Lets talk Schedule
Being a mom and a photographer can be a juggling act, with the demands of parenting and a thriving photography business vying for your attention. One key to success is in creating an organized schedule that allows you to effectively manage both worlds. I established a schedule last summer when I was the busiest I have ever been in my career (4-5 days a week with 3-sometimes 8 sessions in one day!). So as you can see there was definitely a need for me to set some boundaries and make sure I was also able to abide by my families schedule as well. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help you find balance and structure your time as a mom and photographer.
Set Specific Shooting Days and Times: To maintain a healthy work-life balance, designate specific days and times for your photography sessions. For example, you could choose to work four days a week, such as Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and either a Friday or Saturday, that is my schedule. By having a set schedule, you can ensure that you have dedicated time for client work while still reserving days for family activities and personal wellbeing. When I interviewed Malani, she schedules during her kids school schedule, Bailey from Hello Jude Photography also schedules according to her life with 4 kids and also she dedicates certain days to content so that she isn’t having to constantly create content.
Avoid Popular locations for Sessions on Saturdays and Holiday Weekends: As a mom-photographer, it's crucial to carve out quality time for your family, especially during weekends and holidays. Consider avoiding beach sessions, or other destinations that are busy on Saturdays, particularly on busy holiday weekends when crowded beaches can affect both your work and family time. By planning your schedule accordingly, you can create a healthy balance between capturing beautiful moments for clients and enjoying special family moments.
Use Calendar Tools and Apps: Organizational tools and apps can be invaluable in managing your schedule as a mom and photographer. Utilize calendar apps like Google Calendar or scheduling platforms designed specifically for photographers to keep track of your shooting days, appointments, and family obligations. I actually love unscripted for photographers but have recently switched over to the new scheduling within pixieset. I love pixies for many reasons, one it has a free option for newer photographers just starting out, its super easy to create a website, you can deliver galleries, and if you upgrade you have booking, book keeping, and more. If you need help with it just email me! I made this move for a few reasons, first it allowed clients to book according to my schedule and also allowed me to send them my booking link vs me putting in all of their information. This has saved so much time I cant even tell you! Having an auto book option for clients is not only easy for you but also I feel like in todays world alot of people don’t want to endlessly message or call someone, so therefore this is right up their alley. I am also able to connect it to my google calendar and the whole family can see my Photography schedule in real time. These tools not only help you organize your time effectively but also enable you to stay on top of client requirements and personal commitments.
Communicate Boundaries and Expectations: Openly communicate with your clients about your availability and scheduling preferences. Setting clear boundaries for when you are available to shoot and when you prioritize family time is essential. Another reason I love the booking through my website, my times and dates are preset out to my schedule. By managing client expectations from the beginning, you can establish a respectful and understanding client-photographer relationship.
Delegate and Seek Support: Remember that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness but rather a way to maintain balance. Seek support from family, friends, this group- The Mom Photographers or even consider hiring a part-time assistant to help with administrative tasks, editing, or other non-photography-related responsibilities. By delegating certain tasks, you can free up valuable time to focus on your core photography work and spend quality time with your family.
These moments are temporary save them for others and spend them wisely within your own home
Quote and photo by -Sydney Hampton.
Conclusion:
Creating an organized schedule as a mom-photographer allows for a harmonious blend of fulfilling both personal and professional roles. By setting specific shooting days and times, avoiding crowded beach sessions on Saturdays, utilizing calendar tools and apps, communicating boundaries with clients, and seeking support when needed, you can achieve a healthy work-life balance. Remember, finding the right balance is a continuous process, so be flexible and adapt your schedule as necessary to ensure the well-being of both your family and your photography career.
Sydney Hampton with Sydney Hampton Photography in Panama City FL
