What do photographers do during winter??

[spacefuzz]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I need some help. This is my first year in 'business'. And I've never gone through the winter months before and become familiar with the ups and downs of wedding seasons and slow seasons. I've realized, that we are currently in a slow season. I do a little bit of portraits as well as weddings, however ever since December, I haven't had any work what so ever. I'm going crazy. I have inquiries and people interested in setting something up with me, but as soon as we get talking, they always finalize our conversation with, 'Great! Let's set it up in spring, its too cold out right now.' I don't want the weather to stop me every year. Every session I've ever done, whether it be engagements or portraits or what have you, are always outside. I don't have a studio, and I'm not exactly a pro and indoor lighting, so my safe bet is always outdoors. Well I can't do that anymore because I can't just not shoot any jobs from December-March. I know other photographers do it!
I just invested a reflector and a soft box and am interested in getting started learning indoor portraits. I have a couple models that have already expressed interest in letting me practice on them. But the problem is.. where?? My house is not ideal. And I don't feel right intruding asking them if I can come to their house - especially when I don't know their set up. The only place I can think of is some kind of garden with greenhouses and doing it in there. I'm trying to think of a big well lit building (if there is such a thing) that I can use or something along those lines. But I'm at a loss. What do other people do without studios?? Help!

What do you mean as "business"?
I'm hoping all the up front research you did prior to opening up shop clued you in on the winter slow down?
You can rent studios by the hour, sometimes with lighting.
You can rent a hotel room and use that as a studio.
You can shoot outside and show clients how wonderful winter portraits can look with their rosy cheeks.

 

[kathyt]

This him?
View attachment 66599

OMG, yes. How did you get that?

 

[DSRay]

Tis the season to sell to the snow birds at all the art shows!

 

[runnah]

OMG, yes. How did you get that?

Did you use pick up lines on him?

"I have acute angina."

 

[kathyt]

OMG, yes. How did you get that?

Did you use pick up lines on him?

"I have acute angina."

Yeah, I used a couple like this. He fell for them. Silly guy.

 

[GerryDavid]

CC, I wish I had studios like that around here.

To the OP. I rent studio space as I need it. Definately google places near you. Some studios include the use of lighting in their rental fees. I pay less than $50 an hour for studio space, no lights but use of their backgrounds. Other venues I have rented are $50+ an hour but that fee includes much more so I don't need to set up and take down all the equipment.

A studio is a must in the winter in colder climates.

In January you can be busy valentines day portraits.
In February you got vday and Easter stuff
In March you got Easter and seniors

And in January you can catch up on business records, marketing, and planning. If people are not reaching out to you, reach out to them and do some practice sessions, which worst case are free *only the best image gets put in your portfolio* or best case they end up buying a nice package.

 

[kathyt]

In regards to this thread...I love shooting concept themes outdoors in the snow, in the cold, in the cemeteries, and pretty much anywhere I can find. The overcast on these days makes an amazing, gigantic soft box. For real....try it. Get creative. Think outside the box.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Since he insects are gone I don't do much shooting during the winter. I just end up playing video games waiting for the bugs to come back. This year I will shoot a lot less because of my newly acquired motorbike hobby.