Believe it or not, the same strategies that fill up summer camp rosters in minutes can be applied to your photography booking strategy. Let me share a story that highlights why this approach works so well—and how you can use it to book your calendar a year in advance.

The Camp That Sells Out in Minutes

For over a decade, my kids have attended the same summer camp. It’s become a family tradition, with my son now working there as a counselor-in-training and my daughters eagerly looking forward to their sessions each year. This camp is wildly popular, and for good reason—it provides an unforgettable experience.

Here’s where the magic happens: registration opens months in advance and fills up in a matter of minutes. Last year, I missed out on our preferred spot because I logged in just 13 minutes late. I had to call the director and plead for my daughters to join their friends. Luckily, my long-standing loyalty worked in my favor.

This summer camp doesn’t just create great experiences—it has a brilliant booking strategy that keeps families like mine coming back year after year. And here’s the kicker: this is the exact strategy I use to fill my photography calendar!

Why This Photography Booking Strategy Works

Let’s break down why this approach is so effective and how it can work for your photography business:

1. Focus on Client Retention
   This camp delivers a magical experience, making families loyal for years. Their reputation ensures repeat customers, with word-of-mouth referrals bringing in new campers. Similarly, when you provide an incredible photography experience, clients will return year after year—and they’ll tell their friends, too.
2. Leverage Email Marketing
   The camp fills its sessions primarily through email marketing, sending just a few targeted messages to their list. This approach works because email allows you to directly reach people who already love your services. If you’re not using email marketing, you’re missing out on a powerful tool to enhance your booking strategy.
3. Create Scarcity and Exclusivity
   The camp emphasizes that spots are limited. If you don’t act fast, you’ll miss out. This sense of urgency is key to driving action. For your photography business, announcing limited-time offers or exclusive booking windows can motivate clients to act quickly.
4. Proactive, Not Reactive Marketing
   Instead of waiting for registrations to trickle in, the camp actively fills its spots. This ensures they can focus on delivering an exceptional experience rather than scrambling for last-minute bookings. The same applies to photographers: plan ahead, book in advance, and start the year with a full calendar and peace of mind.

How I Apply This Photography Booking Strategy

Every year during Black Friday, I open my family photography calendar for the following year. Nearly all my outdoor family sessions are booked during this event. This booking strategy provides:

• A reliable base income for the upcoming year.
• Immediate cash flow from deposits.
• Freedom from constant marketing, as my calendar is nearly full.

Want to Learn This Booking Strategy?

I’ve created a mini-class called Black Friday Booking that walks you through exactly how to implement this system in your business. For just $22, you’ll learn how to:

• Structure your booking event.
• Use email marketing effectively.
• Create posts and emails with my ready-to-use templates and content calendar.

This approach has worked wonders for my business, and I know it can do the same for you.

Good Business is Good Business

Whether it’s a kids’ summer camp or a photography business, the principles of creating demand, fostering loyalty, and marketing proactively remain the same. By adopting this proven booking strategy, you can transform how you book your sessions—and start the year with confidence.

Ready to take action? Let’s make it happen.