Running a business takes a lot of mental energy for a photographer. For some, photography probably started out as a creative outlet and form of self care. When you switch over into the business side, it can get stressful real quick. Between balancing shoots, hours at the computer editing, keeping track of finances – all while trying to balance work life with your personal life. It’s easy to get burned out – especially during busy season.



Too much stress can become a killer. It has many consequences when we don’t learn to manage it appropriately and take action early. Mental health challenges, reduced productivity, developing poor habits and so much more occur when we let stress build up and take over.

Learning to cope with the daily and long term stresses of running your photography business is important to help avoid burnout, keep up your drive for doing what you love and financially support yourself or your family. 

Here are some great ideas for self care and stress relief strategies:

Get organized

Having a good system in place to keep you and your business organized is one great way to help prevent or reduce stress. It may be a little more work on the front end, but getting organized and finding ways to streamline your business practices will help you reduce stress, have more time to focus on doing what you love, or even just create some time for yourself. 



Automating various aspects of your business will also help reduce stress and give you more time to spend with your family and practice self care. Not sure what you can automate in your business? Check out this blog for ideas on automation!

Take breaks from social media and step away from your phone

Setting boundaries during the week and weekend is important when it comes to answering your phone, checking social media, and responding to clients. Set clear boundaries with business hours. Schedule yourself some time to go offline and take a social media break.

Treat yourself

Self care is important for everyone. You’re spending a lot of time and energy serving others and meeting your clients’ needs. Whether it’s taking a nap, having a night out with the friends, or getting a massage. Make sure you are scheduling time for self care and treat yourself. 

Find what works for you

There are so many different ways to relieve stress. Many of these are things you can do easily or find little breaks in your daily routine to do. Here are some other great ideas:

Location scouting
Car drive with music
Knitting
Exercise
Crafting
Meditation
Reading
Writing

Shoot something just for yourself

Sometimes we just need a break from all the repeative sessions and want to refill our creative cup as a photographer. Setting up a session to shoot something outside of your usual work can help recharge that creative side and give you the little boost to keep going. You can even meet up with some of your photographer friends to collaborate on a session – grab some dinner before and then shoot a session together after.

Tell us some of your favorite ways to practice self care!