Balancing Motherhood and a Career as a Wedding Photographer
Being a mom of young kids is a rewarding and demanding role on its own. When you add a career as a wedding photographer in Colorado into the mix, finding a balance can be challenging. However, with careful planning, time management, and self-care, it is possible to thrive both as a mom and a wedding photographer. I’m often asked how I do it all (which, lets be honest - do dads ever get that question? But, that’s a topic for another time).
Set Boundaries and Prioritize
Setting boundaries and knowing your priorities is crucial to finding balance. Identify your non-negotiables as a mom and as a wedding photographer. Determine the times and days when you are fully present for your children and establish specific working hours for photography. Communicate these boundaries to your family, clients, and colleagues, so they understand and respect your schedule.
I currently have set “admin hours” Tuesdays before noon, and Fridays after noon. Obviously I work outside those hours but having a set time that I’ll do timelines, respond to emails, have client calls etc. really helps with my scheduling and stress levels.
Create a Schedule and Stick to It
Creating a schedule can help you manage your time effectively. Set aside dedicated blocks of time for your photography work, family time, and self-care. Ensure you have a good balance between work and personal life. During your work time, stay focused and be efficient to make the most of the time you have. When you're with your children, give them your full attention and create meaningful moments together.
I have a gym membership where I can take my littles to day care or play with them at the pool. We also utilize trampoline park memberships and museums to make sure the time I spend with my family is full of fun and even educational components.
Delegate and Ask for Help
Recognize that you can't do everything alone. Seek support from your partner, family members, or trusted friends. Delegate tasks that can be outsourced or ask for help with childcare when needed. Having a strong support system can alleviate some of the overwhelm and give you the space and time to focus on your photography career and spend quality time with your kids.
This is genuinely where I struggle the most - firstly, my husband and I both have our own businesses so it’s a difficult balance of “whose time is more valuable.” We struggled with scheduling, budget and child care balance until we sat down and made a list of tasks and delegated out the big ones. My biggest advice for couples dealing with a self employment or house management issue is to look into Fair Play Method - there are games, books and documentaries about it.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being and managing the demands of motherhood and a career. Set aside time for self-care activities that recharge and replenish your energy, such as exercising, meditating, reading, or pursuing hobbies outside of photography. Prioritizing self-care not only benefits you but also allows you to be a better mom and photographer. To prevent burn out I’ve picked up new hobbies (Important note: you do NOT need to monetize all your hobbies, they can be for fun - try that before you just try to make money)
Streamline and Automate Your Workflow
Finding ways to streamline and automate your photography workflow can save you precious time. Utilize tools that help you manage client communication, automate social media posting, or streamline editing and album design processes. By optimizing your workflow, you can create more efficiency and free up time for other aspects of your life.
I use Honeybook for my workflows and customer management, click here for 25% off.
Learn to Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
Being a mom and a wedding photographer requires flexibility and adaptability. Understand that not everything will always go according to plan, and unexpected challenges may arise. Learn to embrace flexibility and be willing to adjust your schedule and expectations as needed. Having a positive and adaptive mindset will help you navigate the demands of both roles.
When things get tough and balancing both roles feels overwhelming, remind yourself why you chose to become a wedding photographer and a mom. Keep your purpose and passion in mind as motivation to push through challenges and find joy in both your photography career and motherhood journey.
Finding balance between being a mom to young kids and pursuing a career as a wedding photographer is a constant juggling act. By setting boundaries, creating a schedule, asking for help, practicing self-care, streamlining workflows, and embracing flexibility, you can find harmony in both roles. Remember, finding balance is personal, and it may take time to find what works best for you and your family. With patience, perseverance, and a supportive mindset, you can thrive as both a mom and a wedding photographer.
P.S Thank you to Courtney Jewell for taking these adorable photos :)
