“Sorry, We’re Fully Booked!”

The Wedding Photography Sales Tactics No One Talks About

If you’ve ever enquired with a wedding photographer and been told “we only have one date left that month”, you may have felt a sudden rush of panic.

What if you miss out?
What if someone else books your date?
What if this photographer is the one?

Take a breath.

You’ve just encountered one of the most widely used wedding photography sales tactics in the industry, scarcity. While it’s effective, it’s also worth understanding what’s really going on behind the lens.

This article is a light-hearted, slightly tongue-in-cheek look at the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways wedding photographers create urgency, boost perceived demand, and nudge couples towards booking faster . It is not aimed at anyone or any business specifically and is meant as a bit of fun.

The “Fully Booked” Wedding Photographer Myth

Let’s start with the phrase that strikes fear into engaged couples everywhere:

“I’m fully booked.”

Sometimes this is absolutely true. Popular wedding photographers often book out 12–24 months in advance, especially for peak summer dates.

But sometimes “fully booked” actually means:

• I’m nearly at my ideal workload - Many photographers cap the number of weddings they do each year. However if they really wanted to work your wedding the could definitely squeeze in one more

• I’m holding out for premium bookings - Some photographers only want full days, or as horrible as it sounds couples that fit with their social media marketing

• I want you to feel lucky if I say yes

This is scarcity marketing, and it’s incredibly effective when couples are trying to secure a wedding photographer for a specific date.

It’s the same principle used by any salesmen who assure you “this one won’t be here tomorrow” even though it’s been there since last Tuesday.

Scarcity creates value and in wedding photography, perceived demand can be just as powerful as actual demand.

“Another Couple Has Enquired for Your Date”

Ah yes. The wedding photography equivalent of:

“Someone else is coming back later today for a second viewing.”

This line is designed to do one thing: speed up your decision.

When you’re booking a wedding photographer, time suddenly feels limited. You’re no longer calmly comparing styles and packages, you’re competing.

Is it always untrue? No. Wedding photographers do receive multiple enquiries for the same dates.

But whether it’s coincidence or strategy, the outcome is the same: urgency.

And urgency sells.

Wedding Photography Pricing That’s “Going Up Soon”

Few phrases are as common on a wedding photographer’s website as:

• “Prices increasing soon”

• “Book now to secure current wedding photography pricing”

• “2024 rates ending shortly”

This is another classic sales psychology trigger fear of missing out on a better deal.

Sometimes price increases are legitimate. Costs rise, experience grows, and demand increases.

But when prices have been “about to increase” for months, it starts to feel less like financial planning and more like a sofa sale that never ends.

A good rule of thumb when choosing a wedding photographer:
If everything feels urgent, ask why.

“We Only Take On a Limited Number of Weddings Each Year”

This one sounds reassuring and that’s exactly why it works.

Statements like:

• “We only photograph 15 weddings a year”

• “Limited availability to ensure quality”

• “We don’t overbook”

…are designed to position the photographer as exclusive and in demand.

And sometimes they’re absolutely genuine.

Other times, the number is flexible much like the trying to buy a car “can’t possibly drop the price” until you stand up to leave.

Limits create perceived value. They also create pressure. Both are powerful tools in wedding photography marketing.

Instagram: The Busiest Wedding Photographer You’ve Ever Seen

Scroll through a wedding photographer’s Instagram during peak season and you’ll see:

• Back-to-back weddings

• Constant “busy weekend” stories

• Coffee cups, airports, editing marathons and sunset portraits

The message is clear:

Everyone else is booking me.

This is social proof, and it plays a huge role when couples are researching how to choose a wedding photographer.

If someone looks busy, successful and popular, they must be good… right?

Why These Wedding Photography Sales Tactics Actually Work

Here’s the honest truth:
These techniques work because humans are predictable.

When booking a wedding photographer, couples are emotionally invested, time-pressured, and terrified of making the wrong choice.

Scarcity, urgency and social proof tap directly into that mindset.

And to be fair, photography is a competitive industry. Standing out matters. Marketing matters. Sales matter.

The problem isn’t that these tactics exist. It’s when they replace transparency.

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Without the Pressure

If you’re currently booking a wedding photographer, here’s how to navigate the noise:

• Ask direct questions about availability

• Don’t be afraid to take time before paying a deposit

• Focus on consistency in their portfolio, not just popularity

• Trust your instincts pressure isn’t a substitute for quality

A genuinely confident wedding photographer won’t rush you into a decision like a man in a shiny suit leaning against a slightly questionable hatchback.

