Hi Everyone

Today I am going to look at what a specialist photographer can do when his chosen genre is not related to the Christmas market.

I am a conference photographer in Edinburgh and Glasgow and this blog will go into detail on how you can fill your time during that Christmas period, if your business doesn't tend to rely on Christmas sales.

The Christmas season is often a quieter time for conference and event photographers, but it doesn’t have to be a time without productivity. For an Edinburgh conference photographer or a Glasgow conference photographer, the festive period offers unique opportunities to expand skills, network, and even generate extra income. Here’s how a corporate photographer in Edinburgh can fill their calendar with engaging activities over the Christmas season.

1. Capture Corporate Christmas Parties

Many companies hold festive gatherings to celebrate the end of the year, and they often seek an event photographer in Scotland to capture the fun. Corporate Christmas parties are a great way for conference photographers in Scotland to keep busy and earn extra income, providing a change from traditional conference photography while still requiring professional skills in capturing the mood, interactions, and energy of an event. To secure gigs, reach out to local businesses or post about availability on social media and platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Create or Update Your Portfolio

The end of the year is an ideal time for a conference photographer in Edinburgh to refresh their portfolio. This could involve updating online galleries with the best shots from recent conferences, corporate events, and client sessions. Your portfolio is one of your most powerful marketing tools, especially if you’re targeting keywords like “Edinburgh conference photographer” and “corporate photographer Edinburgh.” Ensure your website and social media are optimized with relevant tags and captions to increase discoverability.

3. Build Skills with a Personal Project

Personal projects offer an opportunity to explore creative ideas or improve technical skills. A Glasgow conference photographer could create a series focusing on festive landmarks around the city, while an Edinburgh conference photographer might document the holiday spirit in places like Edinburgh Castle or the Christmas Market. These projects not only keep your skills sharp but also add interesting, holiday-themed content to your portfolio that can appeal to potential clients.  Here are some examples of my event photography images from this website, some if which took place over Christmas.Colin Wright Photography, Edinburgh and Glasgow conference photographer | Corporate Event and Conference Photographer, Edinburgh, Glasgow,Scotland.
 

4. Network at Holiday Events and Markets

Holiday events, markets, and community gatherings are excellent places to network and spread the word about your photography services. As a conference photographer in Scotland, networking can expand your professional circle and open up new opportunities in the coming year. Carry business cards or a digital portfolio on a tablet to showcase your work to prospective clients. Additionally, socialising at these gatherings can help you get to know other photographers, event planners, and vendors, creating valuable connections in the industry.

5. Offer Mini Holiday Sessions for Professionals

Offer mini photoshoots for corporate clients and professionals who may need updated headshots for the new year. Advertise a festive discount for “professional portraits with a holiday twist” or themed corporate headshots that professionals can use on their LinkedIn profiles and company websites. This is an excellent opportunity for an event photographer in Scotland to diversify income while promoting their expertise in capturing polished, professional images.

6. Attend Professional Development Workshops

Many organisations host workshops and online seminars during the winter months, giving photographers a chance to enhance their skills. A corporate photographer in Edinburgh might explore workshops on lighting, editing, or video content creation, which can be especially valuable as more clients look for multimedia solutions. These skills make your services more versatile, which can help when you’re pitching yourself as a conference photographer in Scotland.

7. Start a Photography Blog or Social Media Campaign

If you’re looking to increase your visibility as an Edinburgh conference photographer, blogging and social media are excellent tools for SEO and outreach. Write blog posts about conference photography, event photography trends, or tips for corporate clients planning their events in Scotland. Use SEO phrases like “event photographer Scotland” and “corporate photographer Edinburgh” to attract potential clients searching for these services. Instagram and LinkedIn are ideal platforms for sharing professional highlights from your portfolio and connecting with event planners or corporate clients in the region.

8. Develop or Refine Your Marketing Strategy

The quieter holiday period can be a great time to assess your current marketing approach. Review your website and update keywords like “Edinburgh conference photographer” or “conference photographer Scotland” to optimise for search engines. You could also invest time in creating paid ads on social media or Google to reach a larger audience, helping to keep your name in mind when clients are planning future conferences and events.  Here is a good article on how small businesses can be affected by Christmas: How Christmas Impacts Small Business | BusinessComparison

9. Reach Out to Past Clients with a Holiday Greeting

A friendly holiday message to past clients is a great way to reconnect and remind them of your services. This message could be in the form of a festive email, a card, or even a small printed calendar featuring your best shots. Staying in touch with clients keeps you on their radar, ensuring they’ll think of you when they need a photographer for their next event.

10. Plan for the Next Conference Season

Looking ahead, consider what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. Research potential conferences or large events coming to Edinburgh or Glasgow where your services as a conference photographer in Scotland might be in demand. With a strategy in place, you’ll be ready to make the most of the next busy season and expand your business.

In Summary

For conference photographers in Edinburgh and across Scotland, the Christmas period can be an opportunity-rich time for networking, skill-building, and portfolio expansion. By using this time strategically, photographers can lay the groundwork for a successful year ahead, ensuring they’re not only busy but also well-prepared for new opportunities in conference and corporate event photography. Whether through festive photoshoots, connecting with past clients, or enhancing their marketing, photographers can turn the quieter holiday period into a productive season.

So, hope this helps

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

www.edinburghphotographer.com