Let’s talk about what so many of us are dealing with this time of year: photography burnout. If you’re a wedding photographer, chances are you’ve hit that point where your editing queue feels never-ending, and every client is sending a “when will my photos be ready” email. These fall and winter seasons, with back-to-back editing and holiday deadlines, feel like a marathon you didn’t sign up for.
Photography burnout happens, but it doesn’t have to define you or your business. Let’s talk about five practical strategies to help you push through—and maybe even add a little joy back into your business in the process.
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Keep scrolling for show notes, and a full transcript!
Break Down Your Editing Goals
Looking at an entire season’s worth of sessions and weddings can feel like staring into an endless black hole. The secret? Take it one small step at a time.
Start by focusing on what you can realistically finish today. Instead of thinking, “I have 800 photos to edit from this wedding,” break it down into sections. For example, aim to finish the getting-ready and ceremony sections by lunch, family formals, wedding party, and newlywed portraits by dinner, and candid reception shots in the evening if you’re pulling an all-day-er.
This approach makes everything feel way more manageable, and crossing smaller tasks off your list throughout the day is so much more motivating.
Reward Yourself Like the Boss You Are
Let’s be real: the promise of a reward makes everything better. It doesn’t matter who you are! So, when you’re stuck at your computer for hours on end, plan little pick-me-ups to look forward to.
Maybe you edit the first half of the day’s photos and then treat yourself to your favourite latte. Or schedule a walk, watch your favourite show, or have a guilt-free scrolling session on Threads after wrapping up the next big chunk.
The key? Your reward should take you away from your computer. Even a quick five-minute break can help reset your focus and keep you from totally losing it when Lightroom decides to crash mid-export (because of course it will).
Rethink Your Workflow
Have you ever tried editing the day backward? Some photographers swear by this trick. Starting with the less exciting reception candids and saving those dreamy portrait shots for last. The theory is that it keeps you motivated because you’re working your way toward the more “fun” edits.
Does it work for everyone? Nope. (Hi, neurodivergent brain over here!) Personally, I’ve tried it, and all it did was stress me out when I didn’t see the portraits I knew I’d taken. For whatever reason, after several attempts I just couldn’t actively remember that the day was in reverse and that I just hadn’t gotten to those photos yet. But, if your brain loves a good shake-up, it might be worth a try.
The takeaway here is to try to experiment with your editing process. Whether you work chronologically, backward, or in random bursts, find what keeps you moving without adding extra stress.
Over-Communicate with Clients
If your inbox is full of clients asking, “When will we get our photos?” it’s time to take a hard look at your client communication. Spoiler: this is usually a “you” problem, not a “them” problem.
Your clients aren’t trying to be annoying—they just don’t know what’s going on. So, let’s make sure they do! Drop turnaround times everywhere: in contracts, confirmation emails, session follow-ups, and even sneak peek galleries (if you send them). The goal is to over-communicate so they don’t feel the need to ask.
Bonus? The less time you spend replying to emails, the more time you can actually spend editing.
Photography Burnout Happens. Give Yourself Some Grace
This might be tough season, but it’s just that—a season. Photography burnout doesn’t mean you’re a bad photographer or a bad business owner. It means you’re human.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that this busy stretch doesn’t define your whole year. You’re allowed to take breaks, even when deadlines are lurking. You’re allowed to say no to last-minute requests. And most importantly, you’re allowed to ask for help if you need it.
Preparing for Next Year
Once the chaos dies down, take some time to revisit your systems. What worked? What didn’t? Where can you make things smoother for next year? Tools like workflow templates or a solid CRM system (hello, HoneyBook!) can make a world of difference.
If you’re ready to streamline your processes and start next season strong, check out my shop for tools like email swipe files, workflow outlines, and smart file templates. These are designed specifically for photographers who want to simplify their systems and save time without sacrificing client experience.
Let’s Chat About Photography Burnout
Burnout is tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the busy season and what’s helping you push through. Come find me on Threads or Instagram (@simplysandrayvonne), and let’s swap stories (and maybe vent a little, too!).
You’ve got this, friend! And remember: this is just one season in your amazing photography journey.
Show Notes
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TRANSCRIPT
Episode 062
[00:00:00] Sandra: Welcome back to Keeping it Candid friends! It is the first episode of season three, and I am so excited to be back. If you are new around here. My name is Sandra Henderson. I am a photographer, system strategist and your host here on Keeping it Candid.
[00:00:15] I decided to take the fall off before bringing the podcast back for another season, because let’s be real. The fall is chaos. If you’re a photographer anywhere in the Northern hemisphere, especially my friends here in Canada, you know how crazy things can get once the leaves start changing colors. And you’ve got all of that editing from the summer still waiting to get finished, and it just is madness.
