As the year wraps up, it’s natural to look back and think about what really clicked in our businesses this year—and what fell a little flat. In our Facebook group, we asked photographers to share their best photography business tips for 2024: what worked and didn’t work for them. The responses were honest, inspiring, and sometimes a little raw (because let’s face it, this job isn’t always easy peasy!). Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Wins: Community Connections and Smooth Systems

One big theme? Building community made a huge difference. For Valerie Smith, connecting with local preschools and daycares was a game-changer. “I created a brochure in Canva, hand-delivered it to 14 childcare centers, and followed up consistently. In the end, I booked three centers for fall and even more for spring!” she shared. Her persistence paid off, and she’s already planning to approach elementary schools next year.

On the backend, smooth systems saved the day for many photographers. Caeli Richter couldn’t say enough about her CRM: “HoneyBook made client communication seamless and ensured everyone got the info they needed, even when I was slammed during the busy season. It’s like having my own personal assistant!” For Jaime Bugbee-King, automation was key: “Streamlined email workflows saved me so much time and let me focus on creativity instead of repetitive tasks.”

Lessons Learned: Pricing Changes and Overplanning

Of course, not everything went according to plan. Valerie also tried switching to a session fee + collections pricing model paired with a giveaway. “I had 85 entries, but only one booking,” she admitted. “I’m in an area where all-inclusive pricing is the norm, so I switched back to that after the giveaway flopped.”

Meanwhile, Liz Hite realized the hard way that overplanning can backfire. “I didn’t leave enough space for family medical issues, and it made fall super stressful. Next year, I’m going to plan my schedule with more flexibility so I’m not overbooked during busy seasons.”

Wins: Strong Networks and Niche Offerings

For others, tapping into their networks paid off big time. Evelynne Greenberg-Gomes saw huge results from her BNI group. “I gained over $15,000 in sales from referrals and expect even more next year. Having a group of business owners who get what it takes to run a business is such a relief—it feels a lot less lonely.”

Some photographers leaned into unique offerings with great success. Caeli’s black-and-white “Personality Portraits” became so popular that she hosted five pop-ups this year alone. And Russ Bratcher found gold with his themed mini-sessions: “Every event sold out, from Mother’s Day to Christmas Truck sessions. Fun fact: there wasn’t even a vintage truck—just my trusty black Toyota Tundra. Southerners love a good truck session!”

What Didn’t Work: Gift Cards and Overextending

Not everything was a win. Evelynne tried offering gift cards as an incentive but found it didn’t resonate with clients. “They didn’t put much effort into planning their sessions or choosing their favorite photos, which was frustrating,” she said.

And burnout was a recurring theme. Russ reflected on the toll of trying to do too much for too many people. “I realized I can’t keep giving without boundaries. Setting limits helped me avoid burnout and stay fully committed to my work without losing myself in the process.”

Photography Business Tips for 2025

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that every win and every struggle is an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it’s fine-tuning your pricing, building stronger systems, or leaning into your niche, each step forward brings you closer to the business you’ve dreamed of.

Let’s take these lessons into 2025, ready to experiment, adapt, and cheer each other on. After all, that’s what this community is all about!

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, apply for the Elena S Blair Mastermind, where you’ll learn everything you need to make 2025 your best year yet. Applications are closing soon—don’t wait!