Let’s talk about something that should be fun but often feels… well, overwhelming: email marketing. I know. You didn’t become a photographer to spend your evenings fiddling with email subject lines and segmenting lists. (You wanted to make magic with your camera, right?)
But here’s the thing: email marketing for photographers doesn’t have to be boring or hard. It can actually feel like an extension of your brand (if you’re using the right platform).
So let me show you how I use Flodesk to stay in touch with my photography clients, keep them engaged between sessions, and gently nudge past clients to book again.
Want to try Flodesk for yourself? Use this link for 50% off and thank me later. (Seriously, that discount is gold.)
Why Email Marketing Matters for Photographers
Here’s a truth I’ve learned the hard way: social media can disappear overnight. Algorithms change. Engagement tanks. (Hello, Instagram’s ghosting phase)
But your email list? That’s yours.
And when you treat it like the VIP list it is, your clients feel like they’re getting the red carpet treatment. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay top of mind without feeling salesy. Plus, it builds trust like nothing else.
And trust leads to bookings.
That’s why email marketing for photographers isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential if you want clients to remember your name when it’s time to book their next session.

My Go-To: Flodesk
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff: how I use Flodesk.
If you haven’t met Flodesk yet, let me introduce you to your new email BFF. This platform was clearly designed with creatives in mind. It’s clean, intuitive, and it’s drag-and-drop (thank goodness). And every email looks like it was custom designed by a pro.
You don’t need coding skills or marketing degrees. You just need your branding, your voice, and a few minutes.
And yes, I actually enjoy creating emails now. (Who am I?)
Setting Up Beautiful Branded Templates
One of my favorite things about how I use Flodesk is how easy it is to build a branded template once, and then reuse it forever.
Here’s how to do it:
- I start with one of Flodesk’s clean, modern templates.
- Pop in your brand colors, logo, and fonts.
- Then I duplicate it every time I write a new email.
Boom. It takes five minutes to change out the text and photos, and the whole thing still looks like me. (Not like a random sales email that ends up in spam.)
And because I keep the layout the same, my clients start to recognize my emails right away. Which helps with opens, engagement, and all that good stuff.
Building Automated Email Sequences
Now let’s talk about automation. Because as much as I’d love to write a personal email to every client every week, life (and editing) happens.
This is another place where how I use Flodesk really shines.
I set up automated email sequences for different parts of the client journey:
- Inquiry follow-ups
- Welcome emails for new clients
- Session prep reminders
- Post-session sneak peek alerts
- Review and referral requests
Once it’s set up, it runs on its own. (Like a quiet little marketing machine in the background.) That means my clients get timely, helpful info without me having to remember to send it manually.
And yes, it totally makes me look way more organized than I actually am.
Sharing Session Prep Tips Through Email
One of the most useful parts of email marketing for photographers? Getting your clients ready before they show up for their session.
No more repeating yourself a dozen times or hoping they read your long caption on Instagram.
Here’s how I use Flodesk for session prep:
I have a pre-written email that includes:
- A style guide and shopping tool when someone books.
- How to prep kids/husbands/pets
- Location info and parking tips
Not only does this save me time (and my voice), but it also helps clients feel relaxed and ready. Which means better photos for them, and fewer last-minute texts for me.

Turning Past Clients Into Repeat Clients
This is a big one. Because once the gallery is delivered and the “thank you!” emails are exchanged, things can go quiet. But you don’t want clients to forget you exist.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need more clients. You need more of the right ones to come back again and again.
Which is why email marketing for photographers isn’t just about new leads. It’s about nurturing the ones you’ve already worked hard to book.
Here’s where how I use Flodesk really opens the door for connection. Once someone’s had a great experience with you, they’re so much more likely to book again if you stay in their orbit.
If you’re not sure what to send? Try these ideas:
- Monthly newsletters (quick reads with helpful tips or inspiration)
- Highlight recent sessions and client stories
- Share early booking dates or session announcements
- Anniversary or session reminders (easy to automate!)
- Birthday notes (especially for kiddo milestones)
- First dibs on mini sessions or special dates
- A little “Hey, look how much your kid has grown!” note with a favorite image from a past session
None of this has to be complicated. Just thoughtful. And thoughtful = memorable.
Because people don’t always rebook right away, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Especially if you pop into their inbox now and then with something kind and personal.
A Few More Things I Love About Flodesk
Since I’ve already spilled most of my secrets, let me give you a quick hit list of what else I love about this platform:
- Template duplication is my best friend. I create one layout, and then just tweak the content. Easy.
- It’s so simple to use (and beautiful), I actually want to send emails.
- The built-in analytics show exactly how many people are opening, clicking, and engaging (which helps me know what’s working—and what’s not).
Ready to Try Flodesk?
So that’s how I use Flodesk to turn inquiries into clients, prep them for their sessions, keep the connection strong, and gently remind them to come back again.
If you’ve been putting off email marketing because it feels like one more thing, let me gently say: it’s worth it. Not just for the bookings (though that’s nice), but for the relationships. Because photography is personal—and your marketing should be too.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to start.And if you want to start with something beautiful and easy? Try Flodesk here and get 50% off. I think you’re going to love it!