As an introvert, navigating a photography business can be challenging, but it is not impossible. In my 10 years in business, I’ve learned a lot about how to set boundaries and use my time wisely. Here are some tips on how to manage a photography business as an introvert:

Develop a plan:

Start by creating a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, and marketing strategies. This will help you stay focused and organized, reducing the stress of making decisions on the spot.

Set boundaries:

As an introvert, you may feel drained by too much social interaction, so it's essential to set boundaries for your business. For example, limit your work hours or schedule your sessions at times that work best for you. This will help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Take breaks:

Luckily where I live in the PNW, most family sessions occur in the spring and fall. That means I get to diversify my business and do other things in the Summer and Winter such as SEO consulting and more recently, Real Estate. This has also helped me avoid burnout which would be inevitable if I was booked year-round.

Focus on your strengths:

As an introvert, you may be naturally good at listening, which can be a valuable skill in photography. Use your strengths to build strong relationships with your clients, and let your work speak for itself. For example, I find mini-sessions to be particularly draining and would rather spend my time getting to know clients in a more authentic way. For this reason, I only offer full sessions so I can pour my heart and soul into every session and maximize my bonding time with my clients.

focus on connection:

I think it’s a misconception that all introverts are shy. I’m not overly shy and enjoy meeting people and connecting with them. You may have heard the advice to get on the phone with your clients before booking a session. I find this to be a valuable tool. First of all, it helps me get to know them before the session which can deepen our connection on the day of the shoot. Also, it can give you an opportunity to spot red flags and be sure that they are the right client for you (and you are the right photographer for them). I believe that connecting with clients on the phone is a powerful way to increase bookings. Once they meet you, hear your voice, and begin to trust you, they are much more likely to hire you over a photographer who only sends emails or texts.

I always follow up a call with an email to make sure we have all the important information in writing but I would highly recommend scheduling phone calls with your clients.

Learn about SEO:

I know, I know, as unsexy as it sounds, SEO is a valuable tool for small businesses and I definitely put off learning about it for the first few years of my business. But if you put in the work, SEO can have a long-term payoff. Generating leads without having to dance on Tik Tok is work it’s weight in gold!

Being an introvert doesn't mean you can't succeed in the photography industry. By developing a plan, leveraging social media, setting boundaries, partnering with extroverts, taking breaks, and focusing on your strengths, you can build a successful photography business that aligns with your personality and lifestyle.