Newborns, Mini Sessions, and Hot Mess Moments – My 2024 Photography Recap

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and gear up for the year ahead. Whether you’re a wedding photographer or specialize in family portraits, or balancing it all while managing a chronic illness, taking a moment to think about what worked (and what didn’t) is the secret to setting yourself up for success in 2025.

Here’s how I’m looking back at 2024, setting goals, and creating workflows that actually support me—and how you can do the same.

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Keep scrolling for show notes, and a full transcript!

2024 in Review: What Worked, What Didn’t

Before diving into new goals, I always like to take an honest look at the past year. Let’s start with the less-than-stellar moments (because, let’s be real, not everything is sunshine and rainbows).

What Didn’t Work in 2024:

1. Newborn Photography: I tried reintroducing newborn sessions after years of not offering them, and guess what? Big nope. My heart wasn’t in it, and it reminded me why I stopped in the first place. Lesson learned: stick to what you love.
2. Email Automation Mishap: I forgot about an automated email series announcing mini sessions. Emails that went out telling people that sessions were open for booking when they actually weren’t. Facepalm moment of the year.
3. Sales Goals: I didn’t hit a single sales goal and eventually just gave myself permission to stop setting them for Q4. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a breather.
4. Overcommitment: Fall was a blur of sensory overload and burnout. That “just push through” mindset didn’t do me any favours and is SUCH a hard cycle to get out of.
5. Digital Planners: I wanted to love my digital planner, but it just wasn’t for me. Turns out, keeping things simple is the way to go. (Shocker!)

What Worked in 2024:

1. HoneyBook Lead Forms: My clients loved how easy it was to book mini sessions, sign contracts, and pay invoices—all seamlessly automated through HoneyBook.
2. Updating Wedding Services: Transitioning to exclusively offering city hall weddings not only brought clarity to my business, but also brought three new bookings within two weeks of updating my website.
3. Editing on My iPad: Lightroom’s cloud-based version made editing on my iPad surprisingly efficient. Who knew? And I’m so thankful because I just do not want to upgrade my otherwise perfectly good computer right now.
4. Carb Loading on Wedding Days: Changing my diet during wedding days drastically improved my energy and recovery time. (Check out Episode 55 of Keeping It Candid for more on this!)
5. Peer Mastermind Group: Starting a mastermind with industry friends filled the gap I felt after stepping away from a formal coaching program and I’ve loved every second of it.

Setting Goals for 2025

Now that I have that insight into 2024, I’m setting realistic and intentional goals for 2025. Here’s how I’m breaking them down:

Sales Goals

For my photography business, my 2025 sales goal is $10,000. It might seem low, but with my systems business taking up more time, this feels doable. To hit this, I’ll need to book:

• 15 portrait sessions, with at least 10 clients purchasing additional files or prints.
• 4 city hall weddings.

Breaking a sales goal into tangible steps makes it feel less overwhelming and gives me a clear roadmap for the year.

Client Experience Goals

This year, I’m saying goodbye to anything that doesn’t bring me joy—starting with newborn sessions. My focus will be on family photos, city hall weddings, and engagement sessions.

I’m also refining my email workflows by:

• Combining my welcome questionnaire and blanket selection questionnaire into one.
• Adding an email dedicated to outlining what happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate, hopefully reducing client confusion along the way.

Personal Growth Goals

2025 is all about leaning into community and celebrating small wins.

• Community Building: I’m continuing my peer mastermind group and ramping up in-person meetups with my local Rising Tide Society chapter.
• Celebrating Wins: I’m bringing back my monthly win tracker—a simple sticky note on my calendar to celebrate progress.
• Cycle Syncing: As someone with endometriosis, I’m focusing on scheduling work around my best energy days to show up for clients at my absolute best.
• Surgery Preparation: With a big surgery coming up, I’m focusing on maintaining a positive mindset and embracing the unknown.

Streamlining Communication and Workflows

A huge focus for 2025 is simplifying my communication and workflows.

Email Updates

I’m combining multiple emails into fewer, more impactful ones. For example, I’m merging questionnaires and streamlining info into clear, concise emails to avoid client confusion.

Leveraging HoneyBook Features

With HoneyBook’s new conditional logic tools rolling out, I’m rebuilding workflows to make them more intuitive and efficient. These updates allow workflows to adapt automatically based on client needs—taking automation to the next level.

Simplifying My Planner Situation

After another failed attempt at using a digital planner, I’m sticking with Asana for all my business organization needs. Asana’s simple, streamlined setup (thanks to a strategy session with my friend Sarahna!) keeps everything on track without the clutter of redundant tools.

