how to plan your Summer & Fall sessions without the burn out

The Key to a Successful Season: Start Planning Your Summer & Fall Sessions Now

As a photographer, one of the best things you can do for your business is to plan ahead. A little preparation now can mean a smooth, successful season later—with fewer last-minute scrambles and more booked sessions! Whether you offer mini sessions, full sessions, or a mix of both, now is the time to start thinking about your summer and fall calendar. Here’s how to plan your summer and fall sessions without the burn out!

Let’s start by identifying what to focus on when planning. In my business, I offer “evergreen sessions” that are promoted year-round, such as maternity, newborn, and cake smashes. My seasonal sessions, however, include outdoor family sessions (full sessions), mini session events (like outdoor minis and holiday setups), and branding events.

In this blog post, we’re focusing on seasonal sessions. Before summer arrives, I take this time to map out my schedule for full outdoor family sessions, decide whether to offer mini session events, and explore studio options like Santa sessions.

1. Block Off Your Dates Now

Your calendar is your best friend when it comes to planning. Start by blocking off the dates you want to offer mini session events and full sessions. This ensures you reserve time before life gets too busy. If you don’t have your kids’ sports schedules or other commitments yet, that’s okay! You can still start planning your events now and adjust as needed.

2. Decide How Many Sessions You Want to Offer

Think about how many sessions you’d like to take on each season. This will help guide your pricing, especially for special events. Will you have a cap on the number of bookings? Would you prefer to offer only full sessions, or do you want to include mini sessions as well?

Beyond just mini sessions, consider unique locations that work best for full sessions only. A beautiful lakeside, a sunflower field, or an apple orchard could be perfect for storytelling sessions that go beyond the quick minis. Offering a variety of options can help you attract different types of clients while maximizing your revenue.

3. Prepare Your Booking & Confirmation Process

To make booking as seamless as possible, have your confirmation emails and session details ready to go before you announce your availability. If possible, set up your sessions to be bookable online so clients can grab their preferred spots immediately. An easy-to-use booking system can make a big difference in getting those early sign-ups! I like Acuity Scheduling, Sprout Studio and Use Session.

4. plan how you will market your sessions

Once your dates and session types are decided, go back to your calendar and mark down when you want to start promoting—earlier is always better! Consider setting up a sign-up form for VIP access—this allows interested clients to be the first to know about your sessions before they open to the public. A head start on collecting emails will help build momentum and ensure a strong launch.

5. Plan Your Promotional Content

Don’t wait until the last minute to create marketing materials! Plan out your email campaigns, social media posts, and website updates in advance. And remember, you don’t have to focus solely on mini sessions—if full sessions work better for you, market those instead!

When promoting, highlight the experience, not just the price. Show potential clients why your sessions are special, whether it’s the dreamy location, the storytelling aspect, the beautiful images they’ll cherish forever, or the ease of a mini session.

6. Set Your Pricing & Sales Structure

Decide now how you want to price your sessions. Will you be offering In-Person Sales (IPS) or selling digitals only? Make it work for you! Having this figured out in advance allows you to confidently communicate pricing to clients and helps set expectations.

7. Create Landing Pages & Client Materials

Ensure you have all the necessary materials to streamline your client experience. Create any landing pages you will need for easy booking, and consider putting together specific brochures or guides for clients after they book. Providing clear, informative materials enhances the client experience and reduces questions later.

By taking the time to plan your summer and fall sessions now, you’ll create a more organized, stress-free season for yourself. Clients love booking with a photographer who has a clear and professional process, and you’ll feel more in control knowing everything is set up for success. So grab your calendar, start brainstorming, and get ready for your best season yet!

Looking for more hands on guidance from a photographer with the experience to walk with you every step? Take a look at Get Rooted.