Importance of maximizing profits during summer mini sessions

Let’s talk about summer mini sessions! Are you a photographer looking to expand your client base, book appointments during slow periods, and generate more revenue? Mini sessions are for you. These short and quick photoshoots give clients a glimpse of your photography skills and working style before getting a full session. 

Seasonal mini-sessions, such as summer mini sessions, are particularly effective in filling gaps during slower months. You can attract a wider range of clients who may need more money or time for a full-length photoshoot. Summer mini sessions can help build relationships with new clients and foster loyalty among existing ones. 



By offering a fun, low-pressure experience tailored to their needs and preferences, clients are more likely to return for future sessions and recommend your services to others. Trying out different locations, props, and poses can expand your portfolios and showcase your versatility to potential clients.

Summer mini sessions can grow your business, build client relationships, and explore your creativity.

Here are five ways you can make the most of this opportunity:

Offer Package Deals

Offering package deals is a great way to entice clients to book a mini photo session with you. Price your mini-session packages competitively so people are willing to pay more money for them than they would typically pay for an individual photo session without a package deal included (which is usually less). You can offer a variety of packages, each one with different options and extras. For example, you could have a basic mini-session package with one 8×10 print, an online gallery, and digital files. Then you could offer an upgraded package that includes two 8×10 prints, an extra 5×7 print, and custom filters for the images in your online gallery. Consider bundling different types of photo sessions (e.g., family, couples, individual) or offering a certain number of digital images or prints.

Add extras such as a free print or a discount on future photo sessions to make your package deals even more appealing. While offering value is important, keep your package deals simple so clients can easily understand what they’re getting. Avoid overwhelming them with too many options or add-ons.

The easiest way to schedule mini sessions from start to finish.

Utilize Upselling Techniques

Upselling can significantly increase your revenue as clients are more likely to purchase additional products or services when engaged with your brand. By offering different products or services that complement their summer mini-session, you can enhance the overall customer experience and provide more value to your clients. A few ways to upsell your service include offering clients the option to purchase additional digital images from their mini-session. This is a great way to increase revenue without additional time or resources.

Offer print packages that include a combination of prints from their mini-session.
This can provide clients with a more complete and cohesive collection of images from their session. If a client is pleased with their mini-session, offer them the option to upgrade to an entire session at a discounted rate. This can be a great way to build long-term client relationships and encourage repeat business. A great add-on will be services such as hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, or location scouting. This can give them a complete experience and help differentiate your services from competitors.



Leverage Social Media

Social media users are visually-motivated, making your photographs more appealing and engaging. Social media works as your instant portfolio, showcases your skills, appeals to new clients, and establishes your brand. Some best practices for using social media to promote summer mini-sessions include:



Create visually appealing content

Use high-quality images and graphics to create visually appealing content that showcases your summer mini-session offerings. This will help grab the attention of potential clients and encourage them to learn more.



Use relevant hashtags

Use relevant hashtags on your social media posts to make them more discoverable to potential clients who are searching for summer mini-sessions. Examples of relevant hashtags include #summerphotosessions, #familyphotography, and #beachphotography.



Engage with your audience

Engage with your followers by promptly responding to comments and messages. This will help build a relationship with your audience and encourage them to book a summer mini-session with you.



Collaborate with influencers

Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your summer mini-sessions to their audience. This can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility with potential clients.



You can highlight the beauty of summer in your mini-session, hold a summer mini-session Giveaway and encourage clients to share their summer memories on social media using your branded hashtag.

Partner with Local Businesses

By collaborating with local businesses, you can tap into their existing customer base and reach a new audience that may have yet to learn about your summer mini-sessions. It can also be unique and memorable for your clients. For example, you could partner with a local ice cream shop and offer a mini session that includes ice cream for your clients, or partner with a local beach resort and offer mini sessions on the beach. This can create a unique and unforgettable experience for your clients and help differentiate you from competitors.



Cost Effective Marketing

Collaborating with local businesses for summer mini-sessions can be a cost-effective way to market your services. You can share marketing costs and resources and reach a wider audience without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic opportunity to cross-promote your services and products. For example, if you work with a local hair salon, you could offer a discount on hair styling services to clients who book a summer mini-session with you. This can help increase sales for both businesses and build long-term relationships with clients.



Create Time-Limited Offers

Offering discounts on your package deals can also be an effective way to entice clients to book with you. For example, offer a 10% discount on a package deal if they book within a specific timeframe. This could also be a free print or digital download or another incentive to make clients feel like they are getting a great deal. Ensure you set a clear timeframe for your time-limited offer, such as a specific date or period. This will create a sense of urgency and encourage clients to book with you before the offer expires.

To get the word out about your time-limited offer, promote it on your website, social media channels, and email marketing campaigns. Create eye-catching graphics or videos to help your offer stand out and grab clients’ attention.



One way to create a sense of urgency for your time-limited offer is to create a sense of scarcity. For example, limit the number of sessions available, or offer the deal only to the first ten clients who book with you. This will encourage clients to act quickly and book with you before the offer expires.

Soak up the benefits

Summer mini-sessions can be a great way to attract new clients, increase sales, and build your brand. You can capture new clients who may not have considered booking a full photography session. By offering a shorter, more affordable option, you can encourage them to try your services and potentially become long-term customers. Summer mini-sessions also offer great opportunities to build brand awareness and increase word-of-mouth referrals. Few of the best ways you can maximize your summer mini-sessions include offering package deals, upselling products, partnering with local businesses, leveraging social media, and using limited-time offers.

Booking summer mini-sessions can be overwhelming on top of attracting new clients, promoting your summer deals, and capturing memorable shots. Iris Works has an automated system for scheduling appointments that can make your life easier. We can streamline your workflow, save time, and focus on what you do best – capturing beautiful memories for your clients. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial.