You have already decided that you are ready to jump into wedding photography, but the question now is HOW do I get bookings? It can seem impossible when there are SO many other wedding photographers around you. However, with the right strategies you can build your portfolio, attract your ideal client, and create a solid and long lasting brand. In this blog I and going to share with you 5 ways to book more weddings this year. From building your portfolio through styled shoots to offering special deals, all 5 of these strategies are ones that I have personally incorporated and seen success with in my business.
1. Participate in Styled Shoots
When you first start trying to book weddings you most likely will not have the portfolio to share with clients or to market with. Styled shoots are a fantastic way to create stunning images for your portfolio, build relationships with other wedding vendors, and attract the attention of your potential clients. These shoots are essentially a collaborative effort where vendors come together to design a “fake” wedding, and you, as the photographer, get to capture everything.
Why it works: Styled shoots allow you to capture images of a bride and groom along with details that you can then share and say you are booking weddings. Additionally, they give you a chance to experiment with real models and luxury details and florals that may not happen at real weddings. It gives a very high-end look to your photos that will attract future brides to your work.
What to do:
- Check out vendors who host styled shoots: I am always drawn to Styled Shoots Across America because the quality and organization of the shoots are incredible. I personally have participated in their shoots and was able to get quality images to share in my portfolio. They have multiple shoots throughout the year all across America. However, there may not be a shoot close enough to you or within the time frame you need to get images. I recommend searching your area and seeing if any other planners or vendors are putting a styled shoot together. If not, this is the perfect opportunity to reach out to local vendors and see if they would be willing to collaborate with you to create your own styled shoot.
- Share styled shoot images on your website and social media: (A MUST) Once you have taken the images you MUST use the images to refresh your portfolio and social media. These photos will show couples the type of work you can produce! I will be completely honest, most people don’t realize the difference in a styled shoot vs. a wedding. Be sure to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE these images everywhere to let people know you are now booking weddings.
- Submit to wedding blogs for publication: Many popular wedding blogs and websites are looking for styled shoot submissions. If they accept your shoot, you’ll get exposure to a broader audience, increasing your visibility and credibility.
Pro tip: When collaborating with other vendors, be sure to share all of the images with them as well as tag them on social media. This is a way to have your name circulated on social media!



2. Second Shoot for Established Photographers
Another way to build a portfolio for weddings is by second shooting. This is also a fantastic way to gain more experience on a real wedding day and see how the day actually runs. By offering your services as a second shooter at weddings, you not only get to learn from more experienced photographers, but you are also building a reputation with them and other vendors. A lot of times if you do a great job serving these photographers, they will in turn refer you when they are unavailable.
Why it works: Second shooting allows you to gain hands on experience on a real wedding day. You get to practice shooting while having the freedom to experiment with different angles and compositions. It’s basically getting experience without the stress of missing every single moment.
What to do:
- Reach out to local photographers: Find 5 photographers whose work you admire and reach out to them via social media! When messaging them explain to them how you admire their work and how you would love to have an opportunity to chat with them about any tips they have to share. Explain that you are a new photographer wanting to build experience and a portfolio for weddings, and would love an opportunity to work with them if they ever needed a second shooter.
- Use second shooting as an opportunity to build your portfolio: While you’re second shooting, be mindful that you are there to serve the lead photographer as well as create images for your personal use. I always offered to bring them snacks, carry their bags, shoot the groomsmen photos, whatever they needed. At the end of the day, this is building your reputation with other photographers. After the event, ALWAYS ask the primary photographer if you can use some of the photos in your portfolio. Most photographers are totally fine with this as long as you tag them and wait until the full gallery has been delivered to the client.
Pro tip: Some photographers have been burned by second shooters in the past. Please always ask for permission before sharing images of a wedding that is not yours. I also recommend not reaching out to the couple or tagging anyone that was a part of the wedding day when sharing on social media.

