How to Get Photography Clients Fast in February.  

Do you find yourself wondering how can I get more photography clients this month? Then these photography marketing tips are for you!

1.  Start with Popular Holidays

What I like to do is look at the calendar of all the different holidays and see how I can can craft a marketing message around the specific holiday. We all know February is Valentine's Day, so that's the big one. Valentine's Day is great for kids and family photographers because they can offer themed mini sessions. But you don't necessarily have to specialize in family portraits to make this holiday work for you.  You can have a Valentine's Day promo if you're a wedding photographer too!  You can send out an email to promote engagement sessions to your engaged couples. 

Headshot photographers can take advantage of this too simply by running a special Valentine's Day offer.  If you're a headshots photographer you can offer a special Valentine's day pricing package. Or think about possibly offering updated headshots for singles who might want to update their social media profile or profile on dating websites.  Basically any type of photographer can use Valentine's Day to promote a special or to promote people come in to get their photos taken, you just have to think of the right hook.

2.  Look at Unique Designated Days

There are some days in February besides Valentine's Day that I thought were interesting. February 20th is Love Your Pet Day. So for those of you who are pet photographers, think about promoting this day and offering a special session for pet owners to bring their pets into the studio. Or if you're a family photographer perhaps you want to encourage people to have photos taken with their pets on Love Your Pet Day.

Here are some other unique designated holidays during the month of February:

• World Nutella Day (February 5th): Who doesn't love chocolate? Indulge your clients' sweet tooth by organizing photoshoots centered around everyone's favorite hazelnut spread. From Nutella-themed props to messy but charming close-ups of kids enjoying Nutella treats, this holiday provides a delectable backdrop for creative and fun photos.
• International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day (February 23rd): Pet photographers, this one is for you! Partner with local pet stores and offer sessions that capture the dogs indulging in their favorite treats. 
• National Umbrella Day (February 10th): Embrace the unpredictable February weather by organizing photoshoots featuring colorful umbrellas. Whether it's couples sharing an umbrella in the rain or children gleefully twirling them, this holiday provides a unique and visually striking theme for outdoor sessions.  Think of photos of children in raincoats and rain boots splashing in puddles.
• National Pizza Day (February 9th): Combine two loves – pizza and photography. Collaborate with local pizzerias to create photoshoots that capture the joy of sharing a slice. From candid moments of families enjoying pizza to creative compositions involving pizza props, this holiday offers a slice of photographic fun.
  
• World Marriage Day (Second Sunday in February): Capitalize on the month of love by offering special packages for couples on World Marriage Day. If you're a wedding photographer, reach out to past wedding clients and offer them a special "World Marriage Day" photo shoot to celebrate the bond between them. Consider offering couple sessions or engagement shoots to attract clients planning to tie the knot.

   

3.  Look at Designated Weeks

Look for designated weeks during the month of February.  For example, February 1st through the 7th is Women's Heart Week. Here are some ways to get more clients during this week:

• Offer themed photo sessions that promote heart health awareness and celebrate strong, healthy women. 
• Offering red-themed photoshoots (since red symbolizes heart health) or special promos on portrait sessions for women can help attract new clients while supporting a meaningful cause. 
• Collaborate with local heart health organizations, fitness studios, or wellness influencers and host fundraising mini-sessions.
• Share inspiring stories from your photography clients, heart health tips, and behind-the-scenes footage on social media.
• Use hashtags like #WomensHeartWeek and #GoRedFor Women to help boost your social media engagement. 
• Consider donating a portion of proceeds from sessions booked during the month of February to a heart healthy charity to showcase your business' social responsibility and attract photography clients who value businesses with a purpose. 

