Use a Popup Photo Studio to Grow Your Photography Business

Meet your ideal clients, expand your network, and grow your email list—all without relying on social media or paid ads.

This Built My Family Photography Business

I started my photography business right around the time patient zero came down with COVID. Bad timing.

We had just moved to a new city where we knew no one—no friends, no family, no network. And I had no social media presence at the time.

But I had this idea… what if I put myself right in front of my ideal clients, offered them a fun experience and free photos, then had a reason to stay in touch via email?

This was the start of the Popup Photo Studio—the idea that single-handedly launched, grew, and still supports my family photography business.

And what’s more? It feels completely genuine. There’s nothing salesy about it.

Why Consider a Popup Photo Studio?

• Direct Client Engagement: Meet potential clients face-to-face, build real connections, and create trust.
• Email List: Collect quality email addresses and stay in their inbox.
• Brand Visibility: Get your name out in the right circles—while people thank you for being there!

Know Your “Why” Before You Start

Before diving in, get really clear on your goals for hosting a Popup Photo Studio. Every aspect of the experience should align with that goal.

Common Goals:

• ✅ Meet local families and grow your email list.
• ✅ Partner with a well-aligned organization and add value to their event.
• ✅ Support a nonprofit you believe in.
• ✅ Book mini sessions.
• ✅ Sell photos.

I’ll be frank—I have never hosted a Popup Photo Studio with the intention of making money on the spot. I take the long view. My approach is about offering something fun and free, with the ROI showing up weeks, months, or even years later.

Choose Events With Intention

The right event could bring you 100+ qualified leads—the wrong one? A long day of wasted time.

Questions to Ask When Selecting an Event:

• Does the event attract my ideal clients?
• Does my “why” align with the premise of the event?
• Will people actually want photos?
• Will other organizations benefit from my presence?
• Will I get exposure, backlinks, or PR from the host?
• Is there an opportunity for co-marketing?
• What’s the cost? Will they pay me to be there?
• How will I deliver photos? (A shared gallery = easy, individual galleries = more work.)

💡 Not sure which events are best for you? In my coaching sessions, I help photographers identify the right opportunities to attract their dream clients.

👉 Let’s chat.

Essential Equipment

Having your equipment streamlined and dialed is key to a stress-free day and a great experience for participants.

Basic Setup:

• Popup tent – white, with walls
• Corner weights – don’t let your tent take flight
• Bench or stool for participants
• Backdrop – keep it simple
• Table & display – show off
• Branded sign – draw people in
• Camera & lenses – the right lens is key
• Flash setup – light + stand + umbrella

💡 Want the full breakdown of my exact setup? My gear list is coming soon! If you’d like access when it’s ready, join my email list below.

Setting Up Your Popup Photo Studio

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In my mentoring sessions, we customize this based on your unique event setup—but here are key considerations:

• ✅ Event rules: Ensure you’re allowed to be there!
• ✅ Access: Can you drive up to unload gear, or will you carry everything?
• ✅ Pedestrian flow: Be visible, but not in the way.
• ✅ Participant experience: Where do they sign up, line up, enter, and exit?
• ✅ Lighting: How will you manage direct sun, shadows, and changing light?

💡 Outdoor setups are harder. Light shifts, wind picks up, and rain happens. Be ready!

Make Meaningful Connections

This is not just about taking photos—it’s about creating a memorable experience.

How to Make an Impact:

• ✅ Set Yourself Apart: What makes you different from every other photographer? Showcase this. Talk about it.
• ✅ Be Approachable: Their interaction with you is the most important part of the day.
• ✅ Be Honest: If someone asks, “What’s the catch?”—just tell them. “I’m growing my business, and this is a great way for people to meet me.” People appreciate honesty.
• ✅ Collect Emails the Right Way:
  • For individual galleries: Ensure you can match groups to their images.
  • For shared galleries: Make sure everyone knows their photos will be public.

💡 Not sure how to collect emails without feeling ‘salesy’? In my 1:1 coaching, I cover simple but effective strategies.

👉 Let’s chat.

Follow-Up & Photo Delivery

This is where most photographers drop the ball. Don’t be that photographer!

You’ve already done 95% of the work—the planning, setup, photography, editing. Now is when you actually turn these leads into clients.

The Follow-Up Formula:

• ✅ Onboarding Email Sequence (Minimum 5 emails!)
  1. Thank them.
  2. Tell them what you do.
  3. Deliver their photos.
  4. Welcome them to your newsletter.
  5. Share more about yourself.
• ✅ Deliver Photos Like a Pro – No Google Drive links or Dropbox folders. Use a professional gallery service.
• ✅ Ask for Reviews – You just gave them free photos—this is the time to ask for a review. Make it easy and follow up.
• ✅ Email Nurture Campaign – Of the dozens of clients I’ve booked through the Popup Photo Studio, few booked right away. Stay relevant.

💡 Quarterly emails aren’t enough. I send a weekly newsletter (but monthly works too). In coaching calls, we develop your perfect “email voice.”

Real-World Lessons: Do’s & Don’ts

• ✅ DO: Keep it simple.
• 🚫 DON’T: Overcomplicate your signup or delivery system.
• ✅ DO: Keep it fun and lighthearted.
• 🚫 DON’T: Make it intimidating.
• ✅ DO: Bring snacks, water, and layers.
• 🚫 DON’T: Assume you’ll have time to grab food.
• ✅ DO: Practice your setup.
• 🚫 DON’T: Show up with anything new in the box.
• ✅ DO: Get it right in-camera.
• 🚫 DON’T: “Fix it in post.”
• ✅ DO: Have a great one-liner.
• 🚫 DON’T: Give a 10-minute speech about your business.

What’s Next?

Hosting a Popup Photo Studio is one of the most powerful ways to grow your photography business without relying on social media or paid ads.

By being intentional about event selection, creating a great experience, and following up strategically, you can build a thriving, sustainable business that books clients for years to come.

You can also have a great time and connect with your community while doing it.

Most photographers rely on social media and inconsistent word-of-mouth, and it keeps them stuck. A Popup Photo Studio gives you a clear, authentic, repeatable strategy to grow a business you actually enjoy.

💡 Want to create a customized Popup Photo Studio strategy? Let’s map it out together.

👉 Book a coaching session with me today.