3. Use Social Media to Showcase Your Work
I know, I know…. Social media ughhh! But, social media is a powerful tool for attracting new wedding photography clients. I actually built and marketed by business from the ground up through social media. I constantly made posts of wedding content as well as shared in my stories DAILY! People want to see your life. If you want to build a personal brand, your clients want to see you and your life and you need to share it. Instagram and TikTok in particular allows you to showcase your best work, share behind-the-scenes, and connect with potential clients. You would be so surprised at how much interaction you get off of sharing just your daily life with your clients.
Why it works: Social media allows you to consistently showcase your work and build relationships with brides before they even reach out to you. I am sure that all of you can think of one person on social media that you have never met before, but feel like you could be friends with. That’s because they share their life. The same thing happens with brides when you share yours on social media. It can also be great for running ads to bring in more inquires.
What to do:
- Post regularly and use hashtags: Make sure to post consistently and show off the work that you have created through styled shoots or second shooting. By posting regularly, you make yourself look busy which builds trust that you are experienced. When posting content, be sure to use hashtags like #weddingphotographer, and specific location based hashtags to reach couples in your area. You can also add the location of your weddings or sessions to each post.
- Engage with followers: Don’t just post and forget about it. Be sure to interact with your followers by responding to comments, liking their posts, and responding to their stories. This builds trust and makes your clients feel like you care and pay attention to them.
- Create Instagram Stories and Reels: Stories are a great way to share behind the scenes on wedding days and at engagement sessions. It is also a way to share your daily life on your stories and build that personal brand I mentioned above. Some other things you can share in stories are the process to booking you, behind the scenes of you editing, and offering tips to engaged couples. Reels are heavily favored in Instagram’s algorithm now and are perfect for showcasing quick wedding highlights or fun behind the scenes footage. Take advantage of the silly little clips. I promise your clients are paying attention.

4. Create and Optimize Your Website
I will be the first to tell you building a website is NOT my thing. While I mainly built my business through social media, it is also important to have a website. A website helps build credibility and provides clear information about your services. Your website is also going to be a way that clients inquire with you to generate more bookings.
Why it works: A well designed website acts as your 24/7 marketing tool. It’s where couples will go to learn more about you, view your work, and ultimately decide whether to reach out.
What to do:
- Make it user-friendly: Ensure that your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and has an easy way to contact you. Couples don’t want to spend time searching for information.
- Highlight your best work: Be sure to share a curated portfolio that showcases your BEST wedding photos that you have taken. Include a variety of shots that demonstrate your versatility and highlight your unique style.
- Make contacting you simple: Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch. Place a prominent “Contact” button or inquiry form on every page.
If you are like me and do not know how or do not want to spend the time creating a website, I have an incredible website designer who can help you! Her name is Marissa Chrzan and her website is listed here. She also sells a Showit wedding photography template that is beneficial if you are just starting out and need a site. Learn more about the template here.
Pro tip: Once you start booking weddings you can add a blog to help boost your SEO of your site. You can also blog wedding tips for potential brides to read.

5. Offer a sale or giveaway
Take it from me, couples love a good deal, especially when it helps them save on wedding costs! Offering limited time deals or adding value to their wedding package for free can motivate potential brides to book you.
Why it works: Special offers create urgency and show couples that you’re willing to go the extra mile. Additionally, running a giveaway on social media gets your name out on social media quickly where potential brides will see it.
What to do:
- Offer a sale: Provide a discount or added value (like a free engagement session or extra hour of coverage) for clients who book during a specific week. I did this during my first year on Black Friday and had a huge increase in inquiries.
- Do a social media giveaway: Offer a free engagement session or bridal session. Make specific rules to enter that will get your post circulating on social media. For example, 1. Like this post and follow me on social media 2. Tag 3 friends in the comments. 3. Share this post to your story and tag me.
Pro tip: Show your face on social media and talk about these sales and giveaways! Research shows it takes someone 7 times of seeing something before they truly notice. Yes it feels annoying, but I promise it works. Just keep sharing.

Final Thoughts: Take Action and Watch Your Bookings Grow!
By incorporating these 5 strategies you can and will generate more inquiries and bookings. I have personally used all 5, and know that they are a reason I have been successful in my business. I cannot wait for you to start having success with them too!
If you have any questions about these strategies, or thought this blog was helpful would you leave me a comment below!? You can also email me or DM me on Instagram anytime!
If you are new here I would love for you to check out some other blog posts I have for you! Read more here. I also have a free Facebook group that I go live in and share resources with 200+ new wedding photographers. I would love if you would come join us there! Join here.
Want to know more about me? Check out more on our about me page!
XOXO,
Katiera
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