Building Flexibility Into 2025

Flexibility is a non-negotiable part of my business. Here’s how I’m making it happen:

• Booking Time Off: I’m blocking out time for vacations and self-care at the start of the year, especially during busy season.
• Buffer Dates: I’m keeping extra days open around mini sessions for weather-related rescheduling, reducing stress for me and my clients.

Ready to Glow Up Your Business?

Reflecting on the past year, setting goals, and updating your systems isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about building a business that supports you. If you’re ready to get your workflows in shape for 2025, I’m here to help!

Check out my services at SimplySandraYvonne.ca for:

• HoneyBook Strategy Sessions: A one-on-one call to troubleshoot your account, refine your workflows, and make sure HoneyBook is working as hard as you are.
• Done-for-You Workflow Builds: I’ll create a complete workflow—including templates—so you can hit the ground running in 2025.

Let’s make this year the one where your business runs smoother than ever—and actually supports the life you want to live.

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Show Notes

Mentioned on today’s episode of Keeping It Candid:

Episode Sponsor: HoneyBook
Get 30% off your first year!

1:1 HoneyBook Strategy Session
Done For You HoneyBook Workflows

Candice Coppola’s YouTube Video about the HoneyBook price increase

Episode of Keeping It Candid where I talk all about carbs – Click Here

The Unfiltered Community – Education & Systems Strategy For Photographers

Chronically Ill, Disabled, & Neurodivergent Photographers

Send me a DM on Instagram!

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Get your wedding business more streamlined 👇🏻

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Other Episodes & Blogs You’ll Love

Wedding Photography Education | Vision Casting For Q1

3 Mistakes To Avoid When Investing In Education & Coaching

Work/Life Balance And Working Abroad with Nova Markina Photography

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TRANSCRIPT

Episode 065

[00:00:00] Sandra: for sales, I have a $10,000 sales goal, and I know that this is going to seem really low, obviously. I am not paying all of my bells with $10,000, but this is just for my photography business. My systems business is taking up a lot more of my time these days.

[00:00:17] So I’m actually going to be running through all of this again, where I’m going to be brainstorming the good and the bad and setting goals and all the things. Totally separately for my assistance business.

[00:00:26] Sandra: Welcome to Keeping It Candid. I’m Sandra Henderson, photographer, system strategist, and here to help you level up your photography business with real strategies that work. If you’re tired of beginner advice and quick fixes that don’t actually solve anything, this is the podcast for you. Each week, we dive into simple, sustainable systems for client workflows, automation, and communication strategies that are designed to keep your business thriving without the burnout.

[00:00:57] Because your business should support you and not the other way around. Whether you’re balancing a chronic illness or just done with the endless hustle, Keeping it Candid is here to help you reclaim your time, work smarter, and focus on what truly matters.

[00:01:11] Sandra: Hello, again, everybody for the very last time in 2024.

[00:01:17] When I come back for a new episode, it’s going to be 20, 25. And that seems so weird to think about.

[00:01:25] I feel like this year. I mean, I feel like we kind of have these feelings at the end of every year, but this year really felt like it went by really quickly. I don’t know. Do you guys feel that way? Let me know what you think.

[00:01:37] ‘ cause that’s the weird thing about time, right? Is that it feels so different for everybody. So if you agree with me and feel like this year went by in the blink of an eye. And want to hear about it, but I also want to hear if this year felt like it really dragged on for you.

[00:01:53] I find things like this to be so interesting. So make sure you come over to my DMS and let’s talk a little bit about how your year has been feeling.

[00:02:02] I’m going to be spending a lot more time in my DMS over the next few weeks, Because I am winding things down over here.

[00:02:08] My last day of work before the holidays is on Monday. They will be popping in once on the 30th to check in on some tasks for one of my VA clients. But other than that, I am off until the new year.

[00:02:21] And for once I am actually really looking forward to the holidays.

[00:02:26] Over the last couple of years, I’ve been on my own personal growth journey, trying to get over my hatred for Christmas. Everybody has always known me as a little bit of a Grinch this time of year or a lot, a bit of a Grinch. Let’s be real. There’s a. Million factors as to why I felt this way about Christmas.

[00:02:47] But thankfully with a little bit of therapy and a whole lot of self work, I have been working on trying to change that.

