Slow periods in business are an inevitable part of freelancing, and for photographers, they can feel particularly challenging. However, a quiet calendar doesn’t have to mean wasted time. Instead, think of these lulls as opportunities—a chance to focus on the aspects of your business that get overlooked when you’re busy with clients.
In this article, we’ll explore seven productive ways to make the most of downtime, from sharpening your skills to building new revenue streams. With the right approach, you can use this downtime to work on things that will help your business in the long run.
1. Update Your Portfolio
When was the last time you gave your portfolio a good look? Slow periods are the perfect time to update it and make sure it reflects your best work. An up-to-date portfolio is crucial for attracting potential clients and showcasing your expertise.
Refresh Your Website
Go through your website and replace older images with more recent work. Highlight projects that represent your niche or demonstrate your current skills. If you’ve expanded into new areas, like drone photography or event coverage, make sure your portfolio reflects that too.
Organize Your Social Media
Your social media accounts act as a digital portfolio for many potential clients. Use this time to clean up old posts, add new ones, and ensure your profile is cohesive and visually appealing. Scheduling tools can help you plan future posts so you’re consistent even when business picks up.
Create a Specialized Gallery
Consider creating a gallery focused on a particular niche or project. For example, if you’ve done a lot of travel photography, compile a separate section for those images. This not only helps clients quickly find what they’re looking for but also establishes you as an expert in that area.
2. Learn Something New
Slow periods are an ideal time to invest in yourself by learning a new skill or deepening your expertise. Expanding your knowledge can not only help you improve your craft but also open up new opportunities for your business.
Explore Online Courses
Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and MasterClass offer courses tailored to photographers, covering everything from advanced editing techniques to niche topics like astrophotography. Choose a course that aligns with your interests or fills a gap in your skillset.
Experiment with New Techniques
Use the downtime to try out techniques you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the chance to. Whether it’s light painting, drone photography, or macro shots, experimenting with new approaches can reignite your creativity.
Learn Related Skills
Consider picking up skills that complement your photography business, such as graphic design, video editing, or social media marketing. These can add value to your services and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Stay Updated on Trends
Photography trends are constantly evolving. Spend time researching what’s popular in the industry, from editing styles to client preferences, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
3. Network and Connect
When business is slow, building and strengthening your professional relationships can pay off in the long run. Networking helps you stay top-of-mind for potential opportunities and allows you to learn from others in your field.
Reconnect with Past Clients
Reach out to previous clients to check in and let them know you’re available for new projects. A friendly email or social media message can remind them of your work and potentially lead to referrals or repeat business.
Attend Events and Workshops
Whether in-person or virtual, events and workshops are great places to meet other photographers and industry professionals. They’re also an excellent opportunity to learn from experts and gain new insights into the business.
Collaborate with Others
Team up with other creatives, such as makeup artists, models, or stylists, to work on personal projects or portfolio-building shoots. Collaboration not only expands your network but also helps you create unique and diverse work.
Engage with Online Communities
Join photography forums, Facebook groups, or other online communities to exchange ideas, get feedback, and connect with like-minded professionals. Being an active participant in these spaces can help you stay inspired and visible.
4. Focus on Marketing
When business is slow, it’s the perfect time to double down on your marketing efforts. Building your brand and increasing your visibility can help you attract new clients and prepare for busier times ahead.
Plan and Schedule Content
Use downtime to create and schedule social media posts, blog articles, or email newsletters. Consistent content keeps your audience engaged and reminds them of your expertise. Platforms like Canva or scheduling tools like Buffer can make this process easier.
Update Your Marketing Materials
Take a fresh look at your business cards, brochures, or pricing guides. Are they up to date and visually appealing? Refreshing these materials ensures you’re ready to impress potential clients.
Experiment with Paid Ads
If you’ve never tried paid advertising, now might be a good time to start. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to run targeted campaigns to reach specific audiences. Experiment with small budgets to see what works best for your business.
Build Your Email List
Start or grow your email list by offering something valuable, like a free guide or discount, in exchange for sign-ups. Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture relationships with potential clients.
5. Create Passive Income Streams
Slow periods are an excellent time to explore passive income opportunities that can supplement your photography business. While these ideas require some initial effort, they can provide a steady revenue stream over time.
Sell Digital Products
Create and sell photography presets, eBooks, or printable templates. These products can be sold on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website. Offering digital downloads allows you to monetize your expertise without ongoing effort.
Submit to Stock Photography Platforms
If you have a library of unused images, consider submitting them to stock photography platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. While the competition is tough, it’s still a way to earn royalties over time.
Offer Online Tutorials
Record and sell video tutorials or courses on niche photography techniques. Platforms like Teachable or Skillshare can help you reach a wider audience.
Start a Patreon
For photographers with a dedicated following, Patreon offers a way to earn support by providing exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, editing tips, or personal insights.
We’ve covered passive income ideas in more detail in another article, so be sure to check that out for additional inspiration.
6. Audit Your Business
A slow period is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the inner workings of your business. By conducting a thorough audit, you can identify areas for improvement and ensure that your business is running as smoothly as possible.
Review Your Finances
Examine your income and expenses to understand your financial health. Are there subscriptions or tools you no longer use? Could you cut unnecessary costs? This is also a good time to set new financial goals or create a budget for upcoming months.
Evaluate Your Pricing
Take a fresh look at your pricing structure. Are your rates competitive? Do they reflect the value of your work and cover your expenses? If needed, adjust your pricing to better align with your goals and the market.
Organize Your Contracts and Documents
Make sure your contracts, invoices, and other essential documents are well-organized and up to date. If you don’t already have a contract template, now’s the time to create one to protect yourself and your clients in future projects.
Assess Your Workflow
Think about the tools and processes you use to manage your business. Are there ways to streamline your workflow? Consider using project management software or automating repetitive tasks to save time and reduce stress.
Taking the time to audit your business ensures that you’re prepared for future challenges and opportunities, making your operations more efficient and effective.
7. Work on Personal Projects
Slow periods are a great time to focus on personal projects that fuel your creativity and remind you why you fell in love with photography in the first place. These projects can also add variety to your portfolio and even attract new clients.
Pursue Passion Projects
Take on a photography project purely for the joy of it. Whether it’s capturing local street scenes, exploring nature, or documenting a cause close to your heart, these projects can be incredibly fulfilling and help you rediscover your creative spark.
Experiment Without Pressure
Without the constraints of client expectations, you have the freedom to try new techniques or ideas. Use this time to push boundaries, test unconventional approaches, or simply have fun with your camera.
Create for Your Portfolio
Personal projects often yield some of your most authentic and compelling work. These images can enhance your portfolio by showcasing your unique perspective and creative range.
Share Your Journey
Document and share your personal projects on social media or your blog. People love seeing behind-the-scenes glimpses of a photographer’s process, and sharing your journey can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Working on personal projects not only keeps you engaged during slow periods but also strengthens your skills and expands your creative horizons.
Stay productive
Slow periods in business might feel frustrating, but they can also be a valuable opportunity to refocus and grow. By using this downtime to update your portfolio, learn new skills, connect with others, and build additional income streams, you can set yourself up for greater success when work picks up again. Remember, every step you take during these quiet times contributes to building a stronger and more resilient photography business.
