If you feel like administrative tasks take more time than actually taking photos, it’s probably because your workflow needs a revamp. A clear, efficient workflow is key to making your photography business sustainable and enjoyable.
Coming to you from Joanie Simon of The Bite Shot, this practical video guides you through a clear, structured approach to organizing your photography business workflow. Simon begins by highlighting Notion, a versatile project management app she uses as the backbone of her system. Rather than scattering details across multiple apps, Simon consolidates everything from mood boards and shot lists to client contacts and project dates in one place. Her process ensures you spend less time digging through endless emails or scattered notes, freeing you to focus more on the photography itself. Simon’s suggestion to use templates in Notion to quickly set up each new client project can immediately save you valuable time, reducing repetitive work.
Simon also discusses the critical importance of having a streamlined system for client contracts, estimates, and invoicing. She personally uses BlinkBid, specifically tailored for commercial photography, which enables consistent communication and accurate client billing. Simon emphasizes how easy it is to overlook crucial details like payment terms or usage rights if you create these documents from scratch every time. By using a standardized template within BlinkBid, you can ensure consistency and reduce the risk of errors, enhancing your professionalism and reliability. The system even tracks license expiration, providing timely reminders to reconnect with clients for renewal—an often overlooked yet significant source of recurring income.
Next, Simon highlights the advantages of a tethering and client feedback tool, specifically Capture One. Seeing your images immediately on a larger screen rather than your camera’s small LCD allows precise adjustments in lighting, composition, and focus in real-time. Simon shares how the Capture One Live feature has fundamentally changed the way she collaborates with remote clients. Clients view photos instantly from anywhere in the world, giving direct feedback during shoots. This real-time communication drastically reduces the risk of dissatisfaction and costly reshoots. Simon clearly demonstrates how integrating such a system into your workflow can significantly elevate your client relationships and your overall photography quality.
Finally, Simon describes her method for delivering final images, stressing the importance of a structured yet personalized approach. Clear instructions on image downloads, file sizes, licensing reminders, and a personal touch in client communications make your clients feel valued. Simon underscores how these interactions are crucial for repeat business and referrals. Additionally, by proactively managing licenses and follow-ups, you can maximize ongoing revenue opportunities often neglected by photographers. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Simon.
