Working two days per month and having 28 days off sounds like a dream come true, right? This is my regular work week and my secret is smart scheduling. I can easily photograph 8-10 clients in a boudoir session day, depending on the time of year.
That means I can make $10k in one day.
Believe me when I say this is not for everyone, but it’s what works for me and my lifestyle.
I tend to say “my business is a well-oiled machine.” And it is just that. So let’s visit how a boudoir session day works.
Boudoir session day scheduling made easy
Becoming a six-figure photographer didn’t happen overnight. It also didn’t happen by just doing the bare minimum.
I quickly learned there were better options for scheduling appointments than me trying to do it ALL myself.
I used to spend hours and hours sending reminder emails, booking confirmations, chasing down invoices and contract signatures, answering questions about how to prepare, and so much more.
Scheduling software is fantastic and takes all of the guesswork out of it.
My scheduling software lets clients schedule themselves, pay the invoice, sign the contract, and fill out the questionnaire in one step. It also has all kinds of information about what to wear and how to prepare for the session so that I don’t have to repeat myself over and over again.
Efficiency in the studio
Because I work so little, I really have to be efficient in every aspect of my business. This means my time spent in the studio must be profitable and efficient.
With that being said, the length of the days are the basis for my boudoir session day schedule. During the winter, I’m obviously able to shoot less, while summer hours are longer since I have more light.
I’ve set my boudoir session day up so a client is in my studio for 2 hours and 15 minutes max within this timeframe so that every single minute I’m in my studio is maximized to the fullest money making potential.
Sequence is key
Having a posing sequence that I’ve photographed over and over again takes out a lot of the guesswork.
I’m not constantly worried if I have enough variety of poses or photos to show clients in order to sell a bigger album. I photograph exactly what I need to make sure that my clients will love their photos and have a great experience with me, while I’m able to keep my sales averages up.
I know, with this sequence, my clients will have more than enough images they love and can choose from, which makes for happy clients and higher sales.
Learning curves
Smart scheduling takes time. I didn’t just start out by scheduling a boudoir session day like this.
In 2017, I only photographed about three clients a day.
But I wanted more freedom. I wanted to eb able to take off for 4-6 weeks if I wanted to. In order to make that happen, I knew I needed to perfect my workflow. If I was able to do this, I would make studio time more profitable and efficient, which is exactly what I did.
All of that being said, I think it’s important to slowly build your stamina for this type of scheduling. It’s kinda like working out. You can’t just run a marathon the first time you go for a jog. It’s something you have to work up to.
Want some help?
Be sure to check out Six-Figures Simplified if you want to learn to automate your schedule in a more streamlined way. I’ve broken down my automation strategy in a very simplified way – plus you can pause and implement through the entire program.
This is a high level program for boudoir photographers and it’s got so much more than just automation. In this program, I break down marketing strategy specifically for boudoir photographers and break down my Set It and Forget It Strategy.
If you’re listening the week the episode comes out, you can actually get this program at a MASSIVE discount. Be sure to check out the Holiday Boudoir Education Extravaganza here.
Follow me on Instagram! That’s where the best stuff is! 🙂
Tracy Lynn is a boudoir photogapher for brides-to-be in the St. Louis area, and a mentor + coach for photographers looking to level up their businesses with better systems and processes.