Final Thoughts: A Gentle Wink, Not a Hard Sell

Wedding photography is art, storytelling and business rolled into one.

And like any business, it borrows a few tricks from industries that have been selling emotional purchases forever including our old friend, the used car salesman.

Once you understand these wedding photography sales techniques, you can enjoy the booking process without being swept along by artificial urgency.

And if your photographer really is fully booked?

Then fair play you’ve found someone in demand.

Just make sure you booked them because you love their work… not because the clock was ticking.

Why Burntwood Court Hotel Is the Perfect Wedding Venue – From The Story of You Wedding Photography

As a wedding photographer at The Story of You, I’ve had the joy of capturing couples’ celebrations across Yorkshire and beyond, and Burntwood Court Hotel remains one of my absolute favourite venues to shoot. Every time I arrive, camera in hand, I feel that familiar excitement because I know the day ahead will be filled with stunning backdrops, warm hospitality, and moments that flow naturally from morning through to evening.

If you’re recently engaged and searching for the ideal South Yorkshire wedding venue, here are the top reasons why Burntwood Court Hotel should be firmly at the top of your list seen through the lens of someone who knows it well.

1. Endless Variety for Beautiful, Story-Led Photography

Something I value deeply as a photographer is variety spaces that allow me to tell the full story of a wedding without everything looking too samey. Burntwood Court Hotel offers an incredible range of backdrops, both indoors and outdoors, which means your wedding album will naturally feel rich, dynamic and full of personality.

In a single day, your gallery can include:

• Romantic outdoor shots among the trees and landscaped gardens

• Wide, cinematic portraits in front of the hotel’s grand architecture

• Warm, atmospheric photos inside the function suites

• Rustic, countryside-inspired frames around the grounds

• Evening party images with stylish lighting and loads of energy

This diversity makes the venue a dream for creative storytelling and ensures your images feel truly “you”.

2. Beautiful, Well-Maintained Grounds for Natural Wedding Portraits

If you’ve looked through The Story of You galleries, you’ll know I’m obsessed with natural light and authentic moments. Burntwood Court’s grounds are full of these opportunities.

There’s something magical about the way the light moves across the gardens here from the soft morning glow that’s perfect for calm pre-ceremony portraits, to the warm golden hour that drifts over the grounds in the evening. The open lawns, mature trees and quiet paths give us so many options for creating relaxed, romantic photos without feeling rushed or watched.

For couples who want their photos to feel organic rather than staged, this venue delivers in every season.

3. Spacious, Stylish Interiors That Photograph Beautifully

Even though Burntwood Court has stunning outdoor areas, the indoor spaces are equally impressive and this is vital for Burntwood Court wedding photography because it means bad weather never becomes a problem.

The hotel’s ceremony rooms, reception areas and function suites benefit from:

• Plenty of clean, natural light

• Neutral décor that suits every theme

• Modern finishes that look elegant in photographs

• Ample space for guests, movement and angles

From a photographer’s perspective, this makes capturing candid moments, emotional vows and evening celebrations effortless. No harsh lighting. No dark corners. Just bright, beautiful spaces where real moments can unfold naturally.

4. Perfect Getting-Ready Rooms for Morning Photography

As someone who loves photographing the quiet intimacy of the morning the make-up moments, the laughter, the nerves, the anticipation Burntwood Court’s getting-ready spaces are a dream.

The rooms are:

• Spacious

• Bright

• Comfortable

• Cleverly laid out

This means I have enough space to move around, capture the details, and document the build-up without people feeling crowded or overwhelmed.

These early hours set the tone for the whole wedding story in your album, and Burntwood Court provides the perfect backdrop for them.

5. A Seamless Layout That Makes the Day Flow Easily

One thing couples don’t always consider (but photographers definitely do!) is the logistical flow of the day. Burntwood Court has an incredibly intuitive layout that helps everything run smoothly:

• Ceremony

• Drinks reception

• Couple portraits

• Family photos

• Wedding breakfast

• Evening party

Everything is spaced perfectly not too far apart, not too close together meaning guests never feel lost, and we never waste time walking between locations. This gives us more freedom for creativity, more time for relaxed portraits, and more opportunities to capture natural, unscripted moments.

