5 Productive Things Fashion Photographers Should Do When Business is Quiet
As a fashion photographer, it’s easy to feel lost when there’s no immediate shoot to edit, no urgent emails to answer, and no pressing client deadlines. Those in-between moments can feel unproductive—but they don’t have to be.
The key to long-term success in this industry is consistency. Even on quiet days, there are essential habits that can help you grow your business, improve your craft, and stay inspired. Here are five things every fashion photographer should do daily:
1. Pitch Yourself to New Brands
Networking and outreach are crucial for securing work, so make pitching a daily habit. If you don’t have a list of brands to reach out to, spend time researching new ones. A great challenge is to send at least three cold emails a day. Over a year, that’s nearly 600 brands hearing about you—massively increasing your chances of landing new clients! If you need help crafting the perfect pitch, check out my free pitching course here.
2. Stay Inspired with Photography Sites
Keeping up with the latest trends and creative work in the industry is essential. Make it a habit to visit inspiration sites like:
Seeing what others are creating—both inside and outside the fashion world—can spark new ideas and keep you motivated.
3. Plan New Shoots
Use downtime to brainstorm and plan future editorial and personal projects. Start by jotting down ideas in your Notes app, then create a Pinterest board to visually develop them. Gathering references and research in advance will make it easier to execute your vision when the right opportunity comes along.
4. Check for Industry Events
Networking is a long game, but making meaningful connections can pay off months (or even years) down the line. Look for photography and fashion events in your area on platforms like Eventbrite. Even casual meetups can lead to collaborations or new clients, so take advantage of these opportunities to expand your circle.
5. Step Outside and Recharge
Creativity thrives on inspiration, and sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from your desk. Explore a new neighborhood, visit a gallery, or take a walk in nature. Many of my best ideas have come from simply being outside. Plus, scouting new locations might even lead you to a future shoot spot!
Consistency is everything in fashion photography. Even on the quietest days, taking small, intentional actions will help you stay on track, grow your career, and keep your creativity flowing.
What’s one daily habit that’s helped you in your photography journey? Drop a comment below!
