A Day in the Life of a Photographer
The Freedom and Realities of Running Your Own Business
Having your own business – isn’t that the dream? The freedom to manage your time, answer to no one but yourself, and start your day whenever you want. While these aspects are undeniably appealing, it’s crucial to recognize that there are always two sides to every coin. Many of you have asked about my daily life, so here’s the truth about running your own show, with a mix of real-life experiences.
Let’s Dive Right Into It
06:00 am - Early Bird Start
I’m an early bird. My day starts at 6:00 am with a quick scan of my website stats and emails to get an overview of any overnight developments. This is just a preliminary check; I’ll dive deeper later. After getting ready, I love to walk my dog Zelda (yes, video game fan here) and have a healthy breakfast. This routine helps me start the day on a positive note.
Zelda
Wouldn’t this smile just brighten your day too?
08:00 am - Email and Update Check
I check my emails for updates on new gear, photography websites, or my favorite organization, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC). For me, this is a good way to stay updated and connect with others.
CPAC: Monthly events like the “Headshot Swap” is a great way to connect with other photographers.
08:30 am - Online Presence
This time is dedicated to maintaining my online presence. I either prepare my post for the day or support my photography friends and other businesses by engaging with their content.
Personal Experience: When I started promoting my photography on social media a year ago, someone reached out to me (Hi Jack!) and asked if I’d like to be part of a small group of photographers who help each other. I am still part of that group!
09:30 am - Editing (Variable)
If I have no shoots or other tasks scheduled, I might spend my entire workday editing. This includes culling photos, post-processing, and preparing client galleries. However, if I have other urgent tasks, I limit editing to 2.5 hours. I use Lightroom Classic for most of my editing work.
Lightroom Classic - it’s intuitive and easy to navigate!
12:00 pm - Creative Break
Taking breaks is crucial. I have lunch, go for a walk with my dog, and relax. This creative break helps me reset and come back with fresh energy. Sometimes I meet my neighbor (our pups play wonderfully together)—she has great marketing tips and other helpful insights for my business. Check out her own side business: InfamyArts on Etsy. I recently purchased some amazing jewelry there!
01:00 pm - Marketing Strategy
Marketing is a huge part of my business. I update my website with new photos, check and optimize my SEO, and brainstorm new ways to attract viewers and clients. This time is also spent planning and implementing marketing campaigns.
Personal Experience: When I launched my new website on April 14th, my pageviews initially skyrocketed. However, by the end of May, traffic had died down. I had to come up with new ideas to drive more traffic to my website. Now, writing this blog has tremendously increased my page views.
Checking the stats
This is a crucial aspect of my business.
04:00 pm – Other Operations
Operations include scheduling shoots, planning locations, and ensuring all equipment is ready and functional. It also involves managing inquiries, tracking expenses, and handling other administrative tasks.
Personal Experience: In April, I received a request for a surprise proposal shoot with only 5 days' notice! Despite the tight timeline, I rearranged everything. The shoot was set for the Denver Botanical Gardens. Initially, I went there alone to scout for the perfect hiding spot and to adjust my camera settings. When my husband joined me later, we simulated the proposal to finalize my positioning and settings.
The actual shoot, which took place two days later under bright, sunny skies, presented a different challenge. Despite unexpected weather during our earlier scouting trip, I managed to prepare thoroughly by arriving an hour earlier. With only 10 seconds to capture the perfect moment you have to be prepared for everything!
The result? Beautifully distinct photos that captured the essence of the surprise proposal.
Always prepared
Husband pretended to propose so I can get my camera settings right.
05:00 pm - Wrap Up and Plan for Tomorrow
As the day winds down, I look at what I've accomplished and set priorities for tomorrow. This routine keeps me organized and focused on achieving both short-term and long-term goals.
Personal Experience: Meeting these goals includes planning ahead—for example, with Babygirl due in August, I've decided to introduce mini sessions. This allows me to take a brief step back from larger events like weddings to focus on family, while still maintaining momentum in my business. It’s not only a new challenge, but also a big step in my career.
Conclusion
Running your own photography business offers immense freedom and the joy of doing what you love. However, it comes with a price—the responsibility of managing every aspect of the business. With careful planning and a structured routine, you can navigate these challenges and build a successful, fulfilling career. To put it simple: you struggle at times, but it’s absolutely fun and worth it!!!
If you’re considering starting your own business or have any questions about the day-to-day life of a photographer, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out. I’d love to hear from you!
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