Have you ever had one of those seasons where things were going so well in your business… and then suddenly, crickets?
That’s exactly what a photographer told me in my DMs recently.
She said, “Angie, I’m in a booking rut. I was doing great with branding clients, and then it all just stopped.”
Oof. Been there.
So I gave her my best piece of advice. And honestly, it’s something I’ve seen work over and over again for myself and the branding photographers in my Growth Lab membership.
This conversation actually came up on a recent podcast episode (listen below 👇). So if you’d rather listen in and hear me break it all down with stories and examples, definitely check that out!
But if you prefer to read (or want the full written version you can come back to later), keep on scrolling — because everything I shared in that episode is right here in this blog.
Listen on: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
If you’re wondering how to book branding photography clients right now (especially when things feel slow), this blog is made for you.
I am going to walk you through the same practical steps I shared with her. The exact ones that get photographers back on track and booking consistently again.
Here’s what you’ll uncover:
- How to re-engage warm leads who are already in your inbox or DMs.
- How to turn social followers into paying clients through your email list.
- How to network locally and build real connections that lead to repeat bookings.
By the end, you’ll have a simple plan to reconnect, nurture, and book your next branding photography client, without burning out or starting from scratch.
Your Next Client Is Already in Your Network
Here’s the truth I’ve noticed most photographers overlook:
Your next branding photography client is probably already in your inbox.
They’re not hiding behind the algorithm or lost in the internet void. They’ve seen your work, read your captions, maybe even reached out before.
They’re there. They just need you to reconnect.
The first step to getting out of a booking rut isn’t reinventing your marketing strategy or lowering your prices.
It’s nurturing the relationships you already have.
Because the tendency is …
When inquiries dry up, the doubt hits hard.
You start asking yourself questions like:
- “Is my content even working?”
- “Should I lower my prices?”
- “Maybe I need to start running ads?”
But here’s the thing,
Most of the time, it’s not that your marketing has stopped working. It’s that your leads have gone cold because you stopped showing up in front of them.
The branding photographers who stay fully booked aren’t the ones posting nonstop. They’re the ones who stay connected.
Checking in, following up, and showing they care.
So before you overhaul your whole strategy, take a breath. Let’s start with who’s already in your world and just needs a reminder of how amazing you are.
Cultivate the Relationships You Already Have
Here are the five simple, proven ways I share with branding photographers to help them turn those warm connections into their next paid booking.
1. Follow Up with Past Inquiries
Open your email inbox and scroll through old conversations. You’ll probably find a few names that never booked. Maybe they said your prices were out of budget, or the timing wasn’t right.
Those people are gold.
Create a folder labeled “Warm Leads” and make it part of your workflow to check in every few months.
Try sending a simple message like:
“Hey [Name], I know it wasn’t the right time when we last talked, but I wanted to check in. My calendar just opened up for [month or quarter], and I thought of you. Are you working on anything new you’d love to capture this season? Would love to help you refresh your brand visuals.”
I did this and I’ve had people respond instantly with, “Oh my gosh, perfect timing — I was just thinking about brand photos!”
And you can do that too.
It’s not luck. It’s consistency.
Most prospects need to see your name seven or eight times before they’re ready to invest. So just keep showing up as that friendly reminder who stays top of mind when they’re finally ready to book.
2. Reconnect Through Your DMs
If you’ve been showing up on social media with your work, client transformations, and helpful tips, why not take another look at your DMs?
Your next branding photography client might be waiting right there. ✨
Scroll through your past conversations and see who’s already shown interest.
Maybe someone replied to your story saying they needed brand photos “someday.” Maybe someone asked about pricing, but never booked.
Those are warm leads.
Reach out and start a genuine conversation. Leave a kind comment on their latest post, reply to a story, or celebrate a recent win.
This isn’t about pitching or selling. It’s about reconnecting and reminding them that you’re here to help when the time feels right.
People book with photographers they know, like, and trust. Every thoughtful message, comment, or interaction helps you build that trust and stay top of mind when they’re ready to invest.
3. Create or Refresh Your Opt-In
If you don’t have an opt-in yet (or haven’t shared yours in months), let’s change that, friend.
Social media is where people find you, but your email list is where they hire you. 💌
Think of your opt-in as a little gift that helps potential clients get to know your expertise before they ever inquire.
Keep it simple and valuable. Try ideas like:
- 10 Must-Have Brand Photos for Your Business
- The Brand Shoot Planning Guide
- The Brand Shoot Outfit Guide
Once someone downloads it, start building the relationship through a quick, three-part welcome sequence:
- 📩 Email 1: Deliver the freebie and share a short story about how brand photos can elevate a business.
- 💡 Email 2 (2 days later): Offer something helpful like styling tips, location inspiration, or creative ways to use brand photos online.
- 📆 Email 3 (2 days later): Personally invite them to book their next session with you. Keep it friendly, confident, and genuine.
And please don’t post your opt-in once and forget about it! Share it at least once a week (twice if you can).
Every time you do, you’re bringing new, aligned clients into your world and reminding them why you’re the go-to branding photographer in your market.
4. Get Offline and Network Locally
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is to step away from your screen and go where your clients actually are.
Seriously — close that laptop, grab your camera, and get out into your community.
If you want to work with small business owners, show up in their spaces. Visit local coffee shops, boutiques, co-working hubs, or community events.
Say hello, buy something, and start genuine conversations.
People love connecting with other entrepreneurs who actually care about their business.
Bring your camera with you, too. Snap a few behind-the-scenes photos or short video clips and offer to share them with the owners.
That simple act of generosity can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Those quick interactions can turn into collaborations, referrals, or direct bookings faster than you’d imagine.
I love doing this — and it’s so effective. One of my favorite things is visiting my local Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning. I’ll walk around, chat with vendors, take a few photos, and tag them on social media later.
It’s such an easy, organic way to build real connections with people who need brand photos regularly. Plus, it keeps me inspired and rooted in my local creative community. 🌸
5. Serve Before You Sell
And lastly, let’s talk about one of the most powerful branding photographer mindsets I preach:
Serving before selling.
This has always been the heartbeat of my business. When you show up with generosity and genuine care, trust starts to build naturally.
Share helpful tips in your posts, cheer your audience on when they hit milestones, and take the time to understand what they’re really trying to achieve.
Your clients can feel when your intention is to help, and not just to get them to book. And that energy creates long-term relationships, referrals, and loyal clients who keep coming back.
In this line of business, I’ve learned that marketing doesn’t have to feel salesy or complicated. It’s simply about connecting with people you actually want to work with and showing them how your photography can elevate their brand, boost their confidence, and grow their business.
When you lead with service, the sales take care of themselves.
Keep Showing Up. Your Next Client Is Closer Than You Think
So, my best advice if you’re in a booking rut? Don’t start from scratch.
Your next branding photography client is probably already in your inbox, your DMs, or your local community.
Follow up, connect, and nurture the relationships you’ve already built.
Those warm leads are always easier (and faster) to convert than chasing brand-new ones.
And if you’re just starting out, that’s okay too.
Day one is still the perfect time to start building genuine relationships.
Share your work, start conversations, and show people how your photography can help their business shine.
Rooting for you. 🫶🏽
Feeling fired up to take action? I want to hear all about it! Message me on Instagram and share which tip you’ll use to book your next branding photography client.
– Angie