[00:02:55] So this year, I actually started decorating my house with a little bit of Christmas decorations right after us Thanksgiving. And I have been watching Christmas movies on Netflix and trying to do whatever I can to eliminate the stress that usually comes along with this time of year. And adjusting my plans to be able to see people and visit people but also to put myself on that priority list. So in previous years, my husband and I we’ve been together for about 17 years now. And I’d say about 16 of those years. We have been rotating our Christmases. Aside from the years of the pandemic, when we weren’t really visiting anybody.

[00:03:39] We have rotated our Christmases between spending time with my family one year on Christmas day and spending time with his family one year on Christmas day.

[00:03:47] But in my journey Of trying to learn to love Christmas, or at least just not hate it. One thing I wanted to do was make myself a priority. And so this year, one of my Christmas wishes. Is to do absolutely nothing over the bulk of the Christmas days. My only plans are to be snuggled up on my couch in the comfiest clothes. With some delicious food. Haven’t decided what I’m going to eat yet, but guaranteed, it’s going to be delicious.

[00:04:18] I’ve got some movies that I’m planning on watching, and I’m just planning on having a really low key day.

[00:04:24] We’re going to be spending time with my family, this coming weekend, actually. So doing things before the holidays. And then for my in-laws, my husband and my stepson are actually still going to be going to their festivities on Christmas day. I know, it seems a little crazy that I’m planning on actually staying home and spending some time by myself. But I wasn’t about to make my husband and my stepson stay home because I wanted to have a quiet and relaxing day.

[00:04:55] I personally don’t feel like I’m being left behind. I’m making extra time outside of those days to see family and make sure that I get to spend some time with them over the holidays, but I really just need these days for me this year.

[00:05:11] My husband is struggling with it a little bit. He does feel bad. He does feel like he’s leaving me behind. But I just reminded him and keep reminding him. That this is something that I want, he can think of it as a Christmas gift to me to just let me have this day where I can just relax.

[00:05:30] Next year we will head to my family is on Christmas day again, and the year after we’ll be back with his family.

[00:05:37] And then the year after that, maybe I’ll have another Christmas off. Maybe I’ll change my mind, but for this year, I’ve really just wanted to add a third thing into the mix.

[00:05:46] Plus last year as much fun as I had spending time with everybody. There was more than a few occasions where I got really bad sensory overload. And there are a lot of people over with my in-laws when we’re celebrating Christmas. And I actually started getting dizzy at one point because of all the noise and all the lights and all the things that were happening.

[00:06:07] And so this year I’m going to eliminate that. I’m going to see people on smaller scales and Christmas day. It’s just going to be an afternoon of me, myself and I, and I. I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to it.

[00:06:23] I’ve told all my friends and family members that if anybody wants to join me, they are more than welcome to come hang out at my house and do nothing. But I have a few blackout days where I am not going to be doing any plans. I’m not going to be leaving my house and it’s going to be great.

[00:06:39] And then for new year’s, to be honest. I really am feeling like this is going to be one year where I go to bed early. Don’t try to stay up for that ball drop at midnight. And just end this year on a nice, slow, quiet note.

[00:06:53] One thing that I am going to be doing during all of my time off is actually taking some time to do some goal setting for 2025. But before I do that, I really think it’s so important to think back on everything that was the last year. So everything that was 20, 24. And I’m going to bring you along with me while I do that on today’s episode.

[00:07:18] But before I do that first, we are going to get to this week’s all the rage.

[00:07:23] So last week, literally, as I was scheduling my last episode where I talked about whether or not you should announce a price change.

[00:07:30] HoneyBook announced a price change. And it seems like the entire world of creatives on social media decided to jump on that hate train last Tuesday.

[00:07:40] And this is literally the exact reason why I said I don’t believe in making these types of announcements as photographers. Now, obviously with a surface like HoneyBook, they have to, they cannot just change their pricing and not say a word and expect people to just not notice.

[00:07:58] People are paying them on a monthly and ongoing basis.

[00:08:02] So things like that do need to be disclosed to the people who are paying for that service, but as photographers people are typically only paying us once, especially if we’re working in weddings or family sessions, where they might work with us every year, every two years. So, if we were to change our prices tomorrow, most people would have absolutely no idea. So it’s a totally different situation than what I was talking about with this HoneyBook price change.

[00:08:29] But nonetheless, the outcome is still the same and there’s just this blanket of negativity around the word HoneyBook right now.

[00:08:36] Well, first, I want to say that I get it. Price increases stuck. And this is a huge one.

[00:08:43] Just before I recorded this episode, I actually found out that Adobe is doing the exact same thing. But I’m going to save that for another day.

[00:08:50] Or we could be here ranting about all the things for so long.

