What to do in the off season??

Well wedding season is over, at least for me and my next booked wedding isnt until march. I am keeping myself busy with some portrait study.. working with models, but I would like to use the "time off" to practise bridal portraits as well as grooms portraits. Any ideas on how to do this without a wedding?

Hi Jennifer - have you considered getting into the Bar Mitzvah photography trade? Bar Mitzvah's will go year 'round and have saved my financial bacon more than once during slow periods.

I have the same price/package structure as with weddings. Whereas a wedding will require one long day of shooting, a Bar Mitzvah may require two days of shooting, a shorter session each day. This is why I keep the rate schedule the same. The amount of work is quite similar in the end.

There is also a similar rite of passage tradition in the Hispanic community for a young lady coming of age - 15 I believe - but the word escapes me and my Spanish is nonexistent. It too may provide a possibility for event photography, although I have never done one. - Stu

Bridal shows??

'Tis the season...for bridal shows.

I havent heared of any bridal shows until early spring.. have to do some more searching I guess.

I would do Bar Mizvahs if I had enquieries for it

Check some of the larger hotels and conference centers in the area, or even the bridal stores. They may have a calendar of upcoming events.

Regarding Bar Mitzvah work, some cities with larger Jewish communities have their own weekly newspapers. I run a standing ad in ours and always get inquiries - the phone doesn't ring every day, but the calls are steady.

song4themoon wrote in post #2457228
I havent heared of any bridal shows until early spring.. have to do some more searching I guess.

I would do Bar Mizvahs if I had enquieries for it

Organize, Organize, Organize!!!!

I'm re-doing my website, going to look into new marketing ventures, meet with new clients, finish orders from this past season, get new demo material prepared... lots of stuff =) oh and actually have some time to relax!

You could also take this opportunity to do some bridal sessions for your spring weddings. The March brides should have their dresses by January, I would think.

I wish I could relax more - the summer and fall clients are finally getting their acts together and bringing in their album and print orders. Not too much down time here....

I just shot a pre-wedding thing this morning at 6 a.m. and after wedding luncheon this afternoon. Another family wedding is scheduled for Feb. I'm just getting started. But in the winter, should be getting those summer weddings scheduled and advertise for senior pictures. It is hard to get going when people aren't asking for you.

I go back to IT, and I work on advertising and getting new customers for next season.

I think I read some article saying low season is good for working on organizing things, looking over your business, marketing & strenghten contacts/network bonds.

Revisit your marketing and make sure it's working ... also, now should be prime time for BOOKING weddings for next year. In my area, the new year is when most brides book for that year. Fine tune your approach with potential couples and look for ways to make things more efficient and eliminate wasted time repeating tasks.

Also, use your family outings/adventures to try new things with your camera ... new settings, lighting, lenses etc.

My daughter is in for the holidays (from D.C.) and I've been filling her in on some of the helpful suggestions and posts that have appeared here. She works behind the scenes at NPR in PR/Comm, and came up with some good ideas... which is natural, since she's smarter than I am

She said that if you're trying to drum up new business and prospects, "think corporate."

Contact the creative services departments, PR people, communications managers or whoever handles graphics or publications in firms that periodically hold events that could use pro photo coverage. Many of these places do not have permanent photo staffs and pull from a local talent pool of shooters. Holiday events can be especially fruitful times for the likes of us when you consider parties and special events.

Also consider fund raisers, charity balls, general corporate events, repetitive sponsorships (ie- 10K runs, auto races, special olympics, etc. ) of any kind.... makes me feel good to hear these suggestions from my daughter. All that high priced college tuition paid off - Stu