[00:00:37] So I decided I was going to push pause on the podcast so I could dedicate my time and energy to that. And also because I really have just been feeling like I needed a fresh new energy this season.
[00:00:51] One thing I really thought a lot about is how for a podcast that’s supposed to be unfiltered, which this podcast is- even though I just call it, keeping it candid. It is Keeping it Candid- Wedding, Photography Unfiltered, and truly, I feel like I have been filtering myself the last couple of seasons.
I really try to not ruffle feathers because I never want to make anyone feel bad and let’s be real. There is plenty of negativity in this industry without having anyone else add to that. But at the same time, I think that things can still be talked about in a more constructive way. And so I hope to be doing just that this season. My favorite episodes of real Housewives are always the uncensored reunion episodes. Hearing everybody actually swear. And not having it all beeped out gives me life and I am a pretty unfiltered person outside of business.
[00:01:46] So for this season, I’m really going to be trying to make these episodes more raw, real, and unfiltered.
[00:01:55] You’re still going to get all the tips and tricks that you have come to know and love from podcast. But I’ve got a few other things in store that I hope are just going to breathe a little bit of new life into things around here. Now since the last episode I am so, so excited to say that my shop has finally launched. This was a labor of love that I started back at the beginning of 2024, and I had to keep pushing the launch date back for so many reasons. But I finally got it finished and I am so, so happy with it.
I’ve gotten some amazing feedback from people who have already purchased some of the templates and I can’t wait to share some more with you. So if you haven’t checked it out the shop yet, you can find that at simplysandrayvonne.ca/shop and inside you’re going to find everything you need to help you get your inquiry, workflow and processes up and running in a more simple and streamlined way in time for engagement season, which is already just around the corner.
[00:02:58] You’ll find HoneyBook smart files, email swipe file templates, workflow outlines -so much to help you get your CRM, especially if you’re a HoneyBook user up and running.
[00:03:09] After the shop launch, I did a quick little rebrand, which I didn’t launch officially in any capacity, but kind of mentioned it and teased it a little bit here and there on my social media accounts, but that’s all wrapped up on my website. Everything is finished and it’s so much fun.
[00:03:26] I switched from. A more soft pink branding to a really fun, bright yellow, and teal and blue branding, which I think of really suits my personality more, suits the brand that I wanted to have more. So yeah, it feels really good and I’m really happy with it.
[00:03:45] So that’s what I’ve been up to for the last couple of months.
[00:03:49] And I want to hear all about what you have been up to, whether it’s small wins or huge wins. Come over and hang out on threads or on Instagram, you can find me on both @simplysandrayvonne. And I want to hear all about what you have been up to you. This podcast is not just all about me after all.
[00:04:07] Okay. Now I promise that you are still going to get all the same tips and tricks that you have come to know and love on the podcast. But before I get to that, I want to introduce a brand new segment that I’m going to be doing on every episode called All The Rage. I chose this name for this segment because I feel like it has a couple of different meanings and I’m trying to embrace the fact that I’m 37 years old.
[00:04:33] I am an elder millennial. This for whatever reason 37 was the year that I really started to feel my age. Um, I had a lot of moments where -my stepson is almost 18. And so it’s just really making me see that, like, I’m coming into the later years of my life. I’m not as young as I used to be. And so again, I’m just trying to embrace that.
[00:04:56] So with all the rage, the word rage, we can use that in two different ways, right?
[00:05:00] There’s the obvious one where things that people are raging about, they’re angry. They’re upset about. We see a lot of that on social media and especially in the photography industry.
[00:05:12] But for all of my millennial friends and any gen X friends that may be listening. You guys might remember that all the rage back in our day, which I hate being able to say that, but back in our day something that was all the rage was actually a good thing. It was things that people love, they were really excited about and had a total opposite meaning to what we read about these days.
[00:05:36] So on this segment, I’m going to be talking about things that are sort of hot topics in the industry right now. I don’t want to call them hot topics or hot takes because I personally am just over everybody sharing their hot takes. But what I’m doing is actually paying attention to real conversations that are happening on social media outside of those hot takes, on places like Threads and Reddit. There are so many conversations happening amongst photographers about the industry. About things that they’re dealing with about things they’re super excited about and worried about. So I’ve been paying a lot of close attention to those conversations. I spend a lot of time in these spaces because text is my jam.
[00:06:16] I get a lot of sensory overload with watching videos all the time. So you can always find me in these places that are a little less overwhelming. And that’s where I’m getting the ideas for the topics to talk about.
[00:06:29] So this week on all the rage, I want to talk about clients who are constantly pestering you for photos.
