100 Blogs Later: Lessons I’ve Learned Growing Our Photography Business Online
After 100 photography blogs, I’ve learned that growing a business online isn’t just about keywords or posting pretty photos—it’s about showing up consistently, learning from your mistakes, and connecting through story. This blog is a deep reflection on how I went from short updates to strategic storytelling that books real clients. I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t, how I structure my blogs today, and the painful lessons I had to learn the hard way. If you’re a photographer, content creator, or just getting started, this post is full of real advice and a behind-the-scenes look at the growth that happens when you commit to the long game.
It started with a simple goal: share our work, stay consistent, and maybe help people understand what we do. I had no idea how far it would take me.
Today, I’m sitting down to write blog number 100.
100 posts.
100 chances to reflect, refine, and reconnect—with our work, clients, and purpose.
I never thought I’d call myself a “blogger.” But what I’ve learned along the way is that blogging has become one of the most powerful tools in our photography business. It’s how I’ve told stories, brought in clients, grown our online presence, and built something that feels real, lasting, and true to us.
What Changed Between Blog #1 and Blog #100?
When I first started, my blogs were quick reflections. Sometimes a paragraph, sometimes just a caption. I posted beautiful photos and told people what they were looking at. But I wasn’t yet connecting the way I am now.
Now, each blog is a conversation. A travel guide. A memory. A story. A sales tool. A portfolio piece. A reason to book with us.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way—and what I messed up, too.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories, travel adventures, and creative photography challenges? We’d love to have you along for the ride.
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❌ The Biggest Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
1. I Didn’t Use Keywords at First
For months, I wrote blogs that never ranked because I had no idea what SEO even meant. I thought if I posted a pretty shoot, people would just “find it.” They didn’t.
Fix: Now I use long-tail, location-based keywords in every post—like “sunset proposal photographer in La Jolla” or “family photos in Temecula wine country.”
2. I Wasn’t Writing for the Right Audience
At first, I was writing for me. But I learned that blogs are meant for the person reading them. I talked about gear or my creative process, but I didn’t answer the questions potential clients were asking.
Fix: Now, every blog is written with one person in mind—someone searching for a photographer and wondering, “Is this the one?”
3. I Didn’t Include Clear CTAs
I used to end blogs with nothing—no link, no offer, no direction. I made people scroll through beautiful stories and then… just leave.
Fix: Now every blog points to something—whether it’s a seasonal package, a booking link, or a related blog to keep them reading.
4. I Didn’t Track My Results
For a long time, I didn’t check what was working. I wasn’t paying attention to bounce rates, traffic, or conversions. I just kept posting, blindly.
Fix: Now, I use performance data to guide future posts—refining based on traffic, optimizing for conversion, and tweaking titles based on what people search for.
5. I Forgot Who I Was Talking To
There was a phase where I made things too polished, too SEO-heavy, and lost my voice. I became robotic trying to “rank.”
Fix: I learned you can optimize for search engines without losing heart. Now, I blend warmth with strategy.
6. I Didn’t Think My Work Was Good Enough
There were seasons I was scared to blog because I thought my work didn’t measure up. I let self-doubt stop me from sharing.
Fix: I’ve learned to post anyway. To write the blog even if I’m unsure. Growth happens through action, not perfection.
✅ What I Learned Along the Way
Lesson 1: Long-Tail Keywords Are More Than Just SEO
They’re how people find you when they’re looking for exactly what you offer. Not “photographer near me,” but “maternity photos in Laguna Beach at golden hour.”
Lesson 2: Every Blog Is a Silent Salesperson
If you write with purpose, every blog can be a way for someone to find you, trust you, and book with you. That’s how I turned blogs into service pages.
Lesson 3: People Don’t Just Want Pretty Photos—They Want Stories
They want to feel what it was like. They want to imagine themselves there. That’s the magic of combining photos with narrative.