6. A Versatile Venue That Suits Every Wedding Style

Whether you’re planning a chic modern wedding, a rustic countryside celebration, an elegant traditional affair or something truly unique, Burntwood Court adapts beautifully.

I’ve photographed minimalist weddings here, full-blown glamorous celebrations, autumnal countryside days and relaxed summer afternoons and the venue has always complemented the couple’s style perfectly.

This flexibility means you can put more energy into your personal touches, because the venue provides the ideal canvas for your vision.

7. Gorgeous Evening Light and Amazing Party Atmosphere

Some of my favourite images at Burntwood Court are captured later in the day when the sun dips lower and the light becomes soft, warm and cinematic. This is the perfect time for a quick golden-hour portrait session. Even five minutes outside can produce some of the most romantic, glowing photos in your entire gallery.

And then the evening arrives.

Burntwood Court weddings have fantastic party spaces, with room for dancing, laughter, speeches, photobooths and everything in between. The lighting creates an energetic atmosphere that photographs beautifully, and the layout makes it easy to capture candid party moments without interrupting the fun.

8. A Supportive, Professional Team That Helps Everything Run Smoothly

As a photographer, I work with wedding teams across countless venues and Burntwood Court’s staff are consistently among the most warm, efficient and organised. They care about your day as much as you do, and they make sure everything is running on time without feeling rushed.

Their coordination helps me do what I do best: capture moments quietly, naturally, and without stress. When a venue team is this strong, it always shows in the photos because the couple and guests feel relaxed and looked after.

9. Perfect for Couples Who Want a Full Wedding Experience in One Place

Burntwood Court is one of those rare venues where you can do absolutely everything onsite:

• Morning preparations

• Ceremony

• Drinks reception

• Wedding breakfast

• Evening celebrations

• Accommodation for the night

This creates a calm, connected experience for everyone and allows the entire day to unfold in one place making the story in your wedding album even more cohesive and meaningful.

Final Thoughts – Why Burntwood Court Is a Venue I Love to Photograph

As The Story of You, my focus is always on genuine storytelling capturing real emotion, real connection, and the essence of who you are as a couple.

Burntwood Court Hotel is one of the venues that makes this easy.

With its stunning grounds, thoughtful interiors, flowing layout and welcoming team, it offers the perfect setting for a wedding day filled with natural moments and beautiful photography.

If you’re dreaming of a South Yorkshire wedding venue that feels warm, elegant and visually rich in every light, Burntwood Court is a truly exceptional choice and I’d love to tell your story there.

Why Booking a Newborn Photography Session Is One of the Best Decisions You’ll Make

The first few weeks of your baby’s life pass by in a blur of emotions, sleepless nights, and tiny details that change almost daily. From the curl of their fingers to the way they fit perfectly in your arms, these moments are fleeting. This is why booking a newborn photography session is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make as a new parent. It is something I wish I had done when my three were little.

At The Story of You Photography, newborn photography is about more than beautiful images, it’s about preserving your family’s story.

The Importance of Newborn Photography

Newborns grow and change faster than at any other stage of life. Within weeks, their features shift, their expressions become more alert, and those sleepy newborn poses disappear.

Professional newborn photography allows you to freeze time and hold onto these precious early days forever. While phone photos are wonderful for everyday memories, a professional newborn photoshoot creates timeless images designed to be displayed, shared, and treasured. It is important to ensure the photographer you choose is trained in newborn photography so they know exactly how to safely conduct the newborn session. Here at The Story of You I have undertaken many hours of in person training ensuring I am up to date with all the latest practises and safety is always my main priority.

When Is the Best Time for a Newborn Photoshoot?

Many parents search for “when should I book a newborn photographer?” and the answer is ideally during pregnancy.

The best time for a newborn photography session is usually within the first few days after birth and ideally before 14 days. During this stage, babies are naturally sleepier and curl more easily, allowing for relaxed, comfortable photographs.

By booking early, you secure availability and remove one more thing from your post-birth to-do list. Dates are fully flexible and can be moved according to when your baby arrives.

A Calm, Baby-Led Experience

At The Story of You Photography, sessions are completely baby-led. There is no rush, no pressure, and no expectation for babies to perform. Your babies safety and comfort are my number one priority.

Feeds, cuddles, and settling time are all part of the session. This calm approach ensures a safe and relaxed environment, something parents searching for a newborn photographer near me often value most.

