e.g., colour vs. black & white, moody vs. bright, natural vs. retouched).
Ask your audience:
“Which edit do you prefer? Drop a 🔥 for A, ❤️ for B, or 💡 for C!”
You could also share your thought process behind each edit in the comments!
Why it works: People love giving opinions, and it subtly shows off your editing skills while sparking discussion.
3. Photography Myths Busted!” (Controversial + Shareable)
Pick 3 common myths in your niche and debunk them with proof!
For example:
“You need an expensive camera to take great photos” – FALSE! (Show an amazing phone photo).
“Clients must buy new outfits for photoshoots” – Nope! (Share styling tips for using what they have).
“Golden hour is the ONLY good time for photos” – Not true! (Show stunning midday light shots).
Ask your audience: “What’s the biggest photography myth you’ve heard? Let’s bust it!”
Why it works: Debunking myths sparks conversation, educates your audience, and positions you as an expert!
6. Trying to Book More Clients But Feeling Stuck?
The problem might be that you’re trying to appeal to everyone – and that’s why you’re getting no-one. A confused client doesn’t book. If your messaging is all over the place, they’ll scroll right past you. You need to get laser-focused on your niches, and then inquiries WILL increase. Most photographers struggle with niching down. If that’s you, try these steps:
1. Identify Your Passion and Strengths. What type of photography excites you the most? Wedding” Branding? Newborns? Pick a niche that aligns with your passion and skillset.
2. Understand Your Ideal Client. Who are they? Where do they hang out? What problems do they need solving? The clearer you are on WHO you serve, the easier it is to market to them.
3. Positions Yourself as the Go-To Expert. Instead of being ‘just another photographer’ become THE expert in your niche. Specialising helps you stand out, attract higher-paying clients, and build authority.
7. STOP! If Your Marketing is All About YOU and Not About Building a Connection, You’re Missing Out On Bookings!
Clients don’t just hire photographers, they hire people they KNOW, LIKE & TRUST. Your potential clients are watching you on your social media platforms, long before they book. You need to give them content that nurtures them over time, so when they’re ready, YOU’RE their first choice. Try these suggestions in your content creation to engage better with your potential customers:
1. Show Your Face & Personality. Clients connect with people, not just pretty photos. Post behind-the-scenes content, introduce yourself, and share why you love photography.
2. Tell Stories That Resonate. Share client experiences, challenges you’ve helped solve, or emotional moments. Your stories should make potential say, “I NEED to book with them!”.
3. Engage & Interact Consistently. Reply to comments, send voice messages in DMs and create content that encourages responses. The more genuine your interactions, the stronger the trust!.
8. Underpricing Your Photography Doesn’t Make You Affordable!
It actually makes clients question your quality! The right clients don’t book you because you’re cheap. They book you because they trust you to deliver incredible results. When you price confidently, you attract people who see the value in your work and you’ll have a thriving business.. Three action steps to take today:
1. Shift Your Mindset: Low prices scream ‘beginner’, or ‘low value’. Confidently charge what your work is worth, and you’ll attract serious clients who respect your expertise.
2. Break Down The Value. Clients aren’t just paying for a session, they’re paying for your experience, skills, editing and time. Show them what goes into your pricing to justify the cost.
3. Set a Pricing Structure with Confidence. Stop guessing! Research your photography industry standards, factor in expenses, and charge a sustainable rate that reflects your worth.
If you’re committed to charging what you’re worth but struggle with creating a pricing structure, then you need to get into my community and we’ll work it through together. You can join my VIP email community here.
9. Your Website vs Social Media.
If you’re relying solely on Instagram or Facebook, you’re leaving money on the table. You need both a website and social media, here’s why.
1. Your Photography Website = Your Home Base. Unlike social media YOU own your website. Its’ where new photography clients can learn about your services, see your photography portfolio, and book you without distractions.
2. Social Media = Visibility & Engagement. Social media channels are great for getting discovered and building connections, but they shouldn’t be your only marketing strategies. What if Instagram shuts down tomorrow?
3. Use Social Media to Drive Website Traffic. Every post should have a purpose. Regularly share your professional website link, blog posts, and services to turn your target audience into booked clients.
A strong website with SEO-optimised content will bring you consistent nquiries, even when you’re not actively posting on you social media accounts.
10. Got Followers But No Bookings?
Remember, followers don’t pay the bills – clients do! Here’s how to turn followers on your social network into paying photography clients.
Your followers need a clear next step to book you. Make the entire process easy with a simple booking system and link your website in your bio. Here’s how …
1. Make it Clear What Your Offer. Your bio should instantly tell people WHO you help & HOW they can book. For example, “Helping busy families capture memories that last forever – Book your session ⬇️”.
2. Post With A Purpose. Not just pretty photos – your content should:
- Answer common client questions;
- Share client testimonials and before/afters;
- Give a clear CTA (“DM me to book!”).
3. Use Stories & DMs to Build Relationships. Engagement = trust = bookings.
- Reply to comments & messages
- Show behind-the-scenes clips & talk about your process.
- Start conversations (without being pushy!)
Think about it this way, if people don’t know HOW to book you, they won’t, so make it EASY! Have a pinned highlight with your pricing and booking info. Include a call-to-action in every post (ex. “Click the link in bio to book your session!”)
11. The #1 Email You Should Send To Past Clients To Get Repeat Bookings!
Many photographers focus so much on attracting new clients that they forget how valuable repeat bookings can be!
If you’re not nurturing your past clients, you’re leaving money on the table.
The easiest way to bring past clients back? A ‘VIP Returning Client Email’. A simple, personalised email reminding them of their last session, showing appreciation, and offering an exclusive incentive to book again.
Try this prompt – “Write a warm, engaging email for a photographer reaching out to past clients to encourage repeat bookings. The tone should be friendly and professional, showing appreciation for their past session.
Include: A personalised greeting and thank-you.A special returning-client incentive (discount, priority booking, or freebie).A clear, inviting call-to-action.
Keep it natural, client-focused, and non-salesy—make them feel valued and excited to book again”.
12. Should Your Be On TikTok As A Photographer?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with contemplating adding another social media into your already full posting schedule, you’re not alone.
Many photographers hesitate to start because they’re unsure if it’s worth the effort, I was exactly the same.
TikTok, however, is a goldmine for photographers who use it strategically. With its huge organic reach, you can attract clients, showcase behind-the-scenes content, and even educate your audience.
You don’t need to dance! Instead try before & after edits; Behind-the-scenes of a shoot; Photography tips for beginners; Client transformations (before vs after your session).
13. How to Use Facebook Groups to Get More Photography Bookings.
Are you struggling to find clients beyond your usual network? Facebook groups are full of potential clients, but many photographers either don’t use them at all or post in a way that gets ignored (or worse—removed!).
The most effective ways are to engage first and build a strong online presence, then promote second. Instead of dropping a sales post and hoping for bookings, become an active member of local groups where your ideal clients hang out. Answer questions, offer advice, and build trust—then subtly mention your services when relevant.
Try this non-salesy approach:
“I saw a few people asking about family photos. As a photographer, I always recommend booking a family session in spring for the best golden-hour light! If anyone has questions about outfits or locations, I’m happy to help!”
I hope you’ve found part 1 of my 21 ways to attract more clients to your photography business useful and full of valuable expert advice.
Don’t forget to download the FREE PDF of all 21 ways to attract more clients to your photography business, you can do so here. When you’re ready, head over to read part 2 of 21 ways to attract more clients to your photography business, you can find it here.
Thanks for reading, and I wish you all the success in your photography business.
Nicky x