Lesson 4: Systems Set You Free
Now I blog with structure:
SEO title
400-character description
Keyword-rich excerpt
Hyperlinks to trusted sources
Call to action
It’s like second nature—and it saves me time.
Lesson 5: Consistency > Perfection
Not every blog will go viral. But every blog builds trust. Some of my slowest posts turned into bookings months later just because I kept showing up.
Lesson 6: I Found My Voice
Around blog #40, I started writing like me. Not like a brand. Not like someone trying to sound like everyone else. Just… me. And that’s when things started to click.
🔄 Then vs. Now: My Blogging Evolution
| First 5 Blogs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 paragraphs | Full SEO-structured content |
| Voice | Uncertain | Confident + warm |
| Keywords | None | Long-tail, location-based |
| Links | Missing | Hyperlinked to venues, hikes, packages |
| Photo Tips | None | Built-in per shoot |
| CTA | Absent | Strong offer or next step |
| Goal | Share images | Share + connect + convert |
Where I’m Going From Here
This 100th blog isn’t just a milestone. It’s proof that showing up works—even when you feel invisible, even when bookings are slow, even when you’re unsure.
I’ve blogged through self-doubt, burnout, and learning curves. I’ve blogged through travel, slow seasons, and late nights.
And now, we’re getting ready to take this journey on the road. Starting in San Diego and heading up the coast with my wife and our three pups, we’ll be photographing, storytelling, and connecting with new clients wherever we land next.
💬 We love to hear from you:
What was your favorite blog post? What topic should we dive into next? Drop a comment, send a message, or reach out if you’ve got an idea we could bring to life together. Let’s keep creating, learning, and growing—together.
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Fur Babies, Family Bonds & Fatherhood: A Redlands Photography Guide to Prospect Park
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Whether you're a devoted dog dad, a first-time father, or a proud grandpa, there's no better time to capture your family's love—furry companions included—than with a custom photo session at the historic Prospect Park in Redlands, California. Surrounded by mature oaks, lush trails, vine-wrapped pergolas, and scenic views of the valley, Prospect Park offers the perfect blend of charm, nature, and light that makes every frame unforgettable.
This blog is your full guide to planning a Father’s Day photography session that feels authentic and effortless. From practical photo tips for pets and kids to the best time of day for golden hour portraits, we break down everything you need to create timeless images filled with joy and connection. But we don’t stop there—we’ll also show you where to eat and unwind after your shoot with our favorite dog- and family-friendly spots in downtown Redlands, from Caprice Café to Redlands Public Market.
If you're based in Riverside, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Beaumont, Banning, Highland, Moreno Valley, or Corona, this short drive to Redlands will be more than worth it. And if you’re traveling down from Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, or Crestline, a photo session at Prospect Park is the perfect excuse for a day trip with family, fresh air, and memories that last a lifetime.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in last-minute, light-filled sessions that celebrate real families—fur babies and all. Whether you’re planning ahead or booking spontaneously, let us help you make this Father’s Day something worth framing.
Some of the most meaningful moments in life aren't scripted—they’re the kind you find in the everyday: a toddler reaching up to hold dad’s hand, a dog racing through grass with its ears flying, a shared laugh between siblings. And sometimes, all of those elements come together in one powerful image that reminds you: this is what matters.
As photographers who live for capturing these exact moments, we believe Father’s Day is the perfect time to hit pause and create something lasting. Whether you're a proud dog dad or planning a surprise family session, Prospect Park in Redlands is one of Southern California’s most underrated gems. With its historic charm, oak-lined trails, and golden light pouring through pergolas, this park is a dream location for both pet photography and family photography in Redlands.
But what makes this even better? It’s not just for locals. If you’re coming in from Riverside, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Beaumont, Banning, Moreno Valley, or Corona, Prospect Park is worth the short drive. Even travelers from Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, or Crestline often come down the hill for sessions like these—especially when the inland sun hits just right and the trees come alive with movement and warmth.
We specialize in last-minute photography with fast turnaround and beautiful results.