Why Parents Choose Professional Newborn Photography

Many parents tell me later that their newborn photos became some of their most treasured possessions.

Professional newborn photography offers:

• Expert handling and baby safety

• Beautiful natural light when booking a newborn lifestyle session

• Thoughtful composition

• Images designed to last a lifetime

These photographs quickly become part of your family’s legacy.

Booking Your Newborn Photography Session

If you’re searching for newborn photography in Barnsley or South Yorkshire, The Story of You Photography offers a relaxed, heartfelt experience focused on storytelling and connection.

Because your baby will never be this small again and these moments deserve to be remembered.

Top Reasons to Choose Aston Hall Hotel as your wedding Venue

As a wedding photographer who has captured countless celebrations across South Yorkshire, I can confidently say that Aston Hall Hotel is one of the most photogenic and versatile wedding venues in the region. Every time I return, I’m reminded why couples fall in love with it and why their wedding galleries always look so effortlessly beautiful. If you’re searching for a venue that guarantees stunning photographs as well as a seamless experience, Aston Hall Hotel should be at the top of your shortlist.

1. Picture-Perfect Grounds That Elevate Every Wedding Gallery

When it comes to Aston Hall wedding photography, the grounds are an absolute dream. The hotel is surrounded by manicured lawns, mature trees, and landscaped gardens that change character beautifully with the seasons. From spring blossom to golden autumn leaves, there’s always a natural backdrop that complements every wedding style.

As a photographer, I’m always looking for scenery that enhances portraits without overpowering them. Aston Hall’s grounds strike that balance perfectly. The sweeping driveway, elegant stone façade, and pockets of greenery create multiple locations for couple portraits, bridal party photos, and candid moments. No matter the weather or time of year, there’s always a sheltered or scenic corner that photographs beautifully.

2. Stunning Architecture for Timeless Wedding Photos

The hotel’s 18th-century architecture is a godsend for photographers. The tall sash windows, grand entrance, and stone staircases add classic character to every image. Whether I’m shooting wide, cinematic-style portraits or intimate close-ups, the building provides structure and atmosphere that elevate the visual storytelling.

One of my favourite things about Aston Hall Hotel weddings is that the venue looks incredible both up close and from afar. Long shots of the full façade create those dramatic "just married" moments, while tighter frames capture the elegant textures and architectural details. Couples who love timeless, romantic wedding photography will find Aston Hall a perfect match for their aesthetic.

3. Beautiful Indoor Spaces for All-Weather Confidence

The unpredictability of British weather often keeps couples on edge, but Aston Hall Hotel removes much of that stress. The interiors are just as photogenic as the outdoor spaces, offering a variety of beautifully styled rooms filled with natural light.

The ceremony rooms in particular are bright, airy, and neutral, which means your wedding photos will look clean, warm, and flattering. Whether it’s raining, windy or unexpectedly cold, we can continue shooting indoors without compromising on the quality or variety of your images.

This makes the venue incredibly reliable for South Yorkshire wedding photography, no matter the season.

4. Endless Variety for Creative Storytelling

One of the things that makes Aston Hall a joy to photograph is how much variety it offers in a single location. This is a huge advantage for couples who want a wedding gallery that feels rich, full, and diverse.

Across the venue you’ll find:

Classic stone backdrops

Romantic garden scenes

Bright modern interiors

Atmospheric corridors

Stylish suites ideal for getting-ready photos

Sunlit terraces perfect for candid shots

This level of variety allows me to deliver galleries that are dynamic and full of contrast. Whether your style is modern, editorial, natural, or traditional, Aston Hall lets me match your vision with ease.

5. Dreamy Getting-Ready Suites for Authentic Moments

Beautiful wedding photography starts long before the ceremony, and Aston Hall’s spacious, elegant bridal suites make the morning preparations incredibly photogenic. The natural window light highlights details such as your dress, shoes and jewellery, while offering enough room for genuine, relaxed shots without clutter or distractions.

From a storytelling perspective, these spaces set the tone for the entire wedding album. The calm atmosphere and lovely décor help everyone feel at ease, and that comfort shows clearly in the photos.

6. A Smooth, Photographer-Friendly Layout

Because I’ve worked at Aston Hall Hotel weddings many times, I know the venue’s flow like the back of my hand. Everything is conveniently located, which means transitions between the ceremony, reception drinks, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations are seamless not just for guests, but for your photography timeline.

