10 Steps to Booking Your First Photography Clients

Ready to book your first wedding photography clients? This blog walks you through ten actionable steps—from marketing and pricing to sealing the deal—to help you land those dream couples and start building an exciting and successful wedding photography business.

10 Steps to Booking Your First Photography Clients

So, you’re starting to build a portfolio you’re super proud of, you’ve got a shiny new website, and you’re dipping your toe into marketing your photography business, too. First of all—HUGE CONGRATS! Starting a new business is exciting, but it can also feel pretty overwhelming pretty quickly. At this point, you’re probably wondering, “How do I actually get those first bookings?” Well, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what this blog is here to help with!

Booking your first clients isn’t just about having great photos (though that certainly helps!). It’s about building trust, showing up authentically, and guiding potential clients through the process with confidence. Below, I’ve outlined 10 practical steps to help you secure your first wedding photography bookings while building a business you LOVE.

1. Market, Market, Market!

If there’s one thing you can’t avoid in your early days, it’s marketing. The good news is, though, that it doesn’t have to be scary—you just need to start small and stay consistent. Here are some key platforms and avenues to focus on as a beginner:

• Instagram: Share your best work (the work you want more of!), engage with your followers, and show off your personality. People buy from people, so let them get to know you!

• Facebook groups: Look for local wedding groups or community boards where couples may be searching for suppliers. Be helpful, though; please don’t spam, and remember to build relationships as you go

• Regularly update your website with fresh content, including blog posts (like this one!). This not only improves your SEO but also gives potential clients more reasons to trust you

• Network and connect with other wedding suppliers—planners, florists, and venue coordinators. Word-of-mouth referrals from industry pros can be gold!

2. Know Your Pricing and Packages

Before you even think about taking your first enquiry call, make sure you know your pricing and packages inside out and have them ready to share—whether it’s a beautifully designed brochure PDF or a simple guide. This will help you sound (and look) prepared and professional when discussing options with potential clients.

3. Get Them on a Video Call

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, many times over: people buy from people. The more they see you as a real person they can connect with, the better your chances of booking them. Yes, video calls can feel awkward at first—especially if you hate seeing yourself on screen (pro tip: stick a post-it over your face!). But trust me, that face-to-face interaction is likely to seal the deal.

4. Be in the Right Mindset

Approach each call with quiet confidence—know your worth and remember, you deserve to be here. Yes, you want the job, but don’t come across as desperate—it can be a red flag for potential clients. Stay calm, collected, and ready to listen more than you talk!

5. Have a Flow to Your Call

A good call really isn’t about selling yourself—it’s about making a genuine connection with your potential clients. Start by welcoming them, thanking them for their time, and asking lots of open-ended questions like:

• “Why did you choose your venue?”

• “What are you most excited about on your wedding day?”

• “Have you thought about any specific styling or themes?”

The goal here is to show that you’re interested in them, not just the sale. Build rapport, reflect on what they say, and create a connection. They’ll remember you…promise!

6. Show Off Your Personality

Whether it’s on your social platforms or during calls, let your personality shine! People are hiring you to capture one of the most important days of their lives—they want someone they can trust and feel comfortable with. So be yourself, stay professional, and let them see the real you.

7. Know Your Payment Preferences

Nothing kills the vibe like stumbling when a couple asks about deposits and payment terms. Therefore, be ready to explain your process and answer the following questions confidently:

• How much is the deposit?

• When is the final balance due?

• How can they make payments?

This shows that you’re organised and professional, which instantly builds trust.

8. Speak to Their Needs

Every couple has a problem they want solved—maybe they’re nervous about posing, or they’re unsure about timelines. Your job is to show them how you’ll handle those worries with your experience, approach, and calm demeanour. What’s the emotional trigger that makes them buy? Find it, and speak to it!

9. Dress to Represent Your Brand

Whenever you’re representing your brand—whether it’s on Instagram Stories, a video call, or an in-person meeting—dress in a way that reflects your professionalism. You don’t have to wear a suit (in fact, please don’t wear a suit!), but definitely ditch the hoodie and joggers. Looking polished gives a great first impression.

10. Take Notes and Use a CRM

During your call, remember to take lots of detailed notes. What are they excited about? What concerns did they raise? This isn’t just for you to remember—it shows the couple that you care and are paying attention. I personally love using a CRM system where I can store all my notes in one place, making follow-up a breeze.

Feeling Stuck Before You Even Get Enquiries?

If you’re reading this thinking, “Great advice, but I don’t even have enquiries coming in yet!”—don’t worry. You’re not alone, and there are a few simple steps you can take to get things moving:

• Make sure your portfolio showcases the kind of work you want to book

• Network with other suppliers and vendors in the wedding industry

• Keep showing up on your chosen platforms—it takes time, but consistency really is key

And if you want a clear framework for increasing your bookings, check out my self-paced online course, How to Increase Your Bookings. It’s packed with insights and actionable steps to help you go from struggling to book to working with couples who simply adore you. 

TAKE ME THERE!

 

Starting your photography business will always feel daunting a times, but everyone has to start somewhere. Focus on building connections, showing up consistently, and, most importantly, staying true to yourself.