[00:06:35] And I know this time of year, this is something that almost every single one of you listening can relate to where you are knee deep in editing. You’ve been at your computer for hours. You take a quick little break to check your email and grab some water. And there is an email from someone whose photos were just taken a week and a half ago. Wondering when their photos are going to be ready. It is beyond frustrating, right? But here’s the thing.
[00:07:02] With the odd exception, because let’s be real. Some people be crazy. With the odd exception this is actually a you problem and not a them problem.
[00:07:12] And what I mean by that is that you are not communicating your turnaround times clearly enough for your clients to remember them and stop asking you this question.
[00:07:23] You know, that really popular saying, or people are like, “explain it to me like I’m five”? We kind of need to approach running a business like our clients are five years old. And I say that in the most respectful way possible.
[00:07:36] But we have to approach it that way because people are not thoroughly reading their contracts. They’re not remembering an email that was sent six months ago with information in it. You need to be actively repeating this information and making sure that it’s easily accessible for your clients to find so that they can get the answers to their questions without having to come to your inbox.
[00:07:58] In my own photography business I mention the turnaround times in my contract, the confirmation email that I send out after they’ve booked. I send the turnaround times in a thank you email after their sessions over. I used to send sneak peaks; I don’t anymore, but when I did send sneak peaks, there was a reminder of the turnaround times then as well.
[00:08:19] So that’s five different points that I’ve reminded my clients when their photos are going to be ready for them.
[00:08:27] Is it repetitive? Yes. But I want to drive that message home as many times as I need to, to make sure that they are not going to be emailing me because every single time I have to reply to one of those emails is time that I’m not actually editing the photos that they’re asking about, right?
[00:08:45] So, if you are getting pestered by all kinds of emails like this, I want you to take a look at your processes and figure out where you might be dropping the ball and getting this information to them and how you can fix that going forward so that you can take a little bit of that stress off your plate leading up to the holidays.
[00:09:03] So that wraps up the All The Rage segment for this week friends. These are going to be short and sweet and I think super fun.
[00:09:12] And it actually leads in perfectly to what I know you are all here for -the actual content of the day, where we’re talking all about how to push through year-end burnout when you’re overwhelmed with editing. For most of us have right now, we are at a culmination point where we’ve had a calendar full of fall sessions. And now we are working through editing from a long wedding season on top of all of those photos from the fall. And everybody of course is wanting their photos before the holidays.
[00:09:44] If you’ve been listening to the podcast for awhile, you know that normally I am all about avoiding burnout and making sure that you are always taking time to rest. That you’re always taking time to rest and always prioritizing your boundaries, but let’s be real. Shit happens and sometimes you just have to push through.
[00:10:02] Now don’t get me wrong when you’re overwhelmed and missing deadlines, rest is still important. But so is getting shit done, right? So let’s talk about some tips that you can use to make that happen and get you back to a place where you feel like you can breathe again around all of this work you have on your plate.
[00:10:18] First, I want you to set some realistic daily editing goals. It doesn’t matter if you have 30 sessions and weddings in your queue right now. We’re not going to be able to focus on them all at one time, we need to break it down into what is most important and what you’re realistically able to get done today.
[00:10:36] It’s safe to say that nobody is getting three full day weddings edited in one day. If you can do that props to you, that is a skill that I do not have, but I don’t think many people can say the same. So even if you have three weddings that are past due and three clients that are really looking for their photos, you can’t get them all done at once.
[00:10:57] So think about what you can get done today, focus on that one wedding or that part of one wedding that you know you’re going to be able to get done by the time you close your laptop or shut down your computer tonight.
[00:11:08] And then when it comes to editing those photos that you’ve set aside just for today, I want you to think about breaking down the wedding day into smaller sections. So instead of thinking that you have 800 photos that you have to get done, think about setting yourself some goals throughout the day. In the next hour, I want to be done the first section of getting ready photos. Before lunch, I want to have wrapped up all of the newlywed portraits. And that way you can pace yourself throughout the day with again, not having that daunting number of 800 photos that you have to edit, but instead, only looking at it as a hundred photos that you have to edit over the next hour or whatever the case may be.
[00:11:47] Another thing that you can try is editing the day backwards. The theory behind this is that all of the candids that you take during reception are often the most boring photos of the day. Depending on how you feel about candids, of course. But we pour so much of ourselves and our creativity into the portraits and the details and things like that, that most people are not super excited when it comes to editing those reception photos. Personally, I love them. I could go on a whole side tangent about why I love candids and how much I love speeches because people are wildcards and you never know what’s going to come out of their mouth, but I’ll save that for another day.
[00:12:25] And so when you’re doing that, the idea behind it is that you are keeping yourself more interested and more excited because all the photos that you’re really looking forward to edit are going to be saved to the end, instead of having them all done at the beginning and then feeling like it’s painstaking to get through the rest.
