Chris Vaughan’s Playbook for Running a Winning Photography Business

Meet Chris Vaughan: UK photographer with a passion for people (and football!). Chris stepped onto the field as Lincoln City’s youngest fan-turned-photographer at just 14, camera in hand and ambition in his sights.

Now, nearly 25 years later, he’s still on the sidelines, capturing iconic moments—like Lincoln City’s first goal at Wembley Stadium! But Chris’s work doesn’t stop at game day. As a commercial photographer, he teams up with businesses and brands to create images that tell their stories and bring them closer to their audiences.

Capturing big moments, both on and off the field

For Chris, photography is about more than just snapping pictures—it’s about capturing defining moments. From heart-stopping game-day shots to branding images that bring a business’s story to life, Chris uses his lens to help clients make a powerful first impression.

One of his proudest moments? Capturing Lincoln City’s first-ever goal at Wembley Stadium—a historic moment for the team and a personal milestone for Chris, who grew up watching the club with his dad. “That’s my photograph you see,” he says with pride, reflecting on the Wembley pitch framed on his wall.

But it’s not just sports memories that Chris captures. His goal as a commercial photographer is to give businesses images that tell their story and help them stand out in a crowded market. 

Whether he’s photographing a big event or creating branding visuals for clients, Chris’s images are designed to draw in an audience and connect on a deeper level—because he knows that, in both sports and business, a winning image is everything.

Helping businesses score big with standout visuals

In today’s competitive arena, Chris knows his clients need to hit the back of the net with their marketing. And just like in sports, a powerful first impression can make all the difference.

With images that stop the scroll on social media and elevate websites, Chris gives businesses the visual advantage they need to stand out. He’s helped brands go from underdog startups to thriving companies—and he’s captured every step of the journey along the way.

Playing the business game with strategy and resilience

But it’s not just his photography that makes Chris a valuable partner for his clients—it’s his approach to business itself. 

Like any great player, Chris has learned that adaptability and focus are key to staying competitive. From political uncertainties to a pandemic, Chris has handled the challenges of running a business with the same tenacity he brings to capturing the action on the field.

By focusing on what he can control and making strategic plays along the way, Chris has built a resilient business that’s equipped to weather any storm. Whether he’s on the sidelines at a game or working with a brand’s marketing team, Chris brings a winning mentality to every project, ensuring he’s always prepared for the next challenge.

Building a business on client relationships

For Chris, growing a client base is about quality over quantity. Most of his business comes from recommendations, and he values the close relationships he develops over time. To him, a successful client relationship means understanding each client’s vision and delivering images that make their brand shine.

Another key to Chris’s success as a photographer is creating a seamless client journey.

By setting up a simple, self-serve booking process on his website via a photography scheduling app, he ensures clients can book consultations without back-and-forth emails. This lets clients quickly chat about their ideas and goals for a photoshoot, setting the stage for a productive partnership.

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Make it quick and easy for clients to schedule time with you via an online booking page.

Chris’s toolkit for staying at the top of his game

To keep his business running smoothly, Chris relies on a few key tools that help him stay organized and focused on his clients. Here’s his go-to lineup:

• YouCanBookMe: This photography booking app is Chris’s secret weapon for getting clients on the calendar.
• QuickBooks: With help from his accountant, Dan, Chris uses QuickBooks to manage his finances and streamline his accounting. 
• Photoshelter: This tool lets Chris upload and share images instantly, which is a major asset during events like football games or live performances. Clients can access and download photos immediately, adding extra value to his services.
• Getty Images Partnership: For sports photography, Chris partners with Getty Images to distribute his photos, giving him a global platform to share Lincoln City’s biggest moments.

Why YouCanBookMe is a win for Chris’s business

For Chris, YouCanBookMe is more than just booking software; it’s a way to keep his business running like a well-coordinated play. 

The powerful customization is another key strategy for Chris. With YouCanBookMe’s photography scheduling software by his side, he can create a unique booking experience that feels personal and on-brand. 

Each booking page reflects the needs of his clients, giving them clear options for different types of photoshoots, complete with details and automated follow-up emails. 

This custom setup means clients always know what to expect, and Chris can easily manage appointments with no back-and-forth.

With YouCanBookMe’s customization, Chris ensures every client interaction feels thoughtful and professional, whether they’re booking a quick consultation or a full-day shoot. 

A booking experience made just for your clients

No matter what your clients need, YCBM has you covered. Customize everything from branding and languages to appointments and notifications.

And as Chris puts it, “Having little bits like that can be really helpful and make it look like I’ve sat there and typed it all out myself—a major win.” 🏆

Post-match wrap-up: Key takeaways from Chris’s journey

Chris Vaughan’s story is a reminder that winning in business takes both heart and strategy. By capturing impactful visuals, nurturing client relationships, and staying resilient through challenges, he’s built a career he loves. 

Tools like YouCanBookMe keep him organized, allowing him to stay on the ball while helping clients connect with their audiences.

Ready to bring Chris’s photography booking experience to your brand? Try YouCanBookMe for free to streamline your own business bookings.