Dreaming Up Promotions
Facebook advert idea #1
There comes a time in every portrait photographer’s life when the calendar stares back at you… empty.
Mockingly empty.
And you think, “I may have to run a promotion.”
This is where optimism goes to die.
At first, I’m confident. I crack my knuckles. I sit down, fully caffeinated and hopeful.
I open a document titled PROMO IDEAS 2026.
It is empty.
Just like my will to live.
Facebook advert idea #2
My brain immediately goes to what I have seen others’ do:
“Mini Sessions!” because nothing says relaxing creative work like back-to-back havoc. It’s enough to produce a mild inclination towards falling into a spontaneous coma in order to quit after the 4th sitting.
“Limited Time Offer!” which I know I will absolutely extend because this is my Year of Being Nice… and also weak.
“Autumn Special!” It is technically Summer, but time is a construct and let’s face it we’ve had nothing but rain.
I stare at the screen. The cursor blinks. Judging my every move, as is my cat Bjork, who is also blinking at me judgmentally – is it that time already?
I’m pretty sure she just tapped her smart watch while looking pointedly towards the fridge.
I then attempt innovation.
“What about a ‘Bring Your Dog, Your Child, and Your Emotional Support Chicken’ Package?”
Too clucky.
“How about ‘HAVE YOUR WHOLE FAMILY SHOT – By Cathy Dee PHOTOGRAPHER’?”
Already used that one. Twice. In 2003. It created such a kerfuffle then that I wouldn’t dare use it now.
I try to be different.
I whisper to myself: “This one will go viral.”
It will not.
Facebook advert idea #3 and I love it.
I scroll Instagram for “inspiration,” which is just other photographers announcing:
‘Once-a-year exclusive never-to-be-repeated offer!’
Posted last month.
Also the month before that.
And suspiciously, every month since 2017.
Now I’m spiralling.
I start creating promotions no one asked for:
A ‘Bring Your Emotional Support Frog’ (I think at this point I need one)
A Silent Parent Discount
A Free Potato with every Booking
I briefly contemplate giving up photography entirely and knitting hats for cats. Or creating umbrellas for goldfish. Or becoming one of those people who “travels and journals.”
But then — suddenly — it hits me.
Not a brilliant idea.
Just… an idea.
It’s fine. It’s serviceable. It has a date and a price and doesn’t require face painting, glitter, or my soul.
I slap “LIMITED SPACES” on it (because honestly, my patience is limited), add a friendly emoji so people know I’m approachable, and hit post.
I’m excited when within minutes someone asks:
“Can I use this for my nephew’s neighbour’s socially challenged 8 year old son in six months’ time?”
And just like that… my Year of Being Nice ends.
So if you see me announcing a “fun new offer” — be kind.
I’ve been awake since 2am, fuelled by chocolate, self-doubt, and the distant memory of loving my work.
Book the session.
I earned it and you, I promise, will love it.