[00:12:43] But I will say I’ve tried this method before and it does not work for me.
[00:12:49] The reason is that I’m neurodivergent and my brain, for whatever reason, just cannot keep the information that we’re looking at this backwards in a place where it’s useful.
[00:13:04] I’ll be going through the photos and I’ll be editing a certain point of the day. And I will have a full-blown anxiety attack thinking about I’ve lost photos because I’m now editing, let’s say speeches, but I haven’t seen any of the portraits yet.
[00:13:19] And then I panic and I have to stop what I’m doing. And I have to go back into Lightroom and go back into my files, see that the photos are actually there. Remind myself that I just haven’t gotten to them yet because I’m editing the day backwards and then get back to what I’m doing.
[00:13:34] So you can see how this really does not help with my productivity even a little bit.
[00:13:40] After having this happen a few times, I just decided to scrap it and realize that this method of editing was not for me. But if your brain works differently than mine, you can give it a try and see if that helps you get through your editing a little bit faster.
[00:13:55] Lastly, I mentioned breaking things down and giving yourself small rewards already, but let’s talk a little bit more about what that looks like. For me, I am very food motivated, so I like to schedule my breaks around my meals. I will set a goal for myself that I need to get through all the getting ready photos, the first look, and the ceremony in time for me to go eat lunch. And then I’ll set aside some more time in the afternoon where I set a goal that I’m going to get through the family portraits, newlywed portraits, and the wedding party photos. And then realistically by dinnertime, all that I have left is the reception.
[00:14:32] Your rewards for getting these different sections done can look a million different ways. But like I said, I’m very food motivated. So I like to use meals, but it could also be exercise.
[00:14:44] It could be going out and grabbing a coffee. It could be putting your favorite show on TV. It could be anything that you want to do that’s going to take you away from your computer. That’s the most important thing. You want it to take you away from your computer.
[00:14:58] Because everybody needs breaks.
[00:15:00] And especially if you are toe-ing the line of burnout or already there, you really want to make sure that you are still finding some sort of balance while you are pushing through and trying to get this editing done.
[00:15:14] So here’s your permission to go take a walk, give yourself a treat, watch an episode of a show. whatever that is going to look like for you. Because you still deserve to have a life outside of pulling these long hours to get these photos done.
[00:15:32] And I want you to remember that this period of burnout does not define your entire year. And it does not define who you are as a business owner. That’s something that I really struggled to grasp in the times that I was burnt out and working long, long, long hours to try and get all of the editing done. I’m pretty sure I’ve talked about it on the podcast before. I actually, one year on New Year’s Eve, had one of my brides sitting in my living room while her husband and kids were in the car, waiting for her photos to transfer onto a USB.
[00:16:06] So trust me when I tell you I’ve been there. I totally get the sacrifices that you need to make in order to get through this.
[00:16:14] And I remember all too well, the thoughts that were running through my mind and the feelings that I was having while all of this was happening. I felt like such a fraud. Like I was running my business into the ground, I was letting everybody down, and like I wasn’t cut out for this. I could go on. It was not a great time for me mentally.
[00:16:34] But I did eventually remind myself that bad times, don’t define us as people. They don’t define us as business owners. It’s how we recover from those bad times that is really going to make the biggest difference. Because the reality is that shit happens. And even the best possible systems and best big plans sometimes are going to get thrown off course by life. Life be lifeing and it doesn’t really care what else you have going on as a business owner or as a person.
[00:17:06] So I want you to give yourself some grace. Get through the work that you have on your plate. And then later we are going to talk a little bit more about what you can do so that this doesn’t happen again next year.
[00:17:18] And that wraps up the first episode of season three. Thank you so much again for being here, friends.
[00:17:24] I’m so excited for this season to kick off. And if you are just as excited as I am, I would love to hear from you come and send me a DM over at @simplysandrayvonne or @keepingitcandidpodcast on Instagram. And if you’re a Threads user, I would love if you would go and post on Threads, tell me what your favorite takeaway from this episode was, and make sure you tag me so I can come and cheer you on give you a follow and we can start to be online friends. Anyways, I have a great rest of your Wednesday and I will be back next week.
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Preparing for engagement season can feel like a whirlwind for wedding photographers. The excitement of new inquiries often comes with some stress while you manage an inbox full of potential clients. One lesson I learned the hard way (kind of my M.O. when it comes to learning lessons…) is that having the right tools in place can make all the difference – especially when you’re juggling chronic illness and your business at the same time.
I’ll never forget the time I sent a PDF pricing guide to a potential client, only to realize (after hitting “send,” of course) that I’d sent the wrong version. Not just any wrong version, but an outdated one that still makes me cringe just thinking about it. The cherry on top? The pricing was significantly lower than my current rates. So I had a decision to make: should I send a follow-up email with my updated pricing and risk ruining the vibe of the relationship, or take the L and honour the old rates?
