Photographers: Get Booked Without the Hustle Using a CRM | with Amy Pearson
If you’re a photographer who feels busy all the time but still struggles to get booked, this one’s for you.
In our latest episode of The Edit Weekly, we sat down with Amy Pearson, a systems and workflow strategist who helps photographers get organized using CRMs like HoneyBook and Dubsado (affiliate link). What we loved most about this conversation is how grounded it was. No grind culture. No “work harder.” Just practical systems that make your business calmer, clearer, and easier to run.
You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, but if you’re more of a reader (or want the highlights), here’s what we covered, and why it matters.
First: What Is a CRM (Really)?
CRM stands for Client Relationship Management. Amy explains it simply: A CRM is like a personal assistant for your business.
It keeps everything in one place — inquiries, emails, contracts, invoices, payments, scheduling, and follow-ups — so you’re not constantly asking yourself:
Did I send that email?
Did they sign the contract?
Did I ever send the payment link?
(Ask us how we know 😬)
Instead of sticky notes, scattered emails, and half-finished to-do lists, a CRM gives you clarity and consistency.
Why Photographers Lose Clients Without Realizing It
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode was how many photographers are losing bookings not because of their work, but because of backend friction.
Amy shared that around 80% of people book the photographer who follows up first.
If you’re:
juggling client emails manually
forgetting to follow up
sending contracts, invoices, and payment links separately
or meaning to respond “later” and then… not
You’re likely leaking leads without even realizing it.
A CRM helps you respond quickly and professionally — even when you’re busy shooting, editing, or living your life.
CRMs Are Especially Helpful for ADHD & Neurodivergent Brains
This part of the conversation really resonated with us.
Amy talked about how CRMs support mental load, especially for photographers with ADHD or neurodivergent brains. Instead of holding everything in your head, your system holds it for you.
A good CRM:
shows you exactly where every client is in the process
reminds you what needs to happen next
reduces decision fatigue
prevents “out of sight, out of mind” moments
It gives you external structure that supports how your brain works.
Better Systems = Better Client Experience
One of the biggest myths photographers believe is that automation feels cold or impersonal.
Amy completely dismantles that idea.
When your workflows are thoughtful, automated systems actually:
guide clients clearly through the process
reduce confusion and missed steps
feel more professional and reassuring
free you up to show up more personally when it matters
Clients can:
access contracts and invoices in one place
see payment schedules
fill out questionnaires
find links without digging through email
Less friction for them = more trust in you.
HoneyBook vs. Dubsado (And Why Both Work)
Amy works primarily in HoneyBook and Dubsado, and while they’re different, they solve the same core problems:
scheduling without email ping-pong
automated follow-ups
proposals that bundle contracts + invoices
payment reminders so you actually get paid
Her biggest advice?
👉 Pick one and use it consistently.
Constantly switching systems costs more time than it saves.
How to Start Using a CRM (Without Overwhelm)
You don’t need to set up everything at once.
Amy suggests starting with just a few basics:
Try a CRM trial and see if you like how it feels
Create a simple inquiry form
Write one solid follow-up email
Map out your client experience step by step
You can always build from there.
Learn More from Amy Pearson
If you want help setting up systems that actually work for your photography business, you can find Amy here:
🌐 Website: https://amysgould.com/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SystemsforCreatives
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyspearson_/
She shares incredibly practical advice on workflows, client experience, and running a business that doesn’t rely on constant hustle.
Want the Full Conversation?
If this resonated, we highly recommend listening to the full episode which is packed with real-life examples, honest confessions, and calm encouragement.
Do you already use a CRM or do you use spreadsheets? Let us know in the comments!
