Don't Forget to Recharge!

Picture this: you’re in the midst of a busy season. You’re making sure all of your equipment is in stellar condition so that you can give your clients the best of the best. You’re cleaning and calibrating, and you’re recharging and formatting. You’re culling your images and deleting the ones that just don’t work. When it comes to your mental health, are you taking care of it as well as you do your equipment and business?

DON’T RUSH YOURSELF

It can be so easy to try and set yourself apart by giving quick turnaround times, especially during your busy season. How often are you burned out trying to meet these deadlines? Restructure your contract so that you give yourself time to edit and have time for yourself and your family. Your work will be better when you’re not worrying about rushing through it, and you should always have a cushion just in case something unexpected in life happens, or if you just want to take a day off and not worry about editing. You’re providing a service by your business, so you’re allowed to take as long as you need to edit. Keep in mind not to have too large of a turnaround time as not to dissuade your clients!

JUST BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BOOK DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE YOUR CLIENT!

I know we’ve all been there- taking on a client just because we knew we needed the money or even though we felt like the client was going to be difficult, however, against our better judgment, we take on the client anyway. It usually ends up being as bad as we anticipated. You’re allowed to say yes or no to a client and choose your clientele, just as your client is allowed to say yes or no to you being their photographer. If you’re getting an uneasy feeling and don’t feel like they are your client, you can say no!

ADHERE TO YOUR OFFICE HOURS

Having your email and phone handy with easy access to your clients may seem like a blessing, but I can also be a curse! Your clients may be writing you at all hours of the day and night, and it can seem tempting to start responding at midnight just because you looked at your phone. Make a schedule of strict business hours so that your clients aren’t expecting you to write back at any hour of the day. This can be whatever you’re comfortable with. This will set a precedent to only expect a reply during office hours. You’re not obligated to write back during the weekends and evenings, so keep that time for yourself unless it’s time sensitive! 

PRACTICE SELF CARE

Running your own photography business can often mean you’re spending most of your time shooting, editing, marketing, and dealing with clients but don’t forget to take time for yourself and for your family! Make sure you’re getting the rest and relaxation you need and giving yourself the time to live your personal life, not worrying about your business or photos. Self-care can mean a lot of things for different people. Sometimes it can mean bubble baths and massages, or sometimes it can mean eating your favorite meal and reconnecting with your favorite people. Whatever it takes to make you feel refreshed and recharged and ready to take on the world again is self-care!

Happy shooting!