February 7th through the 15th is National Marriage Week.  Here are some marketing ideas for getting photography clients during this week:

• Promote Couples' Sessions: Offer special packages or discounts for couples' portraits, engagements, or anniversary sessions during National Marriage Week. Highlight the importance of capturing meaningful moments with loved ones.
• Share Relationship-Inspired Content: Post content on social media or your website that celebrates love and marriage. Share past photos of happy couples, weddings, or engagement shoots.
• Collaborate with Wedding Vendors: Partner with other wedding-related vendors (like florists, planners, or venues) to offer bundle deals. You can cross-promote each other’s services during National Marriage Week, creating a sense of community and drawing in clients who are planning weddings.
• Host a Giveaway or Contest: Run a giveaway where the prize is a couple's photo session. Couples love telling their loves story.  Encourage them to tag their partners or share their love story to enter. This can help increase engagement on social media and attract potential clients.
• Send an Email: Reach out to past clients (or couples who have had engagements or weddings photographed) with a special offer or a heartfelt message about National Marriage Week.
• Create a Blog Post or Video: Write a blog post or make a video about how photography can capture and preserve memories for married couples. Offer tips on how couples can prepare for a photoshoot, or share creative session ideas for couples looking to celebrate their relationship.
• Target Couples Who’ve Recently Engaged: National Marriage Week is a great time to market to newly engaged couples by offering engagement photoshoots or discounts on wedding packages.  This is an audience you can easily target on Facebook as well. 
• Use Hashtags & Local Targeting: Use relevant hashtags like #NationalMarriageWeek, #CouplesPhotography, #LoveStory, #LoveinFocus, #MarriageMatters and others to increase visibility on social media. If you’re focusing on local couples, make sure to geo-tag your posts or use hashtags relevant to your city or region.
• Promote love story videos.  If you incorporate video into your photography business, consider offering love story videos or showcasing past love story videos during this week.
• Offering a "Marriage Week Special" gift certificate for future sessions can encourage bookings beyond the week itself.

The week of February 15th through 21st is designated Random Acts of Kindness Week. Here are some ideas for marketing your photography business during this time:

• Offer Free Photoshoots for a Cause: Partner with a local charity or non-profit organization and offer free photography sessions for individuals or families in need, or for people who may be facing difficult circumstances. You can also donate a portion of your session fees to a charity during this week.
• Random Acts of Kindness on Social Media: Surprise a lucky follower by offering a free mini-session or giveaway. Encourage people to share stories of kindness, and pick a winner from the submissions. This not only spreads positivity but also increases engagement.
• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Team up with a local business (such as a café or florist) and surprise random customers with a free photo session. You could also host a “Kindness Day” event with a local business, where people are invited to stop by and receive a small kindness, like a free portrait.
• Photo Session for Healthcare Workers or First Responders: Offer a free session for healthcare workers, first responders, or other essential workers as a thank-you for their service. These acts of kindness can help foster goodwill in your community while also promoting your business.
• Create a Kindness Challenge: Create a social media challenge where you ask people to perform small acts of kindness during the week, like paying for someone’s coffee, helping a neighbor, or complimenting a stranger. Encourage them to share their acts, tagging your business for a chance to win a free photo session.

It's all about thinking outside the box and taking a week or special day and tie it in to promoting your photography business.

4.  Look at Designated Months

February is designated as Black History Month in the United States and is a great time for celebrating black culture and history through your photography.  

Here are some ways to position your photography business as an engaged and culturally aware brand during Black History Month. 

• Offer Black History Month-themed photoshoots, such as heritage portraits or cultural celebrations.
• Run special promotions or discounts for Black-owned businesses, artists, or families.
• Share stories that highlight Black cultureUse hashtags like #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebrateBlackCreatives #BlackExcellence to increase visibility on social media.
• Collaborate with Black-owned businesses or historical organizations to expand your reach and build meaningful community connections.
• Post educational content, such as blog posts or behind-the-scenes videos on the importance of representation in photography.
• Partner with Black-owned businesses, influencers, or local organizations to co-host events or giveaways.
• Offer free headshots for Black professionals, students, or nonprofits.
• Work with local schools or historical societies to document community events.

Did you know that February is also designated as Library Lovers Month? If you think libraries are antiquated, think again.  Libraries are evolving and maintaining their relevance even in this digital age we live in. While traditional book borrowing has declined in some areas due to e-books and online resources, libraries have adapted by offering digital services, community events, and technology access, making them valuable hubs for education and connection. There has also been a renewed interest in physical books, especially among younger generations who appreciate the aesthetic and experience of reading in a quiet, welcoming space. So, while the role of libraries has shifted, their popularity remains strong as they continue to serve as vital learning and cultural centers.

