How to Survive Busy Season Burnout

As photographers, we know that the busy season can be incredibly rewarding but also exhausting. Many of us are deep into this season, with editing queues piling up and to-do lists feeling endless. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but there are ways to make it through without burning out. Here are my top tips for surviving the busy season burnout.

1. Embrace Outsourcing

One of the most impactful changes you can make during busy season is to outsource. I know it can be tough to let go of control, but outsourcing allows you to focus on the parts of your business that only you can do best. Here are a few key areas where outsourcing can make a huge difference:

• Childcare: If you have young kids, hiring a babysitter can be a game-changer. While your kids enjoy quality time with a caregiver, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and leave the mom guilt behind. Knowing they’re well cared for allows you to fully immerse yourself in your work.
• Editing: Finding a good editor to help with your workflow can save you hours. I recently started using Imagen AI for my initial edits, and it has transformed my process. By uploading samples of my editing style, Imogen AI now applies those settings to entire sessions in minutes! I’ll leave a link to IMAGEN for 1,500 free credits so you can give it a try and see how much time you’ll save.
• Other Tasks: Consider hiring help for grocery shopping, meal prep, or even cleaning. Services like Instacart or a monthly deep clean from a professional can relieve some of the household pressure, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care might seem like a luxury during busy season, but it’s essential for keeping burnout at bay. Start with the basics: eat regular meals, stay hydrated, and get some movement in every day. But self-care doesn’t stop there; it’s also about doing things that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment.

Think about what activities make you feel refreshed and make time for them. For me, this means spending time in the sauna, going on lunch dates with friends, or even playing a round of pickleball. Whether it’s reading a book or enjoying a hobby, find a few things that allow you to recharge.

3. Consider Raising Your Prices

Busy season is a great time to evaluate your pricing structure. If you’re overwhelmed with clients, it might be time to increase your rates. Raising prices allows you to work with fewer clients, which reduces your workload while still meeting your financial goals. Even small price adjustments can make a big difference and help you avoid burnout by balancing demand.

4. Say Yes to Your Family

When I learned to prioritize family, it was a huge mindset shift. Every time you say “yes” to your family, you’re saying “no” to overwhelm. When I started putting my family’s priorities on the same level as my business, I created healthier boundaries and improved my work-life balance.

Scheduling family time in your calendar as non-negotiable allows you to be fully present at home. Whether it’s attending a soccer game, making time for family dinners, or simply being there for bedtime, remember that your family deserves your time, too.

5. Use a Calendar to Block Out Time

Speaking of schedules, it’s essential to block off time for both work and personal activities. It’s easy to feel like you need to be available 24/7, but by setting aside time for yourself, your family, and even self-care, you’re protecting your well-being. Block off work hours, but also carve out time for activities that rejuvenate you, like date nights, kids’ activities, or even solo time to relax.

6. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

Learning to set boundaries with clients is crucial for protecting your time and energy. Not every request needs to be met, and sometimes, saying no is the best thing you can do for yourself and your business. If a client request is outside your standard offerings, don’t be afraid to turn it down or charge extra for it. By sticking to the services you’re passionate about, you’ll avoid feeling resentful or overworked.

When I started my business, I used to say yes to every client request, but over time I realized that setting boundaries helped me build a more sustainable business. Clients appreciate a clear and professional approach, and by setting expectations, you’ll attract the right clients who respect your work and value your time.

Ready to Scale? Join My Year-Long Photography Mastermind

If you’re a high-level photographer looking to scale your business while avoiding burnout, I’d love to help you get there. I’m launching a year-long mastermind for photographers who are ready to take their business to the next level. Together, we’ll focus on diversifying income streams, building efficient systems, and making space for growth without overwhelm.