How to Avoid Photographer Burnout

by D'Arcy Benincosa

In this episode, Sabrina and I are discussing how to avoid photographer burnout, what burnout looks and feels like, and our own struggles with burnout. Hit play!

Meet Sabrina Gebhardt:

Sabrina is a lifestyle photographer of almost 13 years in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also a business coach to female photographers and the host of the Shoot it Straight podcast. Sabrina is married to her college sweetheart and together they have 3 kids and 2 dogs. She loves caffeine, emojis, color and reading anything she can get her hands on. Sabrina is a strong enneagram 3 who really does have to force herself to sit still but over the years, has learned that her business (and sanity) benefit from slowing down.

How to avoid photographer burnout:

1. Understand your capacity.

Before accepting that next booking, understand your actual capacity. It’s not just about the session itself; factor in editing, behind-the-scenes work, and administrative tasks. Free weekends might seem tempting, but overcommitting leads to exhaustion. Recognize your limits and plan your workload accordingly.

2. Intentionally accommodate for white space

Building in white space is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Allow room in your schedule for unexpected events, be it a trip to the ER or a spontaneous lunch with a friend. Consider adjusting your pricing to accommodate this margin. Remember, your mental well-being is as valuable as your skill behind the lens.

3. Create a self-care routine.

A filled bucket can’t hold more. Develop a self-care routine that replenishes your energy. Whether it’s a morning meditation, an evening walk, or simply disconnecting from work on weekends, find what rejuvenates you. A well-cared-for photographer brings a renewed passion to every shoot.

4. Understand buyer habits.

Educate yourself on buyer habits, especially the impact of pricing strategies. High-low pricing might bring short-term gains, but constant discounts can set unhealthy expectations. To avoid burnout, establish fair pricing that reflects your expertise and gives you a healthy margin.

5. Change your scenery.

Feeling the burnout blues? Change your surroundings. Working in the same space day in and day out can stifle creativity. Take your laptop to a new cafe, set up a temporary outdoor office, or embark on a short adventure. Shifting your scenery not only revitalizes your mindset but also introduces fresh perspectives.