As military spouse photographers, frequent moves can create natural lulls in business. Even if you perfectly market your services and have clients lined up at your next duty station, you’ll still need time to pack, make the trip, and get settled. So, how can you prepare your business financially for this transition? My favorite strategy is what I like to call a “final hurrah.”

What Is a Final Hurrah?

A final hurrah is a strategic way to celebrate the end of your assignment while bringing in extra income before the inevitable slowdown that comes with moving. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your growth, thank your clients, and set yourself up for success in your next location. Here are some ideas to help you plan your final hurrah:

1. Run a Print or Album Sale

If you deliver full digital galleries, consider offering a print or album sale. Connect your gallery to a professional print lab and set your prices. A hands-off option like this can be incentivized with promotions like buy one, get one free to encourage purchases. It’s a meaningful way to help your clients preserve their memories while adding to your income.

2. Offer Landscape Prints

Have stunning landscape shots from your current area? Showcase these in a dedicated gallery for sale. While not as popular as client galleries, these prints might resonate with families who want a piece of the area to remember, especially if your duty station has iconic scenery.

3. Incentivize Referrals

Leverage the power of military connections by offering incentives for referrals. For example, current clients who refer you to friends at your next duty station could receive discounts or free prints. Referrals help you build momentum in your new location while maintaining relationships with your previous clients.

4. Host Mini Sessions

Last but not least, mini sessions are my favorite final hurrah for military spouse photographers. They allow you to serve multiple clients in a single day. Think creatively—senior cap and gown minis, branding minis, or even themed sessions. This approach helps you maximize your time while providing value to your clients.

What This Looks Like for Me

Here’s how I plan my final hurrah step-by-step:

• Determine pricing: I calculate how much income I’ll need during the lull, divide it by the number of sessions I can manage, and set my price per session. Timing plays a role too—winter minis may be less successful than fall family sessions, so be realistic with expectations.
• Launch early: About six weeks before the event, I announce it to my client email list using Kit and use Studio Ninja’s scheduler to streamline bookings.
• Add personal touches: On mini session day, I aim to make it special for my clients with small gestures like juice boxes, cookies, or stickers for the kids. These extra touches leave a lasting impression.
• Upsell galleries: When delivering final images, I incentivize clients to purchase the full gallery by offering variety in poses and using a pricing structure that highlights the value of the full package.

Every detail is designed to create a seamless, celebratory experience for my clients while helping me prepare financially for the move.

Final Thoughts for Military Spouse Photographers

There are countless ways military spouse photographers can plan a final hurrah before a PCS. Whether through print sales, referral incentives, or mini sessions, the goal is to celebrate your business’s success while preparing for what’s next. A well-executed final hurrah can ease the financial strain of a move and make the transition smoother.

I hope this was helpful! Click below to watch the full video!

Are you a milspouse photographer? Be sure to check out the Location Guides for Milspouse Photographers blog series too! You can find other tips for moving your business on the blog too. Thanks for being here! 🤍