Photography Website Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—your photography website is doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. It’s often the very first impression a potential client gets of your brand, your work, and your personality. But if your site isn’t clear, inviting, and easy to navigate, it might actually be pushing people away without you even realizing it.

Hey there, I’m Sabrina! a Dallas-Fort Worth area photographer and mentor! Today, we’re diving into the hidden ways your photography website might be repelling clients (yep, even the ones who would’ve been a perfect fit)—and what you can do to fix it. After coaching photographers for years and building a business rooted in connection, I’ve seen what works and what definitely doesn’t. And don’t worry—I’ll walk through some simple changes you can make this week to turn things around.

Ready for a little website glow-up? Let’s do this.

1. Your Photography Website Has Unclear Messaging (or No Personality at All)

If your site feels generic, confusing, or like it could belong to any photographer, you’re missing a major opportunity to connect.

Your photography website isn’t just a portfolio—it’s a conversation. It should reflect your style, your voice, and who you love working with. If someone lands on your site and can’t immediately tell what you’re about, they’ll likely click away.

How to Fix it:

• Use the same tone you’d use in an email or consult call—warm, approachable, human.
• Get specific about the experience you offer.
• Add a sentence or two that says who you serve and what makes your work special.

Remember: people don’t just book a photographer. They book a person they trust to capture their story.

2. You’re Offering Too Many Options (Or No Clear Call-to-Action)

Ever walked into a restaurant with a 14-page menu and left more overwhelmed than hungry? That’s how your visitors feel when your photography website has too many packages, no direction, or a dozen scattered buttons.

If people don’t know what you want them to do next, they won’t do anything at all.

How to Fix it:

• Make your navigation simple and streamlined.
• Offer 1–2 clear services per page.
• Use one consistent, clear call-to-action (like “Book a Session” or “Let’s Chat”).

Lead your visitors where you want them to go. Your photography website should make booking feel effortless—not like a guessing game.

3. Outdated Photos or an Inconsistent Portfolio

First impressions count, and if the work on your site doesn’t reflect your current style, you could be attracting the wrong clients—or none at all.

Your photography website is your visual handshake. It should clearly show your best work, not everything you’ve ever shot.

How to Fix it:

• Remove older images that no longer reflect your editing or posing style.
• Keep your portfolio cohesive—colors, tone, and vibe should flow.
• Update images regularly (even 2–3 new photos can refresh your look!).

If you want dream clients to book you, your portfolio needs to speak directly to them.

Looking for in depth help building a business that actually works for you? Grab my free guide, the Photography Business Blueprint

4. Your Site Is Slow or Feels Clunky on Mobile

This one’s a deal-breaker. If your photography website takes forever to load or looks off on a phone, people will leave before they even see your work.

Most users are browsing from their phones these days! A slow, frustrating experience can seriously hurt your chances of converting visitors into clients.

How to Fix it:

• Test your site on mobile and fix anything that feels awkward.
• Compress images for faster load times.
• Use a clean, mobile-friendly template that loads quickly.

Fast and simple = more inquiries in your inbox. Always.

5. Your Contact Info Is Missing or Hard to Find

I can’t tell you how many photography websites I’ve seen that make it way too hard to actually get in touch.

If a client has to click through multiple pages or search for your email, they’ll likely give up. And that means you could be losing bookings from people who were ready to say yes.

How to Fix it:

• Add a clear “Contact” link to your top menu.
• Include a contact form and your direct email (in case forms glitch).
• Make sure your form is working—test it regularly!

A seamless, stress-free contact process makes clients feel taken care of from the start.

6. Your About Page Is Missing Storytelling and Warmth

Let’s talk about the most underrated page on your photography website: your About page.

This isn’t where you list credentials or write a resume—it’s where you build connection. People want to know who they’re inviting into their lives and letting capture their memories.

How to Fix it:

• Share a bit about your “why”—why you do what you do.
• Include a photo of yourself (bonus if it’s with your family or behind the scenes!).
• Talk to the client directly: how you serve them, what makes you different, and what they can expect.

This page builds trust. And trust leads to bookings.

Quick Fixes You Can Make to Your Photography Website This Week

Overwhelmed? Don’t be. You don’t need to overhaul your entire site to make a difference. Here are a few easy wins you can tackle this week:

1. Replace 3 outdated photos in your portfolio
2. Add a warm, welcoming line to your About page
3. Update your contact form and test it
4. Simplify your menu to 4–5 clear options
5. Add a bold, clear call-to-action to your homepage

Small tweaks can lead to big results. You don’t have to be a web designer to make your photography website work harder for you.

Final Thoughts: Your Photography Website Should Work With You, Not Against You

Your photography website isn’t just a place to showcase pretty pictures—it’s a space to invite connection, build trust, and book clients who are excited to work with you.

If something’s feeling off or inquiries have slowed down, it might be time to give your site a little extra love. Start with one or two fixes, then build from there. You don’t have to do it all at once.

And remember—you’re allowed to grow, evolve, and refine how you show up online. Your website should reflect the photographer you are now, not the one you were three years ago.

Need a little guidance or a fresh perspective on your website? Let’s chat! I’ve got a treasure trove of resources just for photographers like you—designed to help you grow a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and full of heart.

Want ongoing support and honest education? Come join my community of passionate female photographers—we’re all about lifting each other up. You can also hop on the waitlist for my Mastermind if you’re craving deeper connection and next-level growth.

And if you’re just looking for a little inspiration or behind-the-scenes real talk, come say hi on Instagram—I’d love to hang out with you there!