[00:08:55] Some of the things that HoneyBook really did wrong, in my opinion, with this price increase announcement. It’s that first, it was in such close proximity to black Friday sales, where they were just announcing all of these discounts to bring in more people and then hit them with a price increase. I think we can all agree that that is bullshit.

[00:09:16] And the timing of that really should have been thought through better.

[00:09:20] I think we need to see corporations like this, having a little bit of integrity and announcing price changes before trying to hook people in with discounts.

[00:09:30] Another thing that they really dropped the ball on is that they are now increasing the rate that people are paying, even if they had been committed to lifetime rates previously with legacy plans. That is a big no-no to me. They absolutely should be eating that cost and moving forward with their other customers. Those people paid a certain price and were given a commitment by HoneyBook and for HoneyBook to go back on that commitment. Super not cool.

[00:09:58] I’m definitely not by any means saying that the whole thing was perfect.

[00:10:03] There were so many things that they did wrong. But I also do think that most people who are jumping on the I’m leaving HoneyBook train last week, we’re just doing it because it was trending. They were acting on their emotions and their feelings. Taking the excuse to hate on HoneyBook, especially if they weren’t actually HoneyBook users.

[00:10:22] And a lot of these people, I don’t think are actually going to be leaving the platform.

[00:10:28] Now I know my opinion on this amazing bias to, because I am a HoneyBook expert. They are a sponsor of this podcast. But I’m all about keeping it real with you. No matter what. And believe me when I tell you that I do still think that the platform is worth it. Even with this big price increase.

[00:10:46] That is if you’re actually using your account and you can financially afford it. I know that’s not going to be possible for everyone, but if it is it’s 1000% worth it to stick with HoneyBook. Personally, I don’t plan on making any changes to either my photography business or my systems business In terms of actually using the platform myself or promoting the platform.

[00:11:09] And every single one of my clients has said that they aren’t even considering moving platforms because their return on investment is so much higher than what this price increases for their accounts. If you’re not really utilizing every single aspect of your account, the truth is it might not be worth it for you. But before you jump ship, I really want you to take a look at what you’re using, what you’re not using and what your needs are and what your budget is, because ultimately you might find that moving to a lower price CRM with less features is actually going to hinder your ability to generate more sales and higher profits.

[00:11:46] And you also want to think about the time that it’s going to take to export all of your files And all of your information out of HoneyBook, migrated into a new platform, build all new workflows, set up all new templates, learn how to use it all. It will take so much time.

[00:12:03] So you’ve really got it. Look at the bigger picture and decide if this is the right decision for you.

[00:12:09] The truth is yes, I love HoneyBook. Their platform is the main focus of my systems business. But ultimately what I think you have to do is what is best for you. So, if that means leaving HoneyBook and making those changes and putting that work into a new CRM, then you’ve got to do that. But if you take a look at what you’re using, what you’re not using and configure it a way to get more out of your HoneyBook account.

[00:12:33] So you’re actually getting value in what you pay for. I think you’re going to be really happy with staying and you’re going to see in the bigger picture that it was the right choice. If you want to hear another take on this whole HoneyBook issue, I want you to head over to YouTube to check out Candice Coppola’s video, where she talks all about this.

[00:12:52] She got this posted quick time, like the same day or the following day after the price increase was announced, but she shares some amazing advice on what you can do to make sure that your voice is heard about how this price increase is going to impact your business and some more takes on what you should be considering to decide If HoneyBook is the right choice for your business. So I’m going to include a link to that in the show notes, because you definitely want to go and check that out.

[00:13:18] Sandra: Sorry to interrupt this episode, friend. I promise I will make this quick. You might have heard the news that HoneyBook’s prices are going up. Now, before you start side eyeing your subscription, let me say this. If you are not fully using all of HoneyBook’s features, you are probably leaving money and a lot of time and energy on the table.

[00:13:40] But that’s where I come in. I offer one to one HoneyBook strategy sessions designed to make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your account. Whether you’re feeling lost in templates, struggling with your workflows, or just aren’t sure if HoneyBook is working as hard for you as it should be, I’ll meet you exactly where you are.

[00:13:59] Together, we will troubleshoot any hurdles that you have so that you can refine your processes and set up simple systems that will leave you feeling confident that HoneyBook is actually saving you time, keeping you organized, and helping you deliver a seamless client experience. If you’re ready to stop leaving features untapped and start maximizing the investment you’ve made, head to simplysandreevon.

[00:14:22] ca forward slash services to book your one to one HoneyBook strategy session today. Trust me when I tell you your future self and your HoneyBook account will thank you. And now let’s get back to the episode.