Ultimately, I decided to send the proper pricing guide. That experience really showed me how important it is to have the right systems in place to prevent those facepalm moments, especially when managing chronic illness already takes a toll on your energy and focus.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success this engagement season:
1. Keep Your Pricing Up to Date
Your pricing is one of the most important aspects of your business, let’s be real. Regularly reviewing and updating your rates will make sure that your potential clients see your true value. Create a schedule to revisit your pricing at least quarterly. This not only keeps your materials current, but also gives you confidence when communicating your rates to clients because you know exactly what you’re charging, and why.
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Inquiry To Onboarding: Creating An Effortless Client Journey
2. Use Digital Files for Streamlined Sharing
Gone are the days of sending huge PDFs that can easily go out of date and can’t be updated once they’re out in the world. Instead, consider using digital smart files or templates that will automatically update with any changes you make. This ensures you’re always sending the correct pricing and allows you to share information more seamlessly.
3. Organize Your Inquiries
Having a smooth system for handling inquiries is so important for managing your workload. Start using a customer relationship management (CRM) tool like HoneyBook, if you aren’t already, to streamline your inquiries and keep everything organized. Automate what you can (like sending auto-responder emails, for example), and set reminders for regular follow-ups. This approach minimizes the risk of scrambling to find the right file when someone requests your pricing, and allows you to focus on what you do best: capturing stunning photos and delivering an amazing experience to your clients.
After your website, a pricing guide is one of the first touchpoints for potential clients, making it such an important part of how you’re perceived as a professional. By keeping your guides looking good, up-to-date, and easily accessible, you set yourself up for success, not just during engagement season, but year-round too.
Managing chronic illness has taught me time and time again how important it is to have systems that reduce stress and simplify my workflow. If you want to avoid the same hurdles, investing in tools and systems will make a world of difference – trust.
With a bit of work up front, you can handle engagement season with ease, confidence, and excitement, ensuring that your business thrives while you capture beautiful moments for your clients!
Need some help getting started? Head to my shop to check out the HoneyBook Wedding Pricing Guide Smart File available for purchase!
More blog posts I know you’ll love:
HoneyBook vs. Dubsado: Which is the Better Choice for Wedding and Family Photographers?
3 Reasons Why A CRM Mobile App is a Must-Have for Photographers
Why Showit Is The BEST Website Platform For Wedding Photographers
Michelle Harris joined me for a short, sweet, and incredible interview all about a problem wedding photographers everywhere deal with all the time – getting ghosted by potential wedding clients.
It’s frustrating.
It’s disheartening.
And today on the podcast Michelle and I are talking all about why it happens and what you can do about it to help improve your booking strategy before engagement season.
Sandra Henderson (00:00.318)
No matter who you are or how long you’ve been in the wedding industry, I know that this one scenario is something that every single wedding photographer can relate to. You get an inquiry and it is from a dream client. You could not be more excited. It’s the perfect venue and a couple that you think that you are going to click with perfectly. You send your pricing information. You may even have a consultation with them and then it’s crickets.
Ghosting has become a huge problem that we deal with as wedding photographers. And today I am diving into that very topic with the one and only Michelle Harris. You’re listening to episode 33 of Keeping It Candid.
(Intro Music)
Welcome to Keeping It Candid. I’m your host, Sandra Henderson, an international wedding and family photographer and business coach. I help wedding photographers use systems to build out the backend of their businesses to gain control and continue to thrive no matter what life throws their way.
And on a more personal note, I’m a strong Enneagram 3-wing two who’s obsessed with tacos. And my love for travelling combined with navigating chronic illness life are just two of the many things that drive my passion for all things, systems, workflows, and beating burnout as a business owner. Join me every week for a candid behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like working as a wedding photographer, where I’ll give you actionable steps to take your business to the next level.
Absolutely no fluff here, friends, so go grab your favourite notebook and pen and let’s dive into this week’s episode.
(Music fades out)
Sandra Henderson (01:32.522)
That’s right, friends. Today on the podcast, I am joined by the one and only Michelle Harris. If you have not heard of Michelle Harris, then you may have been living under a rock for the last few years, but she is a destination wedding photography industry leader based in Washington, DC and is renowned for her expertise in couples posing. Her exceptional skills have garnered features in prestigious industry publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, People Magazine, and The New York Times and her unwavering dedication to inspire and empower photographers worldwide drives her passion to help them achieve six-figure businesses through innovative marketing strategies and advanced photography techniques, all while avoiding the burnout of a relentless hustle.
So you can see that Michelle and I, our vibes totally align. I’ve had the pleasure of taking some of her workshops, both online and in person, and let me tell you guys, you’re going to have so many takeaways from this conversation.
Like I was saying earlier, ghosting is something that’s happening more and more in the industry and it can be really frustrating and disheartening. I know all of you are pouring your hearts and souls into the business that you’re running and so it’s frustrating when you don’t hear back from people, especially when you’re just really excited about the potential of working with them. So that’s why I was so excited to dive into this topic with Michelle.
She and I talked about some of the main reasons why people are ghosting their wedding photographers and other wedding vendors that they’re reaching out to. And we talked a little bit more about things you can do in your business to make sure that this is happening less. We both agreed that it’s something that you really can’t prevent from happening altogether, but there are definitely steps that you can take in your business to make sure it’s happening less and give you a little bit more success in your booking strategy.
I don’t know if maybe we’re just more aware of it now or if it really is happening a lot more than it used to, but photographers everywhere, we’re getting ghosted all of the time by our clients. And I would love to hear from your perspective, what do you think is like the biggest reason that keeps happening to wedding photographers?
Michelle Harris:
Well, I do think that it is something that is getting more and more popular because I feel like people are reaching out to more and more photographers before making a decision as of late. I also feel like people are planning their weddings a little bit on the shorter range because of COVID. I think they’re scared to plan things too far out. That is the main reason why they’re like, okay, let me just inquire with a whole bunch of different photographers and then whichever ones we can’t afford or we don’t like, they just don’t say anything. And I think it’s just because nobody really wants to admit that they can’t afford something. Like it never feels good. So I feel like that’s the number one reason is because they literally either can’t afford it or like something else has a little bit more value for the same price, whatever it is, it’s typically price. All based on, excuse me, it is all based on the fact that they don’t wanna have that negative feeling where they have to say, hey, I can’t afford you.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, that’s such a good point. And then I always feel like too, in the times that I have had to have that conversation and being like, sorry, this is out of my budget. I worry that people are gonna like counter it. And I don’t wanna have to have like a back and forth. So I think that possibly comes into play as well for these couples too.
Michelle Harris:
Absolutely, because I mean, it’s just not a good feeling. You might even just say, hey, you know, we just decided to go with another photographer due to budget. And then when the photographer says, says something back, then they’re going to be like, oh, well, maybe it really wasn’t price. We won’t really know, but it’s just going to make everybody uncomfortable. So they just won’t say anything. Yeah, that is so true. So what do you think are some ways that photographers can stop this from happening? Do you think that’s even possible? Do you think that it’s just kind of something we have to embrace as part of the job now? Well, I mean, I do. It’s definitely not possible to just eliminate ghosting.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, I agree.
Michelle Harris:
It’s just what it is to respond to everyone. But I do think the number one way to avoid that is by getting your clients on the phone as soon as possible. So not just saying, oh, send an email back immediately saying, let’s get on the phone and do this. It’s calling them. Because if you have a problem with any company, if your internet goes out and you’re calling Verizon and you’re like, hey, my internet is out. We go online and you say, hey, my internet is out. What’s going on? If someone picks up the phone and calls you, you’re gonna be ecstatic because someone cared enough to solve your problem. That’s what clients are having. They have a problem. Their problem is they need photography. So they go and they say, hey, I’m getting married on this date, can you help me with this? And the first person to pick up the phone and call them is gonna stand out over anybody else. And it’s really that simple.
It doesn’t matter how great your email template is, it is not going to make you stand out over someone who actually had a genuine connection on the phone with somebody.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, that’s one thing that I’ve always loved in following your education and things that you teach other photographers is how you push this connection over the phone. I think it’s so different from what everybody else is teaching. So why do you think it is that it works so well?
Michelle Harris:
Just because we want everything now. Okay, like we want to order things online and we want it like in our hand immediately. Like as soon as you press the button, we want it. Now we’ll wait a day or two now, because we’re spoiled. We can’t film that fast. But like ultimately we want everything when we want it. So the faster you can respond to an inquiry, which is all different types of different studies out there saying like, you know, if you get to them within an hour or 30 minutes or whatever, that they are more likely to go with you.
and that’s just talking about email or any other way that you respond. But when you have a personal touch, which is very rare nowadays, actually genuinely connect with a human, then it’s definitely gonna make you stand out.
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Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, that is so true. And do you think that there’s any benefit to the way that you’re reaching out to them? Like should photographers be just making that phone call? Do you think reaching out by text to set up a time works best? Do you think there’s any like right way to approach it?