The ease of movement means fewer disruptions and more opportunities for candid moments. While guests enjoy drinks outside or mingle in the lounge, I can slip away with the couple for a short sunset session without anyone missing a thing.

7. Beautiful Ceremony and Reception Rooms

Aston Hall Hotel offers a selection of stunning indoor spaces, each with its own character. From an aesthetic and lighting perspective, these rooms are a joy to shoot in.

The neutral décor and clean lines ensure your ceremony photos remain timeless and focused on the emotion of the moment. Reception rooms offer enough space for dynamic dance-floor photography, heartfelt speeches, and atmospheric evening shots especially once the lights turn warm and the celebrations begin.

No matter your theme or colour palette, the rooms act as the perfect blank canvas for your chosen style.

8. Sunset Opportunities You Won’t Want to Miss

One of the best parts of photographing weddings at Aston Hall is the beautiful light that floods the grounds in the evening. Depending on the time of year, we can often capture golden-hour portraits that glow with warmth and romance.

These sunset portraits are consistently a highlight of every couple’s gallery. The soft light, open lawns, and natural greenery combine to create images that look like they belong on the pages of a wedding magazine.

9. A Relaxed, Atmosphere-Focused Venue that Lets Moments Unfold Naturally

A wedding venue can significantly influence the mood of the day, and Aston Hall’s welcoming atmosphere helps everyone relax. When people feel comfortable, the photography becomes more candid, authentic, and emotionally rich.

As a photographer, I place huge value on venues where guests have space to breathe, chat, laugh, and celebrate without feeling crowded. Aston Hall delivers exactly that, making it ideal for capturing natural moments and genuine reactions.

10. A Professional Team That Works Seamlessly with Photographers

Finally, Aston Hall Hotel’s team is always a pleasure to work with. They’re organised, accommodating, and incredibly supportive of each couple’s vision. Their ability to coordinate the day smoothly means I can focus entirely on capturing your story, knowing that everything else is being handled with care.

From timeline planning to room set-ups and last-minute adjustments, the staff ensure the day feels effortless resulting in calm, joyful photographs filled with natural emotion.

Final Thoughts

From sweeping landscapes to elegant interiors, Aston Hall Hotel offers everything a couple and their wedding photographer could hope for. It’s a venue that balances beauty, practicality, and atmosphere, making every wedding feel unique while delivering consistently stunning photography.

If you’re dreaming of romantic wedding portraits, timeless architecture, and a venue that photographs beautifully in every season, Aston Hall Hotel is a truly exceptional choice. As a photographer, it’s easily one of my favourite places to shoot and your wedding photos will thank you for choosing it.

Real Wedding - Liberty and Joseph

Liberty and Joseph had a beautiful winter wedding at Wortley Hall hotel in South Yorkshire. I adore working at Wortley, the stunning hall and grounds make the perfect backdrop for any wedding, not to mention the team there are first class.

I was booked for a half day which Liberty and Joseph opted to cover getting ready to speeches. Half day packages can be tailored to suit your needs, many couples also opt for photography from getting ready to speeches and some prefer ceremony to a little later. The choice really is yours.

The honeymoon suite at Wortley Hall is bright with large windows. I took advantage of the winter light to do some portraits of Liberty and her stunning dress. Her and her bridesmaids were incredibly calm all morning and it was lovely to photograph her morning unfold.

A break from tradition at Wortley hall and a first for me, the couple had chosen to marry in what is know as the dining hall and hold their wedding breakfast in the room where I usually photograph the ceremony. The pink and red roses really popped against the dark wooden panels and the whole room had a classic, elegant feel to it.

The ceremony was full of emotions and clearly showed how much love the families both have for each other as well as for the couple. It was clear to see the deep friendship between Joseph and Liberty and the incredibly strong bond too. The ceremony was beautifully conducted by Barnsley registration services.

With a later wedding the light in December was beginning to fade and so in agreement with the couple we made the most of not only the light but also the weather and headed outside for formal photos. There are plenty of beautiful places in Wortley Hall for formal photos. I quickly worked through the list from the couple and we headed inside to warm up.

Whilst we had a few couple photos outside, Liberty and Joseph also made the most of the beautiful interior at Wortley and had a couple of ideas of their own that they wanted to try. I love the opportunity to be be creative and Wortley is the perfect place to do this.

More details to follow soon