90. How to Make Money Using Existing Wedding Photography Clients (2024)

As wedding photographers, we're constantly bombarded with advice on how to attract new clients. "Improve your SEO!" "Boost your social media presence!" "Offer discounts to first-time clients!" These are all valid strategies, but there’s an often overlooked goldmine sitting right under our noses: our existing clients.

One of the simplest ways to increase revenue is by selling prints and albums. If you're using an online gallery system, this is a no-brainer. Clients can easily order prints directly from their gallery, and you don’t have to lift a finger. But don't just stop there—be proactive!

Reach out to your clients with personalized offers. Whether it's a holiday season sale or a special discount for their first anniversary, make sure they know the option is available. Encourage them to think beyond just standard prints. Suggest thank-you cards with a wedding photo, or custom wall art for their new home. By centering your marketing around these ideas, you can turn a simple upsell into a significant revenue stream.

Once a couple is married, what's the next major milestone? For many, it's starting a family. This opens the door to a range of photography sessions, from maternity to newborn to family portraits.

Timing is crucial here. Many photographers shy away from offering these sessions during peak wedding season, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them altogether. If you’re not busy in the winter months, this is the perfect time to promote these sessions. By strategically timing your offers, you can keep your calendar full and your income steady, even in the off-season.

Offering coverage for events leading up to the wedding, like rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and even bachelor or bachelorette parties, can be a lucrative upsell. These events are often more relaxed and provide a fantastic opportunity to build rapport with the couple's friends and family before the big day.

If you're worried about availability, especially on weekends when you might already have a wedding booked, consider offering these services during less busy periods. You can also partner with a team member or a trusted second shooter to cover these events if you’re not available personally.

Engagement sessions are not only a great way to get to know the couple before their wedding day, but they’re also a fantastic upsell. If a couple hasn’t already booked an engagement session, offer it as an add-on to their wedding package.

For couples who might have already done their engagement photos or are looking for something different, consider offering mini sessions. These shorter, more affordable sessions are perfect for clients who want updated photos but don’t need a full session.

Incorporating drone photography or offering a 24-hour photo turnaround can be another way to add value (and income) to your packages. Many couples are willing to pay a premium for drone footage of their venue or for the excitement of seeing their photos the day after the wedding.

If a couple wants coverage of both preparations but only hired you, the main photographer, offering a second shooter can be a game-changer. This allows you to capture both preps simultaneously, ensuring that no moment is missed. This upsell not only gives them more comprehensive coverage but also helps alleviate some of the pressure on you during the day.

The rise of social media has led to a new demand: content creation during the wedding. This could be as simple as attaching a GoPro or your phone to your camera and capturing behind-the-scenes footage throughout the day.

Finally, consider collaborating with videographers or content creators. If you have a client who’s booked you for photography but is on the fence about hiring a videographer, offer them a package deal. Partner with a videographer to offer a discounted rate when they book both services through you. This not only increases your income but also strengthens your relationships with other vendors in the industry.