[00:14:34] Sandra: One thing about me is that I live for that new year. New me vibe on January 1st. People like me, it can be annoying as fuck, but honestly, every January 1st comes with this weight off my shoulders and I’m just excited for the new year ahead.

[00:14:53] Even though logically, I know that this is the same as any other day. I just live for January 1st. I can’t help it. But like I mentioned earlier in the episode, in order to go into the new year strong, I need to take a step back to think about everything that happened over the last year. I’m talking the good, the bad, the amazing, the awful it’s all got to come out so I can make sure that I’m repeating the amazing things. Fixing the awful things.

[00:15:19] And.

[00:15:20] going through everything in between with a fine tooth comb. So today I’m going to walk you through everything I recommended you do for your business in last week’s episode. Go check that out. If you haven’t already, I practice what I preach around here. And I am not about to tell anyone to do anything that I’m not actively doing myself. So let’s get into it.

[00:15:40] First let’s get the bullshit out of the way. Let’s talk about things that were big, old. Nope. In my photography business last year. First was re-introducing newborn photos into my services list.

[00:15:53] Absolutely no shade to any newborn photographers that might be listening, but this is just not my jam. I used to do a lot of newborn work back when I first started my business. But I just wasn’t doing it enough. As the years went on to feel like I could really get into my zone. And like I was giving my best work to my clients. And then eventually it just started taking a huge toll on my body Because of how physical it can be.

[00:16:18] And so I stopped doing it. But then I had a few clients reach out to me Because they were having babies and they wanted to have photos done and I had the availability, so I decided to take it on. And as great as those sessions were, it just reminded me that my heart isn’t in it. So a big note for me this year, was choosing to start doing newborn photos again.

[00:16:41] 2025 I will be referring all of those elsewhere.

[00:16:45] Another big. Nope. Was. I, this was a big mess up. You guys. I completely forgot that I had set up automations inside my flow desk account, which is what I use for email marketing. And these automations were set to send emails on a specific date. Letting people know that my mini sessions were open for booking.

[00:17:05] And I forgot that I had that specific date trigger in there. Typically I would do something like having a certain amount of time. But this one I set for a specific date. So let’s just say, for example, I’ll make something up and say that an email was scheduled to go out on June 14th to say that mini-sessions for fall were open for booking. But I didn’t actually open those sessions for booking on June 14th.

[00:17:33] And I didn’t realize that this automation was happening. Until I believe October. So I had from may until October emails going out, telling people that mini sessions were open for booking on the wrong dates.

[00:17:50] So I was definitely kicking myself when I realized that that was happening. And some real talk. I also didn’t hit any of my sales goals this year. And to be honest, I didn’t even bother setting any for Q4. Cause I was just over it. It wasn’t in the Headspace to set another sales goal that I didn’t think I was going to meet. So I gave myself the grace. We’re just putting that off and we’ll come back to those sales goals for 2025.

[00:18:17] Because it wasn’t hitting those sales goals.

[00:18:19] I did have to cut back on expenses. And one of those things was working with my business coach, which was such a hard transition. Even though it’s been months. And I’m still utilizing so many things that I learned during my time, working with Candice.

[00:18:38] It’s still such a huge shift to be a part of a community for so long. I was working with Candice and a part of her mastermind for about three years, and then I, all of a sudden didn’t have that anymore.

[00:18:51] So that was a shitty part of the year for sure. And then as we got into the fall, I definitely stretched myself way too far. And I got caught in that cycle of, I just need to get through the next couple of weeks and then I can relax. And the worst part about that cycle is that it takes a lot to get out of it.

[00:19:11] And so that was definitely not how I wanted to be heading into the fall.

[00:19:16] And then last but not least something that did not work for me was using a digital planner on my iPad.

[00:19:24] I thought it was going to be the answer to my planner problems, but it definitely wasn’t. And I’m going to talk a little bit more about that later in the episode. Now enough with all the bad things. Let’s start talking about some things that worked really, really well for me this year.

[00:19:38] First is utilizing honey books, lead forms for my mini sessions. With these lead forms, my clients were able to log in. Pick a session time. Input all of their information automatically get a contract to sign with that includes their remaining balance and get added into a fully automated workflow that would carry them through right until their gallery was delivered.

[00:20:01] I had so many compliments from clients about how seamless it was and how easy it was for them to use it. So that was a huge win.

[00:20:10] I also the summer updated my website to change the wedding service offering that I had listed. So I decided that I was no longer going to be taking on full day weddings because they just aren’t conducive to where I’m at in my life with my health and everything like that.

[00:20:27] But I really wasn’t ready to just give it all up. So I decided to transition into exclusively doing city hall weddings.

[00:20:35] And within two weeks of putting that information up on my website, I had it three new bookings.

[00:20:41] It’s so rare to see. That sort of return on your investment and time when you make a change like that, that quickly. So that was really exciting to see.

[00:20:52] I started doing some editing on my iPad.

[00:20:55] Which might seem totally insane to some people, but what happened was Lightroom updated and all of a sudden my computer was no longer meeting the requirements that Adobe and Lightroom needed to be able to run the program. And I really did not want to spend the money on upgrading these features. So I decided to start sending my photos over to, the cloud version of Lightroom and I’ve been editing on my iPad. And to be honest, I actually find it to be so much more efficient than when I was using my computer, which is totally weird. But I loved it.

[00:21:33] So I put that in things that worked really well this year.

[00:21:37] Then outside the office, I changed the way that I was eating on wedding days. And they’ve really started incorporating a lot more carbs into my diet and it actually had a huge impact on my recovery time.

[00:21:50] I should’ve looked this up before I started recording this episode. I want to say it’s episode. 59 or episode 60, but if you go back, you’ll find an episode there where I talk about how I walk through an actual wedding day and the impact that this car bloated diet had. On my energy throughout the day and my recovery time.

[00:22:11] So if you want to hear more about that, go and check out that episode. And then lastly, one more win that I wanted to put down was that I started my own appear mastermind with friends.

[00:22:21] We’ve had some change ups because of people’s schedules and what they’re able to commit to. But I have to give a huge shout out to Kara and staff because I talk to them constantly during the week. And they are such an invaluable support that really filled in that community that I had been missing since I stopped working with my business coach. And the bonus part was that they’ve both worked with Candice as well.

[00:22:46] So we’re all coming into this from the same place and are in Phases where we’re working on the next chapters of our businesses and careers. And it has been amazing 10 out of 10 recommend starting up here, mastermind with your friends.

[00:23:01] Okay. So with all of those. Bad things and good things and wins and everything all in mind. Now it’s time to start thinking about what goal is I want to be setting for 20, 25. What kinds of things I want to be chasing after and pursuing with not only my business, but in my personal life as well.

[00:23:22] So for sales, I have a $10,000 sales goal, and I know that this is going to seem really low, obviously. I am not paying all of my bells with $10,000, but this is just for my photography business. My systems business is taking up a lot more of my time these days.

[00:23:40] So I’m actually going to be running through all of this again, where I’m going to be brainstorming the good and the bad and setting goals and all the things. Totally separately for my assistance business. So for my photography business, my sales goal is $10,000 for 2025. And in order to hit that goal, I need to book roughly 15 portrait sessions with 10 of those portrait sessions, purchasing extra digital files or prints and things like that. And I need to book for city hall weddings.

[00:24:09] Those numbers seem pretty tangible when you set a number like $10,000, it’s important to really think about. What it is that you need to do in order to hit that number?

[00:24:19] So that’s what it’s going to look like for me.

[00:24:22] On the client experience side of things. I have a few goals first starting with reminding myself that it’s okay to not take photos of things that I don’t love doing. So saying goodbye to those newborn photos and sticking to family photos and city hall, weddings and engagements.

[00:24:40] I want to combine some emails that I have. And add additional emails. Uh, are going to deliver some more supportive and educational information, but also make sure that the number of emails that I’m sending isn’t increasing, because I don’t want to get spammy or anything like that.

[00:24:58] But overall, to be honest, I’m really happy with my client experience right now.

[00:25:02] So I’m not planning on making a whole lot of changes for 2025.

[00:25:07] And then lastly, some goals that I have for personal growth are to really lean into community in 2025. So I’m going to keep working with my peer mastermind. And I’m also getting more involved with the rising tide society. Again,

[00:25:21] I restarted my local chapter in the fall of 2023, early 2024. And going into 2025, we’re officially going to be starting in person meetups again. So I’m really excited to just lean on that community, both local and otherwise, because it really just makes such a difference. I’m also going to start celebrating my monthly wins again, which is something that I used to do all the time. I have a big wall calendar up in my office and every month I would put a sticky note up on the calendar. And put a win up there. But these days, I’m not actually spending a lot of time working in my office.

[00:25:58] So I stopped doing that. I’m looking at my calendar right now. And I actually only did it for January and no other months. So I’m going to change that in 2025.

