PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it đ¤đź
But my passion doesnât stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether itâs through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks Iâve learned over the years, Iâm here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Letâs create, learn, and live boldlyâtogether.
Let’s be realâlife gets hectic, especially when youâre trying to juggle a creative passion like photography with everything else. Finding extra time can feel like a rare thing, but itâs what you do with that time that counts. And hereâs the truth: itâs not just about doing moreâitâs about knowing what needs your focus and what can wait.
Iâve learned that prioritizing isnât just a fancy buzzword; itâs how you avoid burning out while keeping your business moving forward. So, if youâre wondering how to use those little windows of free time, letâs talk about what really matters and how to make every moment count.
Before we get into the whole âextra timeâ part, let’s start with why prioritizing is a game changer. Itâs easy to get caught up in doing all the things that feel important but donât actually move the needle. If youâre a photographer, you probably know what I meanâthings like tweaking your website design, rearranging your studio, or even re-editing old photos for the third time (been there, trust me).
But hereâs the deal: your client work, meeting deadlines, and staying on top of inquiries? That is what keeps your reputation solid and your business thriving. These tasks are the foundation, and when those are covered, thatâs when you can dive into the extras. Itâs not about ignoring the little things; itâs about knowing when they come into play.
So, what do you do when youâve checked off the must-dos? Thatâs when you can lean into your extra timeâand make it work for you in a meaningful way. Hereâs how:
Sharpen Your Skills
Even after years in photography, Iâm still looking for ways to improve. Use your free time to explore new techniques, try out different editing styles, or watch a tutorial thatâs been sitting on your watchlist. It doesnât have to be a deep diveâjust a little something to keep your skills fresh. Itâs like keeping your creative muscles in shape, so youâre always ready when inspiration hits.
Tidy Up Your Workflow
When things slow down, take the opportunity to streamline your processes. Maybe itâs cleaning up your Lightroom catalog, setting up some email templates, or creating a more efficient file naming system (seriously, this saves so much time in the long run). These arenât flashy changes, but they make a difference when things pick up again.
Invest in Learning
Learning isnât just about mastering new gear or software. Itâs also about staying up-to-date with trends and understanding the business side of things. You donât need to enroll in a big courseâjust spend 30 minutes reading an article, listening to a podcast, or experimenting with a new feature in your editing software. Those little bits of knowledge add up over time.
Build Connections
Networking can feel like a chore, but think of it as just being a little more social. Use those free moments to engage with other creatives on social media, reach out to a mentor, or simply reply to comments thoughtfully. Youâd be surprised at how many opportunities can come from a simple conversation or a thoughtful DM.
Even with all those ideas for using your extra time, youâve got to keep your priorities clear. Itâs tempting to spend time on the things that feel satisfying right away, but they shouldnât come at the cost of what really drives your business. Hereâs where your focus should be:
Client Work Always Comes First
Client deliverables should always be at the top of your list. Editing those galleries, responding to inquiries, and keeping up with deadlines not only keeps your clients happy but also builds your reputation. And letâs be honestâhappy clients are the best marketing there is. So before diving into side projects, make sure your main work is done and done well.
Keep the Core Running Smoothly
The basicsâlike managing your bookings, updating your portfolio, and making sure your website is workingâare what keep your business open and ready for new opportunities. Itâs not glamorous, but having these things in order means you can focus on being creative when the time comes.
Donât Forget About You
Itâs easy to fill every extra minute with tasks, but sometimes the best use of your time is to recharge. Whether thatâs taking a walk, doing a little yoga, or just having a quiet moment with your coffee, taking care of yourself is a priority too. You canât pour from an empty cup, right?
So how do you find that sweet spot between getting the important stuff done and making time for those âextrasâ? Here are a few things that help me:
Making good use of your extra time isnât about cramming in more tasksâitâs about being intentional with the time you have. Focus on what truly matters first, and let the extra moments enhance, rather than distract from, your core goals. Youâll find that those little moments of effort can lead to bigger results than you might expect.
Whether youâre learning a new skill, tidying up your workflow, or simply taking a moment to breathe, make sure it aligns with what you want for your business. At the end of the day, itâs all about creating balanceâknowing that youâre moving forward, even when time is tight.
Write down your top three priorities each week and make them non-negotiable.
Schedule âpower hoursâ for side projectsâthese focused bursts of time can help you make progress without taking away from your main goals.
Reflect weekly on how youâre spending your time and make adjustments as needed.
Feel free to drop a comment or reach out if you have any questions about making the most of your timeâIâm always happy to chat about finding that balance!
PHOTOGRAPHER + EDUCATOR
My goal with every single shoot is to preserve your unique relationship in its most authentic and adventurous form, creating memories that resonate and stories that last a lifetime. After all, you only get one life, so fucking live it đ¤đź
But my passion doesnât stop there. I also love sharing my expertise and insights with fellow photographers, helping them grow and elevate their craft. Whether itâs through mentorship, behind-the-scenes guidance, or sharing tips and tricks Iâve learned over the years, Iâm here to support others in capturing moments that matter just as much. Letâs create, learn, and live boldlyâtogether.