7 Ways to Prepare for the New Year

As we wrap up 2022, there are SO many things I’m thankful for 🍾

We’ve launched our membership society (the Wedding Photography Society) as well as our Full Time Wedding Photography course, and we’ve had a TON of new students become part of our education community. That makes my heart so happy ❤️
However, there are a lot of things I’m reflecting on in my life and business from 2022 – things that I’m grateful for as well as things I’d like to adjust for the new year. I’d like to share these with you in the hope it’ll inspire you as you reflect on your year and prepare to move on to the next 🥂

1. Slow Down ⏳

The first thing I’m reflecting on is the process of slowing down. 

This past year – and especially in the last few weeks – I’ve felt myself being so rushed. I’ve wanted everything to get done and have results RIGHT away.

And logically, I KNOW it’s about the long game. But I still felt that way.

So going into 2023, I’m personally working on the idea of slowing down and not being in such a hurry. Life is about enjoying the small moments in between the big events, whether it’s working, spending time with family and friends, or even just spending time with ourselves ❤️

2. Connect with Others

Two of the most pivotal things I did for my business was participating in two amazing groups: 

1. The Engage Summit. This is a luxury conference for wedding photographers. I met many other photographers here and learned so much to grow my business. 
2. Two educational masterminds, which are groups of other entrepreneurs and business owners. We chatted (and continue to chat!) all the time, and they helped me get where I needed to be in 2022. 

If you know me, you know I’m a BIG believer in the power of fostering relationships in your business. This is something I’ll continue to do in 2023, and I encourage you to consider as well! 
Aren’t sure where to start? Check out the Wedding Photography Society. It’s a community of other wedding photographers learning from each other and growing their businesses. We will open the doors for enrollment again in 2023, and I would love to have you be a part of it!

3. Be Intentional About Time, Tasks, and Organization

When things got really crazy this past year, I started to lose sight of what projects were coming up and what tasks needed to take priority. Everything got discombobulated 😵‍💫

If I could give you any advice, it would be to have a strong organizational system for your clients. 

We use Dubsado for client management. It helps us keep track of proposals, invoices, contracts, emails – everything! We have the affiliate code catherineg you can use (or just click HERE!) if you’d like to sign up at a 20% discount. 

On the inner business side, we use ClickUp. ClickUp is what my team and I use for all things that are NOT client-facing, like where we are with editing and content creation. 
There are a lot of programs out there, like Trello or Google Drive. I encourage you to find whatever program or system fits you to stay organized and grow in the new year! 🌱

4. Watch Your Expenses 💸

It’s very easy, especially when you’re busy, to make quick decisions about expenses. It’s easy to go out to eat, buy new gear, and spend extra money on… well, anything!

In the new year, I encourage you to hone in on your life and business so you can be very intentional about your expenses. I personally am examining what gear and opportunities I’m investing in, how often I’m eating out, and what type of fun things and travel we’re doing.
That way, we can really strike that balance between income and expenses.

5. Photograph What Inspires You

In 2023, I want to photograph things that I find inspirational. 

If you’re a photographer, I know you can relate to this! I want to do:

• More styled photography
• Photography while I’m traveling
• Photography in locations I don’t normally work in

I want to photograph more things that speak to my heart – and I want to encourage you to do the same! 💫

6. Take Care of Your Body

Life has felt rushed lately, and one of the things that got pushed to the backburner was taking care of my physical body. 

This career is a very physical one. If you’ve photographed a wedding, you know what I mean! It involves long hours on your feet with heavy gear. To sustain a lifelong career in this space, working out and staying physically fit are key.

In 2023, I’m making a commitment to focus back on my health: eating right, drinking more water, stretching, and going to the gym. I know, it’s a cliche! But this is something people really lose sight of.

In 2023, I’ll be at the gym – and I hope to see you there! 😉💪🏼

7. Be Grateful

The last thing I’m focusing on in 2023 is being grateful and expressing that gratitude. 

I’m grateful for what we’ve accomplished this year, for the opportunities in the new year, our clients, and of course, I’m grateful for YOU! 

Thank you for tuning into these episodes and hearing what I have to share. And thank you to members of our educational content, Full Time Wedding Photography course, and the Wedding Photography Society!

Cheers to the new year. I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings 🥂

Your Next Steps

If watching your expenses is something you’re doing in the new year, you might not know where to start. 

My advice: have you assessed your pricing? Are you pricing your photography for what it’s really worth (and what keeps you profitable), or are you just guessing at your pricing based on what OTHER people are charging? 

I don’t want you to guess! I’ve created a Pricing Guide to help you charge exactly what prices are right for your photography business.

Do you ever struggle to price your products? Do you use other people’s pricing without really being sure WHY or if those prices are right for you? 😓

I created my Pricing Guide to help you: 

• Understand the WHY behind your base prices 
• Decide what to charge for your photography 
• Cover your expenses to remain profitable and sustainable 

Check it out below ⤵️