December Checklist for Photographers: Get Ready for January Inquiries

December is weird. You’re finishing up galleries, replying to fewer emails, and pretending your inbox is under control. Meanwhile, January is creeping up and with it, the inquiries. The truth? The most successful photographers in January are the ones who got organised in December.

You don’t need to rebuild your whole business over the holidays. But you do need to do something. A little bit of prep this month can turn your January chaos into confident, streamlined bookings.

Do this now:

• Block off 1–2 afternoons for business-only work (no editing allowed).
• Make a list of the things that stress you out every January and fix those first.

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Get Your Website Ready for All Those Fresh Eyes

January brings a flood of newly engaged couples, and your website is likely their first impression of you. But if it's outdated, confusing, or just plain neglected, you're basically turning away dream clients before they even say hello.

Treat your website like a shop window: it should feel fresh, clear, and totally “you.” Are your galleries up to date? Is your contact form working? Does your homepage reflect your vibe, or something you liked three years ago?

Do this now:

• Click through every page like a new visitor - fix broken links, typos, and old info.
• Replace outdated galleries with images that reflect your current style and dream clients.
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Polish Your Communication So You Sound Like a Pro (Not a Bot)

Once someone reaches out, your first reply matters—a lot. An outdated or vague inquiry response can make even the best photographer seem disorganised or unprofessional. This is your chance to build trust, show personality, and guide the client through what happens next.

Take a look at your automatic replies and pricing email. Do they sound like you? Are they clear, warm, and helpful? Now’s the time to write responses that make people excited to work with you.

Do this now:

• Refresh your inquiry reply with your latest pricing, tone, and availability.
• Add a clear call-to-action: whether it’s booking a call or viewing a guide, make next steps obvious.

Boost Your SEO and Attract Dream Clients with Blogging

Blogging is still one of the best long-term marketing tools for photographers—especially when it comes to boosting your visibility on Google. December is the perfect time to publish a “Best of 2025” blog post, packed with search-friendly content, fresh photos, and keywords your future clients are already Googling.

A well-written blog post can rank for months (even years), helping people find you long after you hit publish. Plus, it gives you easy, repurposable content for Pinterest, Instagram, and even email newsletters. You're not just showing off your work—you’re creating traffic and trust at the same time.

Do this now:

• Pick 10–15 standout images from your favourite shoots this year and write a “Best of 2025” blog post.
• Use location-based keywords (like “best wedding photos Tuscany” or “family photography in Stockholm”) in your title, headings, and image descriptions.
• Add personal captions about each shoot—make it feel real and human, not overly salesy.
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Refresh Your Photography Brand Without a Full Rebrand

You don’t need to tear everything down and start from scratch to make your photography brand feel fresh. But December is the perfect time to give your visual identity and messaging a glow-up. Whether it’s refining your logo, updating your colour palette, or rewriting your About page, small changes can have a big impact—especially when potential clients are browsing and comparing.

Consistency across your platforms builds trust and makes your brand instantly recognisable. And clear, confident copy helps visitors understand who you are and why you’re worth booking. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about showing up with intention.

Do this now:

• Audit your branding across your website, Instagram, Pinterest, and pricing guide—make sure your logo, fonts, and colours feel aligned and consistent.
• Refresh your About page, welcome email, or pricing intro with messaging that reflects your current values, vibe, and dream clients.

Prep Photography Marketing That Actually Works (Even When You're Drowning in Edits)

Let’s be honest: when your calendar fills up and your editing queue looks like a scroll, posting on Instagram, updating Pinterest, or writing newsletters is the first thing to go. But consistent content is what keeps your name in front of future clients, even when you’re fully booked.

That’s why December is your golden hour for content prep. Use the slower pace to create a handful of evergreen marketing pieces you can pull from when you're too busy to think. Think: behind-the-scenes videos, album unboxings, storytelling captions, testimonials, and location-based blog pins.

This isn’t just “keeping your feed alive.” It’s building long-term visibility and trust that continues working for you while you're working for others.

Do this now:

• Batch 5–10 evergreen content pieces (like album reels, “day in the life” stories, or before/after edits).
• Save everything in a shared folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, Notion—whatever works), so it's easy to access and ready to post when your brain’s in editing fog.

Build a Simple, Confident Album Strategy

You don’t need a 12-step funnel to sell albums. You just need a plan and a sample that helps people fall in love with the idea of holding their memories in their hands.

Wooden Banana makes that part easy: free design software, discounted samples, stunning cover options like leather, velvet, and cameo windows. The rest? That’s on you. Know when to talk about albums (early), how to show them (in person or online), and what options fit your brand.

Do this now:

• Order your 2026 sample album and make sure it reflects your dream clients.
• Prep one IG post and one email that introduces albums as part of your photography experience.

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Choose 2 or 3 Things and Actually Do Them

You don’t have to do everything. But doing something is better than binge-watching your entire career into January. Choose the areas that will make the biggest difference to your stress levels or your sales—and give yourself a deadline.

Then pour yourself a mulled wine and feel smug. Because you’re ahead of the game now.

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