Photographer Best Practices to Make Fall Family Sessions go Smoothly
Now that we’re closing out July and charging ahead to all that August brings, that means it’s time for photographers to prep for fall family sessions. I thought it would be a good time to cover best practices to make fall family sessions go smoothly (without losing your mind).
Fall sessions are coming… and so is the chaos.
Every year, it sneaks up: a flood of inquiries, Pinterest-planning clients, and back-to-back shoots that leave you wondering if you actually enjoy being a photographer.
Let’s not do that this year.
Here are my go-to best practices that help me run fall sessions like a pro—not a puddle of stress in yoga pants.
1. Get Your Backend Systems in Order
If you don’t have a CRM yet, friend—it’s time. I use 17hats and it’s basically my sanity in software form. Automate your invoices, contracts, prep emails, and reminders so you’re not manually managing 17 clients who all “just had one quick question.” Use this link to get 50% an entire year!
2. Batch Your Sessions to Avoid Burnout
Stacking sessions in blocks (by location or time of day) helps reduce driving, setup time, and energy leaks. It also creates that magical rhythm where you stop second-guessing your every move and just flow. This is how I’ve managed to work in 3 different states for the past 5 years, and work less weekends than before ?! If you want some tips on how to set this up for yourself, I offer 1:1 coaching on this and much more.
3. Lock in Your Workflow Now
Every task you repeat—client prep, gallery delivery, sneak peek timeline—should live in a checklist. (I’m a Notion girlie, but Google Docs will do.) Bonus points if you have email templates locked and loaded. You’ll save hours and brainpower. Win-win!
4. Refine Your Posing Prompts by Age
Besides all the behind-the-scenes biz systems that will help streamline your fall season, take a moment to review your session workflows, shooting prompts, and client experiences. Speaking of prompts, not all prompts work for all ages. Toddlers? You need play. Tweens? Give them space. Dads? Help them feel competent and relaxed, not corny. Test out verbal cues that work and keep a cheat sheet on hand so you’re not winging it mid-session. Need help making your family session experiences FUN for the whole family? Check out my mini-course The FUNtographer Playbook for only $49 and get ahead of the game.
5. Plan & Promote Your Minis Early
Don’t wait until October to start marketing. Set dates, write the emails, prep the IG posts, and start teasing your list in August. I promise your future self will thank you. (And your audience will appreciate the heads-up.)
6. Email Your List Before You Post to Instagram
Instagram is fine. But your email list? That’s where the pre-bookers, repeat clients, and VIPs hang out. Give them first dibs. They’re your loyal ride-or-dies, and treating them like it goes a long way. Want weekly family, film biz tips and more sent to your inbox from yours truly? Subscribe to The Weekly Edit!
TL;DR: Plan like a CEO, shoot like an artist.
You’re not just a creative. You’re running a business. When your backend is dialed in, your energy goes where it belongs—into creating images your clients freakin’ love.
Need help streamlining? I’ve got freebies, templates, and full-blown workflows on my education page that can take the weight off your shoulders and put you back in the driver’s seat. I hope this post was helpful to you! I have many other ways I can help too, by following the links below or just shoot me a question here.
(This post contains some affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission.)
Kim Hildebrand
Photographer & Online Educator since 2007
Other ways I can help you
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