How You Can Fill Your Summer Calendar with Photoshoots

Filling your calendar with sessions you love doesn’t need to be a hustle every season. When you know how to reach the right people and communicate with heart, it becomes a lot easier to fill your summer calendar with photoshoots that feel aligned with your business and your energy.

This spring, I tested a simple yet powerful strategy that helped me reconnect with former clients and book a wave of meaningful sessions. The best part? It didn’t involve ads, trends, or constant posting. Just one email and some intention.

Let’s break it down.

Reconnect with Clients You Already Love

When photographers think about marketing, many immediately look to new clients. But one of the most overlooked and most valuable groups are the people who have already trusted you with their memories—your past clients.

These clients already know your style, your voice, and what it’s like to be in front of your lens. And if they had a great experience, chances are they’d love to work with you again.

To fill your summer calendar with photoshoots, sometimes the best thing to do is look backward—not forward.

This spring, I reached out to my past clients with a special returning client email. It was short, personal, and focused on gratitude. No pressure. Just a quiet offer to say thank you.

Here’s the EXACT email I sent:

“Dear {First client first name},
Your story is one I’ve had the privilege of capturing, and I would love nothing more than to continue preserving the moments that mean the most to you.

Because you’ve entrusted me with capturing your journey, weather it was you and your littles, fur babies, or even a moment in your life you wanted to celebrate; I’m extending an exclusive invitation to continue telling your story. 

As one of my valued past clients, you now have access to a private rate, reserved only for those who have been part of this journey with me.

Exclusive Returning Client Rate:
$250 + tax ($225 for cash payments)
(Regular price: $500)

This invitation is ONLY extended to a select circle of clients.

If this sounds like something you’d love, let’s make it happen! 

Secure your session below:

BOOK SESSION HERE

I can’t wait to reconnect!

With love,
Chant | Zettel Photo”

The Response? Better Than I Expected

I sent this email to the 636 people in my “past clients” list—and within 24 hours, I had 11 full session bookings.

That doesn’t even include the ones who replied later or followed up with questions.

Not only did it fill my summer calendar with photoshoots, but it brought back clients I loved working with. The kind of people who made me excited to pick up my camera again.

That email wasn’t just about booking sessions. It was about rebuilding relationships—and that’s what made the difference.

Email Is STILL King

If you’re still relying on Instagram DMs or social media posts to fill your calendar, I’m here to say: don’t sleep on email.

Your email list is one of the most powerful, organic tools you have as a business owner. It’s direct, personal, and completely yours. No algorithms. No noise. Just your voice in their inbox.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

I track all my inquiries and client data using HoneyBook, which makes it easy to build a list over time. Even if you’re just starting, add client emails to a simple spreadsheet or CRM—you’ll thank yourself later.

When you’re ready, those emails can be your fastest way to fill your summer calendar with photoshoots without burning out or begging for attention online.

Don’t Know What to Say? We’ve Got You!

Let’s be honest—writing the perfect email can take hours, especially when you’re already juggling editing, planning, and trying to stay visible on social.

If staring at a blank screen sounds familiar, we made something just for you.

We created a bundle of photographer-specific email drafts to help you show up with confidence and save time. Whether you’re reaching out to past clients, replying to inquiries, or confirming bookings, you won’t have to start from scratch again.

These drafts are built to help you:

• Build connection with clients
• Save time writing emails
• Book more of the sessions you actually want
• And yes—fill your summer calendar with photoshoots

👉 Grab the “Email Template Bundle” here!

(So you can spend less time writing and more time doing what you love.)

The Takeaway

There’s no magic trick to getting booked out. But there is a way to do it with intention.

If you want to fill your summer calendar with photoshoots that feel good—without discounting your worth or overworking yourself—start with your words. Start with your people. Start with one email.

Your next favorite session might just be one message away.