[00:26:08] Now, of course, my cat, a little side note has come to say hello while I’m in the middle of recording this podcast, but I’ve got things to do so if you hear any weird little purring in the background, hopefully it’s not coming through, but if you do. That’s my cat, because she has to be attached to me all the time. Anyway enough about my cat. Let’s get back to it. Little side note. Um, so I’m going to start celebrating my monthly wins again. And I’m going to be leaning more into cycle sinking as well, which is something that is so important to me as someone with endometriosis.

[00:26:44] I’m going to be doing even more planning around that, especially with taking on less photography clients and smaller weddings is that I’m only going to be booking things for days when I’m know I’m going to be able to show up as my best. Obviously when I was taking on full day weddings and booking those a year in advance. Not only was that impossible, but if it turned out to be a day that I wasn’t feeling good, obviously I’ve still have to show up.

[00:27:08] So with smaller bookings with sessions and city hall, weddings, that book on a much shorter timeframe, it is a lot easier to be able to maintain my schedule that way.

[00:27:19] And then lastly, I want to go into the surgery that I’m having next year with a really positive mindset. I have no idea when the surgery is happening and it’s going to be a pretty big one. But I’m just trying to make peace with the unknown and know that this is the right decision for me. And if we’re treating my endometriosis and that all I can do is just sit and wait and see how it goes.

[00:27:46] So that’s it for the goals that I have put together.

[00:27:50] And now I want to talk a little bit about ways that I am going to be streamlining my communication and simplifying my workflow for 2025.

[00:27:59] I mentioned this a little bit before, but I’m planning on combining some of my emails and then adding in a few extras so that the same. Number of emails is being sent. I’m not getting spammy or anything like that, but I’m sending more information. So one thing I’m going to be doing is combining my welcome questionnaire And my blankets selection questionnaire into one. The welcome questionnaire. It gets everybody’s names, ages. Any accessibility requests they need and things like that. And then the blankets selection questionnaire, pretty obvious. I’ve taken pictures of all of the blankets that I have to offer that people can use for their session.

[00:28:36] And I send them those to be able to choose which one they want.

[00:28:40] So I’m going to put all of those into one. And then I’m going to add in an email that specifically at lines of what’s going to happen. If weather doesn’t cooperate.

[00:28:49] Even though I am still sending that information out in a different email. I am finding that I’m having to repeat that information a lot and that people are missing it. So I’ve decided that I’m going to make it its own standalone email to hopefully really drive that information home.

[00:29:06] For city hall weddings.

[00:29:07] I am going to be creating a new pre-wedding questionnaire that doesn’t include sections like wedding party photos, or reception photos, because those are things that are not typically needed when someone’s getting married at city hall. And I’m going to be rebuilding my workflows over the off season to start utilizing honey books, new conditional logic features. If you don’t have this yet know that it’s coming, it’s been a slow roll out to different groups of users. But know that when you get it, it is going to take a lot of work to get it up and running, and it is going to replace your existing workflows. So that’s important to keep in mind.

[00:29:44] There are definitely still some kinks that they need to work out, but it is totally worth it. And you’re absolutely going to love the freedom that it gives you and the different options that are available with this conditional logic.

[00:29:58] Sandra: You know that feeling when you’re overwhelmed with emails, contracts, payments, and client inquiries, wondering how you’re going to keep it all together? Girl, same. I mean, at least until I started using HoneyBook. HoneyBook is an all in one client management system that helps you stay organized and make your workflow feel manageable.

[00:30:19] Even on days when your energy is low. As a photographer balancing chronic illness, it has been an absolute game changer for me. Over the last six years, I’ve leaned on HoneyBook to grow my business without burning myself out in the process. From automating inquiries to sending contracts and tracking payments, HoneyBook makes it easy to deliver a polished professional experience without the chaos.

[00:30:43] Whether you’re balancing health challenges or just need more time to focus on the parts of your business that you love, HoneyBook helps simplify your day to day so that you can feel like you’re actually able to get ahead. If you’ve been looking for a way to get your business more organized and less overwhelming, head to share.

[00:30:59] honeybook. com Forward slash Sandra to get 30 percent off your first year. It’s one of the best investments I have ever made for my business. And I know that it can help you too. A special thank you to HoneyBook for being a sponsor of this episode. And now let’s get back to it.

[00:31:17] Sandra: Now, the workflow that I need to simplify is not actually one that lives inside HoneyBook or is CRM related at all. I don’t know if any of you can relate, but I convince myself every year that I need a new planner. And every single year that planner gets used for a few months. And then sits on my shelf, collecting dust.

[00:31:44] And every single time, a part of me feels so guilty for the wasted paper and the wasted money. So.

