This was written before the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, which has had a dramatic ripple effect through the photo industry and the world. Please practice social distance and abide by the pointers below that you can do from home.

It’s January, and if you’re a wedding photographer in the northern hemisphere like me, you may be trying to figure out what to do with all this free time you might have. Not everyone has a break in the winter months, but at some point throughout the year you may have a slower period. (If you find yourself with more time on your hands during a regularly busy season, check out these tips.) Whether this is a span of 4 months or 4 weeks, you may need some extra ideas to keep you and your business moving forward. 

1. Take a break

I know, this might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes to move forward, you have to give your mind and body a break. It’s important to strike a healthy balance between work and life—plenty of big successful photographers do this habitually. Do something you enjoy. Go on vacation. Unplug for a couple of days. You have worked your tail off for months, filling your calendar with dream clients, so take some time for you.

2. Network with some old and new vendors

Catch up over coffee with those you’ve worked with. Introduce yourself to a local planner you have been wanting to meet. Take the extra small step to keep those existing friendships alive and make new ones. Solidifying those vendor relationships will score you referrals in the long run.

3. Analyze and refresh your brand

Does your current brand align with your work and offerings? Does it feel connected or disconnected with what you want it to be? Check out these six questions to ask yourself to help you navigate this territory (posed by a photo brand consultant who knows what she’s talking about). You might look into hiring a professional designer or consultant if you need help moving your brand in the right direction, and taking a look at the eight common branding pitfalls to avoid.

4. Blog

Chances are you have neglected your blog at some point in the past 12 months, and I am sure you have a lot of work you can share. Think about it: You could double your bookings with strategic blogging.

5. Clean up your hard drives

If you have multiple backups like me, take some time to cross your T’s and dot your I’s by making sure your hard drives are in sync and your photos are backed up properly. If you’re in the market, take a gander at 14 storage drives we reviewed that will keep your deep archives safe.

6. Organize your office space

By the end of October, my office looks a little stressed. Declutter, organize and clean to have a stress-free environment you can work in. If you want to be inspired, check out how wedding and portrait photographer Elizabeth Messina did it.

7. Check in with your clients

A simple hello can go a long way with your existing clients. Ask how their holidays were. See if they have any questions that you can help answer. These tips to improving your communication with clients will come in handy.

8. Get your galleries set up for the year

It may sound simple, but it can still save you time later by doing this in advance. 

9. Maintain your equipment

Package up your babies and send them off to get a good cleaning and check-up. 

10. Lock in your second photographers, assistants or associate shooters

Reach out to your team to find out their availability and pencil them in extra early. Now might be the right time to re-evaluate how you’re pricing and packaging your team for clients, too.

11. Prep your social media accounts

Plan out a few months of Instagram posts, leavings some days for new content. Read up on what successful photographers are doing to get followers and clients through Instagram these days, and how to maximize social media potential in 2020.

12. Finish outstanding album and print product orders

Stay on top of your client orders. After all, it always seem like they will “need” to finish their long outstanding album order right in the middle of your busiest season. Get ahead of it now, and read up on how you can upsell albums to feed your brand’s longevity.

13. Schedule an inspiration shoot with local vendors 

You could always use that extra time on your hands to network with your community and try something different and creative together. If you really enjoy it, you might even want to move more into that line of work for magazines and online spaces.

14. Set up or update your studio management software

Even if you already have it, chances are there is something you can change to make it more effective. 

15. Check that you’re covered

Review your insurance on equipment to make sure all your gear is up-to-date and safe. If you think you’re good to go, ask yourself this: Can your business take a hit against natural disaster? As a matter of fact, take a look at your contract too and read these tips to make sure it’s protecting you.

16. Update your portfolio on your website

Find the weddings that best connect with your brand and highlight them there. And check that you’re making it very easy for clients to hire you through your site.

17. Attend a workshop

Like our conference and trade show, WPPI (Feb. 23-27 2020)! Feeling bold? Attend a workshop that’s outside of your comfort zone, like the editor-in-chief of Rangefinder did.

18. Contact venues that you want to work with and do a site visit

Introduce yourself and bring samples of your work, with price sheets. 

19. Print photos for venues you’d like to continue working with

This is a great way to get your work in front of couples who are looking to hold their wedding at that venue. 

20. Schedule days to pin your work to Pinterest

This might just be the best promotional tool for wedding photographers out there. Plus, your work can never be in too many places! 

Michelle Lange is a wedding and newborn photographer and educator based in Albany, NY. She last wrote about pricing portrait photography to suit your clients and your growing business.