Let’s be honest: being a full-time photographer is already a juggling act. Add kids, a household, and everything else life throws your way—and things can get very overwhelming, very fast. That’s why I’ve put together some of my favorite hacks for busy photographers—the practical strategies that help me manage my time, stay organized, and avoid burnout.
As a work-from-home mom and business owner, I’ve learned the hard way that time is my most valuable resource. Over the years, I’ve built a workflow that keeps me (mostly) sane, helps me show up for my clients and my family, and prevents full-on burnout.
If you’re a photographer trying to “do it all,” here are some of my go-to time-saving hacks that actually work:
1. Batch, Batch, Batch
I swear by batching. Whether it’s editing, emailing, or posting on social media—grouping similar tasks together saves so much mental energy.
- Editing: I batch similar sessions (like mini sessions or headshots) so I can stay in the same editing rhythm.
- Emails: I check and respond during specific blocks of the day—not every time I get a notification.
- Content: I create multiple social media captions or blog posts in one sitting when I’m feeling focused.
Pro tip: Use “Do Not Disturb” mode and set a timer. Even 45 minutes of focused time can get you way farther than a full day of distractions.
2. Schedule Smartly (And Build In Buffers)
I don’t book more than 2–3 sessions a week (unless its busy season, a client I love needs a last minute booking, or I’m not paying attention to my calendar… lets be honest, lol), and I try not to stack shoots and deliveries too tightly. Why? Because life happens—especially with kids.
Some things I’ve built into my schedule:
- At least 1 “admin day” each week (for editing, emailing, and planning)
- Buffer days between bookings
- A “no calls before 10 a.m.” rule—because mornings with kids are chaos and I need a minute before I jump on a call.
And yes, I rarely shoot on weekends unless it’s a special event. Protecting family time is a boundary I’m no longer afraid to set. It took me such a long time to get to this point, but they are only this little once, and I refuse to miss it.
3. Outsource When You Can
You do not have to do it all yourself. I know it’s hard to let go of control (I’m still working on that), but outsourcing has saved me time and helped me show up better for my clients. Outsourcing allows you to focus on being a photographer, not an accountant, professional culler, receptionist, bookkeeper, etc.
Things I’ve outsourced:
- Bookkeeping/taxes – because I’d rather gouge my eyes out than sort receipts, I went to art school, not business school.
- House cleaning– although this is not necessarily buisness related, I do work from home, so taking some of the workload off of my shoulders around the house really helps me focus on my work related tasks.
- Blog post formatting + SEO help (hi, AI!)
Even if it’s just a few hours a month, outsourcing the right things can change your life.
4. Use Tools That Do the Heavy Lifting
Your software and systems should work for you—not add more work.
Here are a few I swear by:
- HoneyBook for client communication, scheduling, contracts, and invoicing
- Pixieset for seamless gallery delivery
- Meta Business Suite for batching and scheduling Instagram and Facebook posts
- Aftershoot for Culling and light batch edting so I can get proofing galleries out fast.
Invest time in setting these workflows up properly and they’ll save you hours in the long run.
5. Give Yourself a Freaking Break
Real talk? Some weeks are messy. Some projects run late. There are some days when I have to cancel everything because my kid is sick, I’m behind on life, or I just need to sit in silence with my phone on Do Not Disturb.
It doesn’t mean you’re behind. It doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Your clients will understand. Your business will survive. And guess what? You will be able to serve your clients better when you’re rested and not running on fumes.
And if you’re a client who made it this far into the post—first of all, thank you.
Secondly, please know: behind every photographer (or small business owner) is a real person. Someone who is not only committed to giving you beautiful, professional work, but also balancing the chaos of life just like everyone else.
We’re answering emails while making dinner and editing late at night after bedtime routines. We’re showing up for sessions with a smile, even when life behind the scenes is a little upside down.
Final Thoughts
You can run a successful, fulfilling photography business without sacrificing your peace, your time, or your family. It takes intention, boundaries, and the willingness to let go of perfection.
If you’re in a busy season (or just tired), know this: you don’t need to hustle harder—you need to build smarter.
xoxox- Sami
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