How I Stay Motivated When Inquiries are Low
Every photographer knows exactly what you mean when you bring up "slow season". This could mean different things for different photographers: fewer shoots because of weather (winter), fewer bookings, or maybe they give themselves a "slow season" to take a much needed break! For me, living in Maine means that slow season occurs during the colder months - approximately December - February all the way up through mid-March (or even later!). Most clients prefer to have their portraits done when it's warmer out (Maine gets pretty cold!) and with frequent snowstorms on top of that, it can be hard to pick a date that will be comfortable for all. I mean, snow is beautiful, but it's usually accompanied by frigid temperatures!
As a photographer, it's not uncommon to experience periods when inquiries are few and far between. These moments can be discouraging and test your motivation. However, it's essential to stay positive and proactive during these times, as they can be opportunities for growth and self-improvement. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies that will help you stay motivated and continue your creative journey, even when inquiries are low.
1.Practice Self-Care:
Low periods can be emotionally challenging, so it's important to take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, practice self-care routines, and engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. Take breaks, exercise, spend time in nature, and pursue hobbies outside of photography. Remember, a balanced and refreshed mind fosters creativity and motivation. During my slow season this year, I booked a trip from January - February to Southeast Asia, where I spent 6 weeks between Bali, Indonesia, and Cambodia and Thailand. It was a much needed trip after a SUPER busy and chaotic 2022, and allowed me to take the time to rest that I needed so desperately! Being away for this long meant I would definitely not be doing shoots during the winter, but knew that people would still be inquiring for photo sessions for the upcoming year ahead as well as booking their weddings/elopements far in advance.
Little did I know that... not many people would be inquiring as I had planned, especially since during this time in 2022, I had so many inquiries! Because I wasn't shooting for 6 weeks, I relied heavily on inquiries and clients paying retainers as my income. Unfortunately, business is always unpredictable, and I received far fewer inquiries than I had expected, especially based on last winter and simply assumed I'd receive just as many and more this year since my business was much more established now compared to last year! Of course, this was disappointing and discouraging, not only because this meant my income was suffering, but because it made me think "was 2022 just a lucky year for me?" or "no one's going to book me this year!" Naturally, it made me question myself and my skills greatly.
2. Reflect on Your Passion:
When inquiries are low, take a step back and reconnect with your passion for photography. Remember why you started this creative journey in the first place. Reflect on the joy, excitement, and fulfillment you experience when capturing beautiful moments. Rekindle your love for the art of photography and let it fuel your motivation to keep going. So after throwing myself a pity-party for a few days, I realized this was actually a time that I NEEDED in order to make 2023 the best year yet - even better than last! It allowed me to revisit MY WHY - why did I want to be a photographer in the first place? It wasn't because of the money, or the freedom to be my own boss (although this specific reason is a huge selling point), but because I genuinely love visual storytelling, and being able to give my clients portraits that will help them relive these present moments with their loved ones years later. Remembering "my why" really pushed me to keep going and to not be let down by the lack of inquiries - I knew deep down this wouldn't last (and since returning in March, things have been INSANE with inquiries and bookings!).
3. Set Clear Goals:
Motivation often thrives when you have clear goals to work towards. Use this downtime to define and refine your short-term and long-term goals. Establish specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that align with your vision as a photographer. These goals will give you direction and a sense of purpose during quieter periods.
4. Update Your Portfolio:
This led me to re-vamping and updating my website and marketing copy - how could I portray "my why" and my passion for photography better to prospective clients? Really take advantage of the downtime to review and refresh your photography portfolio. Remove outdated or weaker images and replace them with your latest and strongest work. Ensure that your portfolio reflects your current skills, artistic vision, and preferred niche. Curating a strong portfolio showcases your growth as a photographer and increases the likelihood of attracting new inquiries when the market picks up again. For 3 weeks straight, I sat at my kitchen table at my villa in Bali and completely re-wrote almost everything on my website, as well as uploaded galleries that really showed my portfolio accurately! I also created location resources for prospective clients, which was something I had wanted to do in 2022 but just did not have the time. I knew that putting in all of this "behind the scenes" work now would pay off - and as of April 2023, it certainly has!
As a photographer, staying motivated during low inquiry periods is crucial for your growth and success. Embrace these periods as opportunities for self-improvement, exploration, and reevaluation. Reflect on your passion, set clear goals, invest in personal projects, update your portfolio, enhance your skills, network, and practice self-care. Remember, maintaining a positive mindset and staying proactive will help you navigate through these challenging times and ultimately thrive as a photographer.
Remember, success as a photographer is not solely determined by the number of inquiries you receive, but by your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to your craft. So, don't let a temporary lull in inquiries dampen your spirits. Stay motivated, keep pushing forward, and let your artistic vision shine.
Are you ready to take on the challenge and stay motivated as a photographer, even when inquiries are low? Share your thoughts, experiences, and goals in the comments below. Let's support and inspire each other on this creative journey. Together, we can overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and make our mark in the world of photography.
