How to Book Out Your Calendar Before You Move Your Photography Business

Moving your photography business can feel overwhelming, but what if you could turn your upcoming relocation into your most profitable booking period ever? Photography business relocation strategies don’t have to leave you starting from scratch – in fact, the right approach can help you maximize your current location while building momentum for your new market.

After successfully navigating nine business relocations between us (Myself and Alison from the Keep It Moving Podast), we’ve learned that creating FOMO (fear of missing out) before you move is one of the most powerful ways to book out your calendar and stockpile funds for your transition period. Whether you have a year to prepare or just six months’ notice, these strategies will help you leverage what you’ve already built.

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But before we dive in—Hi! I’m Melissa, and I’m an SEO expert here to help portrait photographers finally get found by their dream clients on Google—without the technical overwhelm. Whether you need done-for-you SEO services, step-by-step coaching through my proven system, or monthly blogging strategies (like my Blogging Club membership!), I’ve got the tools to transform your invisible website into a client-attracting machine. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your market?

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If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode where we break down all these strategies in detail. But if you’re ready to get straight to the actionable stuff, this blog post lays it all out for you step-by-step. Either way, you’re going to walk away with concrete strategies you can implement right away.

1. Cut Off Your Calendar Strategically

The first step in creating scarcity before you move is determining when you’ll stop taking sessions. This isn’t just about logistics – it’s about creating urgency.

For detailed planners: Cut off your calendar about a month before moving to allow time for editing and delivery. This ensures you’re not scrambling to edit while boxes are being packed.

For last-minute maximizers: Some photographers are comfortable shooting right up until moving day (literally the day before!), especially for quick sessions like promotion ceremonies.

Pro Tip: Reverse Engineer Your Availability

• Calculate backward from your move date
• Account for editing time and delivery schedules
• Consider your setup on the other end (will you have your computer immediately?)
• Remember to pack essential gear separately from household goods

This creates urgency and helps with local SEO as search engines recognize your location-specific timeline.

2. Blast Your Availability to Everyone

You can’t say it too often – not everyone sees every post or opens every email. Your availability announcement needs to be everywhere.

Email Marketing Strategy

• Send initial availability email with specific dates
• Resend every 2 weeks with updated (reduced) availability
• Include a recurring block in every newsletter
• Send direct emails to your favorite clients

Social Media Saturation

• Instagram posts and stories announcing your move
• Add “Final sessions available” to your Instagram bio link
• Facebook posts in local groups and your business page
• Even add a notification bar across your website

Remember: Create scarcity by not showing ALL your availability at once. Keep some dates in your back pocket for clients who reach out asking for specific times.

3. Maximize Seasonal Opportunities

If you have advance notice, promote your “last” seasonal offerings heavily:

• “Last round of Christmas mini sessions”
• “Final Easter sessions in [City]”
• “Last fall truck sessions before we move”

The Power of “Last Chance” Marketing

One photographer generated $10,000 from final mini sessions by emphasizing this was the last opportunity. When clients know they can’t get this again, they’re much more likely to book.

Past clients who hadn’t worked with you in years will suddenly reach out saying, “We’ve been meaning to book with you, and we don’t want to miss our chance.”

4. Handle Existing Memberships and Contracts

If you have membership clients or ongoing contracts:

• Contact them immediately about your timeline
• Offer early sessions if needed (5.5-month baby for a 6-month session)
• For clients whose sessions fall after your move, consider partial refunds
• Be upfront about your departure date

Business Protection: This transparency builds trust and ensures you fulfill obligations without damaging relationships.

5. Complete Portfolio Building Before You Move

This is crucial: If you need any portfolio work done – headshots, newborn sessions, family lifestyle shots – do it while you have an established network.

Why This Matters

• You have existing relationships to draw from for model calls
• Friends can refer expecting mothers or families
• Instagram algorithms still show you to local audiences
• Timing is critical for newborn and maternity work

6. Consider Setting Up Associate Shooters

This advanced strategy can provide income during your transition period:

How It Works

• Train photographers to shoot in your style
• Create detailed session outlines and brand guidelines
• Have them handle sessions you can’t physically attend
• You edit, deliver, and handle client relations

Success Story: One photographer had three different associate shooters handle sessions during her July-August transition period. These sessions provided crucial income during a time when she couldn’t work at all.

Training Your Associates

• Bring them as second shooters first
• Ensure they understand your shooting style (aperture settings, composition, etc.)
• Set clear brand representation expectations
• Consider this for ongoing income even after you’re established in your new location

7. Strategic Inventory and Logistics

Don’t forget the practical elements:

Essential Gear Protection

• Never let movers pack your cameras or computer
• Keep all editing equipment with you
• Photograph sample albums and products before packing
• Store important client work files in cloud storage

Timeline Considerations

• Account for temporary housing situations
• Plan for limited access to equipment during transition
• Consider delivery timelines for final sessions

Bonus Tip: Build Your War Chest

Use this FOMO period to stockpile funds for your transition before you move. Most photographers experience 3-6 months of reduced income when establishing themselves in a new market. The money you make during this pre-move booking surge can sustain you during that building period.

Recap: Your Pre-Move Action Plan

✅ Set and announce your calendar cutoff date
✅ Blast availability through email, social media, and website notifications
✅ Promote “last chance” seasonal offerings
✅ Handle existing memberships and contracts transparently
✅ Complete any needed portfolio building
✅ Consider setting up associate shooters for transition period
✅ Protect essential gear and plan logistics

Remember, you don’t need to know exactly when or where you’re moving to start implementing these strategies. The key is creating urgency and leveraging the relationships you’ve already built.

Ready to take your photography business to the next level? Whether you’re planning a move or just want to build a more sustainable business, our SEO services can help you rank on page 1 in any market. Check out our Done-for-You SEO services or join The Blogging Club for monthly content strategies that attract your ideal clients.

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