Photography Education • Photography Business Resources • Written by Lindsay Herkert
How to Grow a Photography Business (As Featured in Voyage Austin)
TL;DR
If you’re trying to figure out how to grow a photography business without relying on social media alone, this post walks through the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped me rebuild in a new city. I was recently featured in Voyage Austin, and I’m sharing a deeper, behind-the-scenes look here on how I built my Austin Family Photography business when we moved here at the end of 2017.
What Does It Really Take to Grow a Photography Business?
I was recently featured in, and while it shares my journey, I wanted to slow down and talk about what actually helped me grow a photography business in a sustainable way.
Because if you’re like most photographers starting out, you’ve probably heard:
- Post more
- Show up everywhere
- Try the latest trend
I did all of that too.
But eventually, I realized something that changed everything:
Growing a photography business isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently.
How Do You Grow a Photography Business After Starting Over?
When my family moved from San Diego to Austin, I had to rebuild from scratch.
No clients.
No referrals.
No momentum.
And it forced me to rethink how to grow a photography business in a way that didn’t rely on starting over every time something changed.
Instead of asking,
“How do I stay visible?”
I started asking,
“How do I get found by the right people?”
That’s when I began focusing on intent-based marketing—connecting with people who are already searching for a photographer.
That shift—from chasing attention to aligning with demand—made all the difference.
If you want a deeper look at that strategy, I walk through it in my Google Ads guide for photographers .
Why Isn’t Social Media Enough to Grow a Photography Business?
Social media can be helpful—but it’s not always reliable.
If you’re trying to grow a photography business, it’s important to understand the difference between:
- Interruptive marketing (social media)
- Intent-based marketing (search)
When someone searches for a photographer, they’re ready.
And that changes everything.
According to Google, search intent is one of the strongest indicators of user behavior—and I’ve seen that play out in my own business over and over again.
What Systems Help You Grow a Photography Business Consistently?
This is where things really started to shift for me.
I used to think growth came from:
- Better photos
- More effort
- More content
But what actually helped me grow a photography business was building simple, repeatable systems.
Those systems now include:
- Intent-based marketing (SEO + Google Ads)
- A website designed to convert inquiries
- A consistent client experience
These are the same systems I now teach inside my Systems for Success framework.
Because once those pieces are in place, your business stops feeling so unpredictable.
How Does Client Experience Impact How You Grow a Photography Business?
One of the most overlooked parts of learning how to grow a photography business is what happens after someone inquires.
Because growth isn’t just about getting new clients—it’s about keeping them.
For me, that looks like:
- Clear, thoughtful communication
- Location and styling guidance
- A relaxed, guided session
- A polished final gallery
When clients feel taken care of, they come back.
And that’s where real momentum starts.
What Role Does Your Photography Style Play in Business Growth?
Your style matters more than you think.
For me, everything starts with light.
I’m always paying attention to:
- Backlight for softness
- Sidelight for depth
- Clean, natural light that flatters skin tones
But beyond the technical side, it’s about creating an experience where people feel comfortable.
Because when people feel at ease, your work becomes more consistent—and that consistency plays a big role in how you grow a photography business over time.
What Did Being Featured in Voyage Austin Mean to Me?
Being featured in Voyage Austin was such a meaningful moment.
You can read the full feature here:
👉 Voyage Austin Interview
It gave me the chance to reflect on how far things have come—and how much of this journey has been about growth, community, and learning through challenges.
Final Thoughts: What Actually Helps You Grow a Photography Business?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
You don’t need to do everything.
You just need to focus on what works.
If you’re trying to grow a photography business, start here:
- Focus on getting found (not just seen)
- Build a client experience people remember
- Create systems you can rely on
That’s what creates consistency—and consistency is what builds a business that lasts.