Michelle Harris:
I mean, I don’t think there’s a right way for anything, because there’s a million ways to do all the things. Yeah. But I’ve found that picking up the phone and just calling them, step one, is already exactly where you need to go. But if they don’t answer, don’t leave a voicemail, because nobody likes voicemails. Nobody likes having to listen to a voicemail. So at that point, you can text them and say who you are and that you tried to give them a call. And you can either try to set up a phone call within that text message, or you can say Look out for an email that I sent in response with all of the things that you asked for, whatever, depending on all the information you collect in your contact form.
Sandra Henderson:
I love that because it really gives you an opportunity to show the couple that you’re actually reading the things that they’re putting in their inquiry, and they’re actually not just another faceless couple to you.
Michelle Harris:
Right. I mean, and that is why I think it’s so important to make sure that you have certain questions on your contact form so that you don’t have to ask them.
So like a lot of people just have names and then email or message or something like that. But if you have both of their names, if nothing else, you have both of their names, you can at least call them and say, hey, it’s so-and-so, I’m calling for so-and-so. And then when you start the conversation, oh, how did you and so-and-so meet? Cause you have their names. So that’s already like a little bit more personal and just helps you connect with them faster really would help, I think, build into that know trust factor that we’re all achieving or striving for in our businesses, that chance to just kind of have a quick little chat. And again, just letting them know you actually read their inquiry, they’re like, oh, this person actually, we can trust them to pay attention to those little details.
Sandra Henderson:
Absolutely. So do you think that when you’re able to make these connections over the phone as the couple is first inquiring that it’s still important to have in-person consultations down the road?
Michelle Harris:
I personally don’t. I mean, my in-person consultation down the road is engagement session. Yeah. And then the wedding. And then if you want to do in-person after, then yeah. But I mean, it’s just the day and age right now. Like people are not wanting to get in their car and drive somewhere and go speak to people when they know that they could right after making dinner, sit down and turn on Zoom and talk to somebody. Yeah, that’s so true. A lot changed after COVID. We realized how easy it is to connect virtually and how not everything is completely lost if you don’t meet someone in person.
Sandra Henderson (10:36.518)
Oh, that is such a good point. I can’t remember the last time I had an in-person consultation. I give people the option, but they all just want to hop on Zoom. And I am totally fine with that because I’m in my house. I can just roll on upstairs, put a nice shirt on, and we’re good to go.
Michelle Harris:
Absolutely. I mean, and then it’s really easy. When you’re on Zoom or Skype or whatever anyone’s using, you can easily share your screen and show them different galleries or walk them through your price guide, different things like that.
So I mean, with the technology we have, I don’t personally think that it is a big deal to me in person, because you can absolutely feel someone’s energy and their vibe through the computer.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, absolutely. I totally agree with that. Well, that really was short and sweet, but covers all the questions that I had. Do you think that there are any, like if listeners are gonna take one thing away from this episode that they’re gonna apply to their business as soon as they are done? What would you hope that one takeaway is for them?
Michelle Harris:
It would actually be something right before we get to the point where you pick up the phone. So I have a lot of photographers, there’s a lot of different information out there where they say, oh, well, someone told me to put all of my pricing on my website. Someone told me to just put my starting price on my website. Anywhere you look, you can find different advice for that.
I personally believe that you should put your starting price or average price, either one or both, choice is yours. But the most important place to put it is right above your contact form. Because people may go to the investment page that you have set up somewhere, or you may have it in a dropdown that they didn’t click. And you’re like, how did they not know how much I cost? I have the investment page. Well, they didn’t go. Because in 2023, your Instagram is your portfolio. So people meet you, they’re like, Hey, what’s your Instagram? Not what’s your website. And so they’ve already seen your work. They’ve already maybe even gotten to know you a little bit like virtually, and then they clicked on your website. They’re probably just going to go to the contact page. Yeah. And so if they just go there and you don’t have Hey, I start here or my average, you know, collections are this, and then they fill it out. You’re way more likely to get ghosted because they had no idea where you started and just filled it out. And then when you start at 5,000 and their budget’s 1,500, they’re not gonna respond because there’s no meeting in the middle. If somebody only has 1,500, the likelihood that they’re just all of a sudden gonna have five is relatively low. So they’re gonna feel uncomfortable and they’re going to not respond most likely. So if you have that right above there, they’re not going to fill it out. So like, yes, it’s our job to show value in what we do and maybe upsell them from where we start.
