How to Book Your First 5 Family Photography Clients

Mar 30

Are you tired of feeling like no one’s booking you for family sessions?
Or maybe you’re wondering, “How in the world do I even get started?”

Trust me, I’ve been there. Booking your first few family photography clients can feel overwhelming—but it’s so doable with the right steps. Whether you're just starting out or switching over to family sessions from another niche, this post will walk you through exactly how to land your first 5 bookings.

By the end of this post, you’ll know where to find those first few clients, how to make yourself visible locally, and how to start looking like a pro online.

Bonus: Don’t forget to download my free Family Posing Guide to feel confident and prepared at your very first session!

1. Start With Your Inner Circle

Your very first family clients don’t need to come from strangers on the internet—they’re probably already in your life!

Start by reaching out to:

Friends with young kids
Family members
Coworkers or acquaintances in your community

Let them know you’re offering a limited-time portfolio-building discount or doing a few model call sessions to gain experience and build your portfolio. Be clear about what’s included (and what’s not), and create a great experience for them.

Pro Tip: Treat these early sessions just like a paid one! Deliver a great client experience from start to finish so they’ll rave about you to their friends.

Feeling nervous about posing? You are not alone! That’s why I created a free Family Posing Guide to help you feel confident going into your very first sessions. Grab your free guide here.

2. Build Local Visibility

Once you’ve got a few shoots under your belt, it’s time to start getting visible in your community. Your next 2–3 clients will likely come from word-of-mouth and local networking.

Here are a few ideas:

Join local Facebook groups or parenting forums and share helpful, non-spammy posts (think: “Mini Session tips” or “What to wear for fall family photos”).
Network with local businesses that cater to families—like preschools, hair salons, pediatricians, or kids’ boutiques.
Offer a referral perk to your earliest clients! Something simple like a $25 print credit or a free 8x10 print goes a long way.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your business! Every conversation is a potential connection.

3. Position Yourself Like a Pro Online

Even when you’re just starting out, you can still look like a professional. A polished online presence builds trust and makes people more likely to book you.

Here’s how:

Create a clean, simple landing page or Instagram portfolio (no need for a full website just yet!).
Show only your best 5–10 images—less is more. Highlight quality over quantity.
Share your client experience in your captions or short-form videos. Let people know what it’s like to work with you—easygoing, fun, relaxed!

If you’re comfortable on camera, try sharing short clips talking about your work, your why, or behind-the-scenes moments during shoots.

You’ve Got This!

I know it can feel slow at first—but remember, every photographer started at zero. Booking your first five clients is 100% possible if you follow these steps consistently. Start with your circle, grow your visibility, and keep showing up online.

And if you want a little extra help feeling confident at your first session, don’t forget to download my free Family Posing Guide. It’ll walk you through simple, natural poses to help your families feel comfortable and connected.

You’ve got this, friend! ❤️