How to Prepare for Engagement Season

Podcast
Written By Lei Lei Clavey


As engagement season approaches, I had a chat with a wedding vendor friend who, after tuning into my Boundaries episode (episode 7), is re-evaluating her approach to ideal clients and wedding bookings. It got me thinking—this season, when everyone is getting engaged around Christmas and New Year's, is the perfect time to reassess our boundaries and set goals for the upcoming year. In this episode, I share insights on what weddings I want to shoot, pricing considerations, and the importance of self-reflection.

As photographers and wedding creatives, we need to be ready for enquiries during engagement season. I've already gone through my calendar for the 2024/2025 season, marking weekends with my family, acknowledging public holidays, and leaving space for last-minute opportunities. I delve into the significance of self-care, recounting my better season with more time for family and personal well-being. It's about being proactive, setting clear boundaries, and saying 'no' when necessary. 

I wrap up with a challenge to fellow photographers: set outrageously big goals—those that make you a bit squeamish yet giddy with excitement. Join me on this journey of preparation, self-discovery, and reaching for the stars as we gear up for engagement season.

As engagement season approaches, I had a chat with a wedding vendor friend who, after tuning into my Boundaries episode (episode 7), is re-evaluating her approach to ideal clients and wedding bookings. It got me thinking—this season, when everyone is getting engaged around Christmas and New Year's, is the perfect time to reassess our boundaries and set goals for the upcoming year. In this episode, I share insights on what weddings I want to shoot, pricing considerations, and the importance of self-care and reflection.

Write out your goals and Assess Your boundaries

Engagement season, which coincides with the festive period of Christmas and New Year's all the way through to Valentine’s day, serves as an opportune moment to reassess our boundaries and set goals for the year ahead. Ask yourself are you booking the types of weddings you aspire to book and are you happy with your pricing strategy? It's a time to dream the big goals and set you up for a successful and sustainable year ahead.

Proactive Planning for the Year

Prior the the influx of enquiries during engagement season, I've taken a proactive approach by going through my calendar for the 2024/2035 seasons. I have marked off weekends with family (ideally 1 or 2 weekends off per month), public holidays, and leaving room for those last-minute opportunities which I’m finding are coming in more and more often with much shorter lead-times than prior years. Anyone else finding this? This intentional planning means that I can confidently respond to enquiries, saying 'yes' to the right opportunities and 'no' when necessary.

Embracing Self-Care and Sustainability

Those who have listening to my podcast know my focus on the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Reflecting on my own experiences from a more rested season with increased family time, I encourage fellow photographers to consider the sustainability of their businesses. By acknowledging personal well-being, we can create a business model that aligns with our values and long-term goals.

Setting Audacious Goals

As the new year approaches, I challenge you to set outrageously big goals. These are the kind of goals that make you a bit squeamish yet fill you with excitement. Whether it's in your 90-day plan, five-year plan, or ten-year plan, reaching for the stars can drive your business forward. Even if you don't achieve every goal, the journey towards them can be transformative.

I hope this episode helps you to navigate engagement season with intentionality and purpose. By setting clear boundaries, planning proactively, embracing self-care, and writing out those audacious goals, you can position your business for success in the upcoming year. As we approach this season of love and commitment, let's not just survive but thrive in the world of wedding photography.

Lei xx

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

Lei Lei Clavey

Hi, my name is Lei Lei. I am a wedding and editorial photographer. I love to have a fun relaxed time with my couples and capture your day discreetly as if I were a fly on the wall. No posing, only gentle guidance from me when needed. My job isn’t only about being at your wedding but in the months leading up to it to get to know you and your love story. This is so I can capture the day as it naturally unfolds, staying true to who you are as a couple. Every love story is unique and I want to tell yours organically and honestly through my images.

https://www.leileiclavey.com
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