To get more photography clients during Library Lovers Month:

• Consider offering literary-inspired portrait sessions—such as cozy reading nooks, vintage library backdrops, or fantasy book scenes
• Partner with local libraries to offer author headshots, storytelling events, or book-themed mini-sessions
• Post on social mediafeaturing book-inspired images, favorite literary quotes, and engagement posts such as  “What’s your favorite book?”
• Consider hosting a "Book & Photo Giveaway" where participants share their love for reading in exchange for a chance to win a free session.
• Use hashtags like #LibraryLoversMonth #BookishPhotography #LoveLibraries can help reach book-loving audiences.

5.  Consider Special Events

A big event that happens in February is the Super Bowl.  A lot of  sports fans and like to dress up in their favorite team colors, and even more so during Super Bowl season. Here are some ways to incorporate the Super Bowl in your photography marketing plan:

• Offer sports-themed mini sessions for families, kids, or local sports teams wearing their favorite jerseys.

• Create a Super Bowl party photoshoot package, capturing fun moments at private watch parties or sports bars.

• Provide game day couple or family portraits, showcasing their team spirit.

• Run a Super Bowl photo contest where followers share their best game-day photos for a chance to win a free session.

• On social media use trending hashtags like #SuperBowlPhotography #GameDayPics #SportsFansUnite to boost visibility.

• Team up with local sports bars, fan clubs, or event planners to offer professional event photography.

• Collaborate with sports merchandise stores to provide product photography in exchange for promotion.

• Offer a Super Bowl flash sale, with discounts for bookings made during the game or the weekend.

• Create a “Winning Team” promo where fans of the Super Bowl-winning team get a special discount on future sessions.

• Offer engaged couples a special sports engagement session wearing their favorite team jerseys and colors. 

6.  Try Themed Mini Sessions

For Valentine's day there are a variety of themed sessions that you can do.

• Valentine’s Day Couples Photo Sessions:Celebrate love with intimate or playful couples' portraits.  Set up a cozy backdrop with heart-shaped props, balloons, or even a cute picnic scene. Offer creative session options like love letters or a "candle-lit" atmosphere for a romantic vibe.
• Galentine's Day Photo Sessions: A fun session for friends, celebrating friendship and sisterhood. Think of ideas such as "ladies' night" vibes with cozy, relaxed outfits and fun props like confetti or matching tees.  You can even offer to create a mini session where groups of friends can hang out, laugh and enjoy each other's company. 
• Family Love Photo Sessions:  Celebrate family bonds and love with portraits of the whole family.  Focus on capturing family moments of affection-hugs, hand-holding, or playful interactions.  You could offer an indoor or outdoor photoshoot with cozy outfits, focusing on tender moments with parents and children.
• Love Your Pet Sessions:  Offer a fun session for pet owners to capture their love for their furry friends.  Invite them to bring their pets for a cute and playful photoshoot.  Provide props like heart shaped toys or paw prints to tie into the theme. 
• Anniversary Sessions:  Celebrate couples' milestones and the joy of their lasting love by offering mini-sessions specifically for couples celebrating their anniversaries during the month of February. 
• Self-Love Portrait Sessions:Encourage clients to celebrate themselves with self-love and confidence.  These sessions can focus on clients embracing their uniqueness and beauty, with focus on self-care themes.  Ask them to bring their favorite outfit or something that makes them feel confident.
• Maternity Love Sessions:  Capture the love between parents-to-be during pregnancy by offering maternity mini-sessions.  Think soft, romantic backdrops like pink or blush florals.  These photos can emphasize the anticipation and love parents feel for their soon-to-be little ones. 

You can also check out this blog post that has 10+ ideas for themed Valentine's Day Mini Sessions. 

I hope these ideas have been helpful for you. Let me know in the comments below if you are trying any of these. Or, let me know what ideas that you've tried or are planning to try for February.

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