Why you’re not getting booked (even if your work is good)
Let me guess—you’re showing up, doing the shoots, pouring your heart into your work, and still… crickets. You're passionate, committed, and more than ready to turn your fashion photography into a thriving business. But for some reason, the bookings just aren’t happening. And maybe, just maybe, you’ve started to wonder:
“Is it me? Am I the problem?”
I’m here to tell you: It’s probably not you. Like, really—not in the way you think.
After working with thousands of photographers (and spending over a decade in the industry myself), I’ve seen the same thing happen over and over again. Most photographers aren’t failing because they’re not talented. It’s because one or more key areas in their business are out of alignment.
In this post, I’m going to break down the four most common reasons you’re not getting booked—and what to do about them.
1. Your Style Isn’t Strong or Recognisable
Let’s start here, because it’s a big one.
If someone looked at your work without your name attached, would they know it’s yours? Could they describe your style in just a sentence or two?
If the answer is “maybe” or “I’m not sure,” chances are your potential clients feel the same. And if they can’t figure out what you’re about or what to expect from you, they’re probably moving on to someone who’s more clear.
This doesn’t mean you have to shoot one super-niche thing forever. But it does mean you need a consistent, recognizable style that acts like a beacon—something that makes people go, “Oh my god, that’s so [insert your name here].”
2. Your Portfolio Isn’t Doing You Any Favours
Here’s the cold truth: your portfolio is either getting you booked or stopping you from getting booked. It’s that black and white.
If your portfolio is a mashup of everything you’ve ever shot, or if it’s filled with work you think people want to see (rather than what you want to shoot more of), it’s probably confusing your audience. Clients, brands, and magazines need to know where you fit.
Your portfolio should feel curated and intentional—it should represent only the kind of work you want to be hired for going forward. Not everything you’ve ever done.
3. You’re Not Pitching (or You’ve Given Up on It)
Listen, I know pitching can feel awkward and overwhelming. But let me be really honest with you: no matter how talented you are, if no one sees your work, you won’t get hired.
The vast majority of photographers I work with do zero pitching. Or they send one email, get ghosted, and decide pitching “doesn’t work.” Sound familiar?
Pitching is a skill. It’s about consistency, clarity, and confidence. And when done right, it leads to amazing relationships, dream collaborations, and real career growth.
If you're not pitching regularly, or you're unsure how to do it effectively, that could be the biggest thing holding you back.
4. Your Pricing Is Off (and It's Costing You)
Let’s talk money.
I know—it’s the least fun part. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather be shooting than doing maths. But here’s the thing: as creatives, we’re also business owners. Which means we have to understand our numbers.
If you’re undercharging, guessing your rates, unsure of usage fees, or saying “yes” to every job out of fear—it’s not sustainable. You’ll burn out. And honestly? You deserve better.
You deserve to be paid well for your skills, your vision, and the value you bring to your clients. That starts with knowing how to price your work profitably—and having the confidence to stick to it.
I’ve Been There Too
Here’s the thing—I’m not just saying all this from the sidelines. I’ve lived it.
For years, I didn’t know what my style was. I undercharged. Then I overcharged. I didn’t pitch, or I pitched badly. I waited around, hoping someone would just find me and recognize my talent.
Everything changed when I started treating my photography like a business.
And now? I help other fashion photographers do the same.
Want Help Figuring Out What to Focus on First?
If you’re nodding along and thinking “OMG, this is me,” I’ve created something to help.
It’s a free quiz that pinpoints your biggest business blindspot—whether it’s your style, your portfolio, your pitching, or your pricing. It’s fun (think BuzzFeed vibes), takes two minutes, and gives you personalised guidance on what to work on next.
🎯 Take the quiz: Discover the Missing Link to Becoming Booked
You’ll get a custom result + follow-up coaching emails from me to help you move forward with clarity.
Who knows—it might be the thing that changes everything for you.
Thanks for being here. I’m rooting for you always 💛
If you take the quiz and want to share your results or ask questions, drop me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