But it is not our job to get someone to triple or quadruple their budget because they inquired. So that’s my take on that. That’s such a good point. And I think it helps to just have that information. It feels redundant to us, but we have to remember you brought up that good point. If it’s on the investment page and that’s the only place that they can find it, there’s a high likelihood that they’re not going to see it. And so when you have it in all of these places…
It attracts the people that you want. It repels the people that are not going to be able to afford you and helps eliminate that ghosting factor too. Yeah, because I mean, not having it on there at all, no matter where you are, like where you start, can be problematic. So, and another colleague of mine, we started exactly the same, but he did not have his starting price on there. And he’s like really, really popular on Instagram and things like that. He’s like two or three times the amount that I have. And so this girl inquired and she was like, hey, I’m inquiring because I know that I can’t afford him. And, you know, made some sort of joke, but like, here I am, you know, inquiring with you. And I’m like, we’re the same price. Yeah. I was saying nothing. But like that just deterred her because she was too afraid to have to have that awkward conversation of I can’t. So she avoided it all together and inquired with me because it says where I start.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, that’s so true. I would totally be the same as her in that situation for sure. If you don’t even realize how many people don’t value themselves, so they may have a lower price than you could have afforded, but we’ll never know. You never know, right?
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, exactly. Those are such great points. Well, thank you so much for that. And I have one final question. That’s just a little kind of like fun would you rather question.
Sandra Henderson (15:20.135)
So I was wondering would you rather book a local wedding at your highest package or book a dream wedding at your lowest package?
Michelle Harris:
That is so hard. That’s insane. I wanna say my highest package down the street from my house. Yeah. But I think that comes with me having done this for eight years now. I’d rather just make a lot of money and go home. I can take some of that money and go travel to wherever that dream wedding would have been. Right. But I mean, I know a couple of years ago, if you’d asked me, hands down, it’d have been the destination, but it all just depends… definitely close to home.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, I have to agree with you. Like I love to travel. I love destination weddings, but it is so nice when I only have a five-minute drive home from a wedding at the end of the day.
Michelle Harris:
I mean, people don’t realize how much extra work it is and more often than not, how much more you sweat. And all of the things that come with it, it looks glamorous maybe on social media, but it’s like, oh, we’re gonna do it on the beach. Like, yeah, you’re sweaty and covered in sand and it’s disgusting.
The pictures will be great though! It’s not that fun sometimes.
Sandra Henderson:
No. I don’t know if this happens to you, but it seems when I do destination weddings in the tropics that the hottest day of my week is the wedding day. Without fail. Every single time.
Michelle Harris:
100%. That is always how it’s going to go. You gotta be mentally prepared for that or stay home.
Sandra Henderson:
Yeah, for sure. Awesome. Well, thank you so much again, Michelle. This was amazing. All of these tips were incredible. I know they’re going to be so helpful to listeners. So thank you so much. And I hope that our paths cross again one day soon.
Michelle Harris:
Girl, they better.
Sandra Henderson:
We love a short, sweet and powerful interview around here. And this conversation with Michelle was just that. We aren’t very far away from engagement season right now, which means booking season is just around the corner too.
Sandra Henderson (17:20.698)
I hope that you got some takeaways from this interview that you can use to make this the best booking season that it can be. Now if you want to hear more from Michelle, there are a couple places that I want you to go and check out. First, the M. Harris Education Community on Facebook. I have been in Michelle’s communities on Facebook for years now and they are such a friendly community to be in where people just genuinely are there to help and support each other and cheer each other on and that is 1000% my vibe so I highly recommend going to check that out.
And then the next place is the Hustle Vault, which is Michelle’s monthly membership. And this is filled with so much education in terms of posing, client experience, running your business, so many things. So if that’s something that interests you, head over to the show notes and you will find links for both the community and for the Hustle Vault in there. Now next week on the podcast, I am gonna be back to talk all about self-care practices for wedding photographers with chronic illnesses.
It’s a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because it’s something that I deal with day in and day out. Whether you also have a chronic illness or if you are a parent or a caregiver, have a full-time job or any other sort of responsibilities that takes you away from the business that you’re running, this is an episode that I think is going to be so valuable for you. Especially heading into October, they say that October is sweating photographers what April is to accountants.
In my experience, that couldn’t be more true. So this is the time of year that I really, really like to drive home the importance of self-care and taking time out for yourself as a business owner. As I was recording this, I almost started going off on a whole tangent because I’m just so passionate about it. But I’m going to save all of that for next week’s episode. So make sure you check back next Wednesday.
Thank you so much for listening. You can find full show notes from today’s episode at simplysandryvonne.ca/keepingitcandid. In the meantime, let’s connect. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok, just search @SimplySandryYvonne. And if you’re loving this podcast, I’d be so honoured if you’d go ahead and hit that subscribe button and leave a review. Until next time.
About Michelle
Michelle Harris, a destination wedding photography industry leader based in Washington, DC, is renowned for her expertise in couple’s posing. Her exceptional skills have garnered features in prestigious industry publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, People Magazine, and The New York Times. Michelle’s unwavering dedication to inspire and empower photographers worldwide drives her passion to help them achieve six-figure businesses through innovative marketing strategies and advanced photography techniques, all while avoiding the burnout of a relentless hustle.
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