We need to talk about something that’s been on many people’s minds lately. The 2024 wedding season is shaping up to be a mixed bag for photographers. Here’s a breakdown of the issues and some strategic responses to help you thrive.
Why This Wedding Season Sucks:
Too Many Photographers: During the pandemic, a lot of new photographers entered the market because of the wedding boom in 2022-2023. Now that the number of weddings is normalizing, it's getting harder to get bookings due to the increased competition.
Big Companies Outsourcing: Successful photography companies are scaling up by outsourcing to subcontracted associates. This makes it tougher for smaller and independent photographers who rely on direct bookings.
Trend Overload and Price Wars: With so many trends becoming common, it's hard to stand out just based on style. This has led to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, with newer photographers undercutting prices, which affects overall pricing standards.
Economic Pressures: The current economic climate is tough, and spending on wedding photography is often one of the first things to be cut. Many photographers are seeing a drop in leads and bookings.
What to Do About It:
Boost Your Online Presence: Invest in a high-quality website. Make sure it's optimized for SEO, user-friendly, and shows off your unique style and portfolio effectively.
Expand Your Services: Don’t just stick to weddings. Try offering other types of photography like boudoir or corporate events. This can help stabilize your income and fill gaps in your schedule.
Network and Build Partnerships: Work with wedding planners and other vendors. Networking can lead to referrals and more stable bookings. Invest time in building these relationships.
Focus on Your Unique Style: In a market full of similar trends, having a unique artistic voice can set you apart. Instead of following the crowd, create a signature style that makes your work stand out.
Adjust Pricing Strategically: It’s tempting to drop prices to compete, but consider the value of your work and the clients you want to attract. Too low prices might attract the wrong clients and make your business unsustainable. Focus on creating packages that offer real value.
At The Ginger Lab, we’re here to support you through these tough times. Our editing services ensure your photos look their best, giving you more time to focus on what you love—capturing beautiful moments.
Turn the challenges of this wedding season into opportunities for growth and creativity.
Keep shooting,
Your Ginger Lab Team