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Prospect Park: Where Family and Pet Photography Come to Life
Located at 1352 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373, Prospect Park feels like something out of a painting. The wide dirt paths are hugged by lush greenery. Pergolas stretch across open walkways with vines that wrap around like nature’s own framing. There’s a hilltop viewpoint perfect for wide scenic shots, and cozy spots under the trees where dogs can cool off while the kids run wild.
When we shoot here, we let the natural flow of your family guide us. That might mean dad tossing the ball for the dog while the kids sneak up for a surprise group hug. Or maybe it’s the family walking together, hands and leashes intertwined, laughing about who’s actually leading the way. Every session is different—and that’s what we love most.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Shoot
To make your Father’s Day photography session in Redlands something special, we always suggest:
Golden hour timing: Book your session about 1–2 hours before sunset. The light during this time is soft and flattering—especially for fur and skin tones.
Pack smart: Treats for pets, water for kids, maybe a lint roller and a backup outfit. You’d be surprised how often we end up on the ground getting that perfect angle.
Be in the moment: The best photos aren’t posed. They’re real. They’re the nose boops, the tickles, the muddy shoes, and the head tilts.
We’ll guide you through gentle prompts and natural poses that keep you relaxed and having fun. And if your pup decides halfway through that the squirrels are more interesting than us? We’ll roll with it.
Make a Day of It: Where to Eat & Explore in Downtown Redlands
After your shoot, you’re minutes from downtown Redlands—one of our favorite areas to relax and refuel.
Caprice Café – 104 E State St, Redlands, CA
Perfect for a more upscale Father’s Day lunch with wine, steak, or fresh seafood, and outdoor seating for pets.
The Eating Room – 107 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA
Casual, family-friendly, with generous plates and vintage vibes. Great for brunch after your morning session.
Redlands Public Market – 330 W Colton Ave, Redlands, CA
A beautiful modern food hall with a bit of everything—tacos, poke, coffee, crepes, even Lebanese cuisine. Lots of space to walk around and snap a few extra candids.
Uncorked on State – 404 E State St, Redlands, CA
Ideal for a relaxing post-session glass of wine. Order a charcuterie board and relive your favorite moments from the shoot.
Batter Rebellion – 5 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA
Cool atmosphere, modern American bites, and great cocktails. Bonus: excellent lighting for phone snaps if you want to post a sneak peek.
More Scenic Spots in Redlands for Follow-Up Shoots
Prospect Park isn’t the only beauty in town. If you fall in love with Redlands (and you probably will), here are a few nearby gems to explore for future photos:
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens – Elegant gardens and a castle-like home.
Lincoln Memorial Shrine & A.K. Smiley Library – Classic architecture with lush lawns and historical vibes.
Redlands Bowl – Beautifully maintained grounds and an amphitheater stage—especially magical at sunset.
For Nearby Families: Why Redlands is Worth the Drive
If you're living in surrounding cities like Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Yucaipa, or Beaumont, Redlands is just a quick drive away—but it feels like an escape. It offers the charm of a small town with the photo-worthy locations of a much bigger city.
Families from Calimesa, Banning, and Highland love how peaceful it feels without sacrificing convenience. And if you're visiting from Big Bear, Arrowhead, or Crestline, this is the perfect way to get out of the mountains for the day and enjoy an open, sun-drenched setting without the snow gear.
A Father’s Day Session That’s Actually About Him
This isn’t about matching outfits and stiff poses. It’s about the way he laughs when the dog jumps up mid-photo. The way he carries the baby on his shoulders or tries to act like he doesn’t love being covered in kids and fur—but he totally does. These moments deserve to be framed, shared, and passed down.
This year, let’s capture a Father’s Day that actually feels like your family. Messy, playful, joyful, real.
Book Your Session Today
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in photographing real families—including the four-legged members. Whether you're celebrating Father’s Day, honoring a beloved pet, or simply overdue for a photo that includes everyone, we’d love to be part of your story.
📸 Click here to book your Redlands session now
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Let’s create it—together.