Why Photographers Aren't Booking Like They Used To — and What To Do About It with Alicia Daw

On today's episode of the Play It Brave podcast, I'm talking about something many people in the wedding industry are quietly feeling but not always naming out loud. Photographers who used to book 15–20 weddings a year are sitting at just a handful. Retreats are being canceled. Educators who used to sell out instantly are extending deadlines. And behind the scenes, my DMs are filled with the same question: "Is it just me?" So today we're talking about it honestly. I invited my friend Alicia Daw — an experienced luxury wedding photographer who has spent decades in this industry — to join me for a grounded conversation about what's actually happening and how we can respond to it thoughtfully instead of panicking. I don't believe this is just a slow year. I think the industry is going through a correction — post-COVID demand leveling out, economic uncertainty, new buyer behavior, and major technological shifts like AI. The industry isn't ending, but it is changing. And the more clearly we see those changes, the better we can adapt. Key Takeaways This is likely a market correction, not just a slow season. Post-COVID demand, economic uncertainty, and industry saturation are all contributing to the shift. Buyer behavior has changed. Couples compare far more options, hesitate longer, and often communicate less clearly than past clients. Trust matters more than ever. Showing full galleries, simplifying pricing, and clearly communicating your process helps reduce buyer uncertainty. Generic brands struggle in a comparison-heavy market. Clear positioning and personality help you stand out among hundreds of similar photographers. The middle market feels the most pressure. Budget vendors will book, luxury vendors will continue booking, but the mid-range is often the most saturated. Pricing can be both aspirational and strategic. Holding premium dates for high-end bookings while remaining flexible with short-notice opportunities can create stability. Relationships still convert best. Planner relationships, venue partnerships, and referrals often outperform social media algorithms. Multiple revenue streams reduce stress. Diversifying income can provide stability when inquiries fluctuate. After more than 20 years in this industry, Alicia and I have both learned that the wedding world moves in cycles. The key isn't ignoring change, it's responding to it. That means strengthening your positioning, building trust with your clients, nurturing real relationships in the industry, and being willing to adjust your strategy as the market evolves. Challenges like this don't mean the industry is over. They simply mean we're being invited to grow, refine, and approach our businesses with more intention than ever. If you want deeper support in navigating this shift, Alicia shares about her Strategy Retreat in this episode, where she helps wedding professionals align their business strategy with the life they actually want to build. And as always, thank you for being here and for continuing to play it brave in your work and your business. Meet Alicia Alicia Daw is an international, luxury wedding photographer who has spent nearly three decades of her life globetrotting to 45 countries - and counting - while developing an effortless style for capturing exquisite and emotionally charged weddings and events. Featured in prestigious publications like Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Wezoree, Carats & Cake, and Wedding Chicks, Alicia knows how to attract chic, jet-setting couples and deliver a luxury experience again and again. Within 13 months of starting her photography business, Alicia went from making $10,000 a year as a missionary to over $100,000, consistently booking 5 figure weddings. Less weddings = more money = more life. She is an expert at helping other wedding and portrait industry professionals grow their businesses into something they're proud of by making sense of all the nitty-gritty details so they can pursue life outside of business. She is passionate about finding joy and adventure in the everyday, ordinary moments in her life with the people she loves most. Connect with Alicia Alicia's WebsiteAlicia's InstagramThe Strategy Retreat Click here for more ways to listen to this episode.