How to Make a Photographer’s Fall Easier
I know I’m not alone when I say that I love fall. Sweater weather, the cider and donuts, and beautiful colors just make my heart melt…and then I remember I’m a photographer. For photographers, fall is the craziest time of year, and if we aren’t prepared, by the time Christmas gets here, we are burnt out and in the corner, trying not to weep silently. So many sessions to edit, trying to stay on top of social media, and responding to the last-minute families who are praying we have just a few minutes to squeeze them in. The fall frenzy is on its way, friends. Rather than be consumed by it, let’s prepare for it! Here are my top five ways to help you make your fall easier!
Outsource where you can
For most of us, starting our photography business was just another plate that was tossed in the air alongside the other chaos in our lives. Laundry, cull, dishes, edit, laundry, coffee, edit…who fed the baby today? While that sufficed in the beginning, the further along we get in our business, the more we need our business to function like a business. With a steadier stream of income, you can start to look into options for outsourcing one, or most, of your tasks.
Having your pictures culled and edited for you gives you loads of laundry time back. Finding someone to create your copy (captions or blogs) creates time to drum up some wings for dinner. Other things like email marketing, accounting, or album design can also be outsourced to help you get your time back. In the midst of the fall frenzies, these moments are precious. Take advantage of what you can, where you can.
Streamline
If I had a cup of coffee for every photographer who still scheduled their sessions by text/DM/messenger, replied to every email by hand, and typed out each social media caption right before they posted it, I’d have enough caffeine in my system to watch all 8 Harry Potter movies in one sitting. As photographers, several things take up the majority of our time. Most things can either be outsourced or streamlined.
Using a CRM system like Honeybook allows your client to book their date on their own with automated emails that confirm, remind, and educate without you ever having to lift a finger…after you’ve set it up. (Ask me about backend build-outs if you need help!) Apps like Later give you an opportunity to batch your social media captions for weeks or months out. Can you imagine what you’re going to be able to accomplish with all this time you now have?! Even better, can you imagine outsourcing your Honeybook and Later to me and knowing that you don’t even have to go back to double-check (we all do it) because you already have someone on it? So. Much. Time.
Backing Up
The last thing any of us wants or needs is a computer that is on the fritz. Computers, sadly, have dumpster fire written all over it. So, instead of waiting for the fire to catch, let’s plan ahead. We all know the fall is crazy for almost everyone, so make sure all your work going into it has been backed up. Backing up as you publish galleries helps you stay on top of your sessions. Some websites, such as Backblaze, back up your computer continuously.
A good rule of thumb is to have everything backed up twice. Whether that is two hard drives or a physical and digital one is up to you. Also, remember to archive client galleries rather than delete them. Just make sure that you stay on top of this as the season progresses!
Own Your Calendar
One of the biggest mistakes I made during my first few years of business was assuming that just because I didn’t have anything on the actual calendar meant I was available for a session. This resulted in leaving my kids when I didn’t want, on top of pictures to edit, albums to design, and galleries to deliver. I had run myself in the ground, but I was busy, so that must be normal, right?! Not at all! I see that now and want to run, screaming in the opposite direction!
Your calendar is yours. You schedule it how you want to schedule it. Find time in your schedule and make it sacred. If Sunday evenings are your family dinners, make them sacred. If that’s the only time a family has available, then we bless and release. This is where scheduling platforms really come in handy. (I use Honeybook + Acuity Scheduling) You go in and set the dates that you want, and those are the only days that your clients have to choose from. Owning your calendar is your biggest advocate when looking for ways to regain your time!
Plan Ahead
While I do love scrolling Instagram in the evenings to wind down, I don’t love trying to come up with a caption at 9 p.m. to make sure that I’ve posted for the day so the algorithm doesn’t hate me. Instead, I use Later. Once a month, I plan out my static posts, my reels, and even my stories for the month! I plan my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest posts all in one day, and for the next month, I don’t have to worry one bit about what to say. I can hop on to respond to comments, post additional stories, or browse! Browsing while I have my morning cup of coffee with zero stress is simply superb.
Planning ahead for your sessions can be a lifesaver. Make it a goal to have everything packed and ready the day before your session so you aren’t in a rush when it’s time to leave. For example, you could recharge your batteries and get them back in your camera or camera bag. You can also pack the car with any clothes, rugs, or other bigger items that will be used during your session. What can’t be put in the car, put by the door so it’s easier to scoop it up on your way out…and prevents you from checking the backseat 8,000 times on the way to your session.
Self Care
One of the hardest lessons we as photographers learn, usually early on in our careers, is that burnout can be real…if you let it get that far. While it is so tempting to take every session that comes your way, it’s important to remember that each one of those sessions also includes your pre-session work, the actual session, the culling and editing, and then the actual delivery of the session. Each of those things takes time away from your family and your need to recharge. Especially during this time of year, it is crucial to remember to unplug, ensure you're getting your rest, and heck, even enjoy a few tasty treats this season is known for! Remember to take care of yourself so you can take care of everything else!
Friends, the fall frenzy is about to knock at the door, and I want you to be ready. Most of these things will take some time to get the foundation laid, but investing that time now is worth it, so you have more time later! It sounds like a lot, but I am here to help!