[00:31:51] for 2024, I bought myself a $3 digital planner off of Etsy to use on my iPad with free lifetime upgrades. So that at least I’m not killing any trees in the process. But guess what? Still didn’t finish out the year. Still only used it for a few months. So in 2025, I am keeping things simple And I am just going to keep using a sauna, which I always use anyway And realistically it does everything that I need from a digital planner. Using two separate things is just redundant and I don’t need to do it. Plus I had an Assano strategy session with my friend Serana from simply organized by Serana earlier this year. And she helped me get all my things set up in a way that just makes so much sense for my brain. I have a master list.

[00:32:39] And then I have individual lists that all lead into that. So. I have an at-a-glance view of everything that’s going on in my business. And I also can pop into those individual spaces. If there’s something specific that I need to work on.

[00:32:52] if you’re looking for a way to organize some of your projects and your social media and things like that outside of your client facing work, definitely check out a sauna. I just use the free version. I don’t pay for it. And it has everything that I need.

[00:33:06] Then lastly, before the year gets underway, I’m going to be looking at my calendar for the whole year and I’m going to be building in some flexibility. This is something that I always do and will always keep on doing, because I think it’s so important to plan things like time off at the beginning of the year. If a whole 12 months is too much for you to think about right now, try thinking about just 90 days, stick to one quarter at a time. But I want you to make it a priority to book some time off. In advance, especially during busy season. If you had any other type of job where you weren’t self-employed, you would be booking time off and taking advantage of things like vacation time. And so I want you to still have those luxuries as a small business owner and as a photographer, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t be able to do that as well.

[00:33:57] And then aside from time off, I also like to keep additional dates open around my mini session.

[00:34:02] So that way, if weather doesn’t cooperate, I can easily shift everybody over with little to no stress. I know that I have that time available. And I’m not having to just find pockets of space to fit everybody into.

[00:34:16] So those are some ways that I’ve really built in flexibility to my schedule.

[00:34:21] Overall reflecting on the year that just passed, setting those goals, updating your systems, building flexibility into your schedule. All these things can really make the biggest difference for every single photographer, myself included. So I don’t want you to sleep on doing this for yourself.

[00:34:39] Trust me, it is so important. It’s not actually something that I ever did in my own business until I started working with a business coach. And it’s one of the things that if I could go back and tell the past version of myself to start doing, I would so take that for what it’s worth. And start doing this this year.

[00:34:59] After you’ve mapped everything out. If you need some help getting your workflows up and running to support all of your goals, To support all of those goals that you set, then head over to my website, simply Sandra yvonne.ca. Forward slash services and get in touch about booking either a HoneyBook strategy session which is a one-to-one call where we will just talk about any issues you’re having with your HoneyBook account, or just take a look at the workflows that you’ve built.

[00:35:25] Essentially just getting another set of eyes on your HoneyBook account to make sure you’re utilizing every feature and getting the most out of what you’ve paid for. Or you’ll find information on my website as well for a done for you workflow build VIP day where I actually do the work for you.

[00:35:43] I build out a complete workflow, including all of the templates that you’ll need so that you can just log in And know that it’s up and running without having to do any of the legwork to make that happen. My books are open for 2025. Uh, so head over to my website, get in touch before all of those dates start to fill up. And remember that even the smallest changes can have a big impact on how you approach your business in 2025.

[00:36:07] That’s it for me, friends, I am off to wrap up the last few days of work and then I’m going to be putting my feet up to enjoy the holidays. Thank you so much for being here again for.

[00:36:20] the start of the season and for all the episodes last season that happened earlier this year. You guys are literally the reason why I keep putting out new episodes. And it was so thankful for you. If you want to come and hang out over the holidays, make sure you come to find me on threads on Instagram.

[00:36:38] Both of those are at simply Sandra Yvonne, and you can also come and hang out in my Facebook communities, the unfiltered community, or chronically ill disabled in neurodivergent photographers. I have links for all. Those will be in the show notes. Have a great end to your year, have the best time over the holidays.

[00:36:57] And I’ll be back in 2025.

[00:36:59] Sandra: You’ve been listening to Keeping It Candid, and I cannot tell you how thankful I am that you’re here. Running a photography business doesn’t have to mean endless hustle and burnout, and I hope today’s episode brought you one step closer to that work life balance that you deserve. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review.

[00:37:19] It helps other photographers like you find the show and keeps me inspired to keep bringing you more tips every single week. If you’re looking for tools, resources, or ways to work together, head to SimplySandraYvonne.ca to get started. Until next time, keep it simple and don’t forget to take care of you along the way.

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