Feeling Burnt Out? You’re Not Alone — Let’s Talk About It
Lately, I’ve been having more and more conversations with fellow photographers about burnout. And during my recent Instagram Live with the amazing Natasha Ince, we went all in on this topic. It turns out… most of us are feeling it. And most of us are also blaming ourselves for it.
But here’s a little truth: burnout is real, and it’s more common than you think. And it’s not just because we’re “doing too much.” The world around us is changing, too. The photography market has become tougher — with economic shifts, lower birth rates, and a highly saturated industry, there’s more pressure than ever to keep up, stand out, and survive. All of this adds fuel to the fire when it comes to burnout.
The good news? There’s always a way out. You’re not stuck — and you’re definitely not alone.
This post is a little mix of everything we talked about — the struggles, the real-life challenges, and some solutions that have helped us (and might help you too). This is the link to the recorded LIVE on INSTAGRAM.
1. We started with art… and ended up doing sales and admin
Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t get into photography to sell products, do spreadsheets, or post on Instagram five times a week. We wanted to create beautiful images and tell powerful stories.
But here we are, running businesses. And selling? That part feels super uncomfortable for many creatives.
What can help?
Find a sales approach that feels natural to you. For example, I love doing In-Person Sales (IPS) because it gives me a chance to reconnect with my clients, see their reactions, and show them the magic of print. I enjoy that one more opportunity to talk about the photos and products in a personal way — and I truly believe it’s a moment that adds value.
Natasha, on the other hand, prefers proof galleries. And that’s totally okay too! It doesn’t mean it’s a “worse” way of selling — you can still make it an amazing experience for your clients and get the most out of your work. Personally, I love Photonesto because it allows me to present my galleries in a very professional and beautiful way. I can customize the gallery, make it unique for each client, and feel confident that my images are protected from screenshots. The presentation looks amazing — and my customers often say how impressed they are with how it looks and feels.
Also, if you’re not doing IPS but still want to encourage product sales, having albums and printed products on display in your studio makes a huge difference. You don’t even have to push them — just let the products speak for themselves. Place a few samples where clients can naturally see and touch them during the shoot. That quiet kind of upselling? Super effective.
In the end, it’s not about how you sell — it’s about making sure your clients see the full value of what you offer. And doing it in a way that feels right for you.
2. Too many hats, not enough time
We’re photographers, editors, marketers, social media managers, client service pros, and (in many cases) moms, partners, caretakers, and more. It’s exhausting.
And most of our time isn’t spent shooting — it’s spent behind a screen, doing “everything else.”
What can help?
Set real boundaries. Block time for specific tasks. Outsource if you can. And please, schedule breaks. If you just finished a busy round of mini sessions and you feel dead inside — rest. Celebrate the wins, take a day off, breathe. You’re allowed.
3. Social media is a full-time job now
Remember when we used to post a pretty picture and people actually saw it? Yep, those days are gone. Now it’s reels, stories, captions, hashtags, trends… and it can honestly feel like a whole separate job on top of everything else.
What can help?
Keep it simple. You don’t have to be everywhere. Pick one or two platforms and show up in a way that feels authentic. If you’re not into video or talking to the camera — that’s totally fine. Show your behind-the-scenes, your lighting setups, your editing flow — that’s gold. You don’t have to dance. Promise.
That said, if you do commit to using social media, try to do it consistently. It’s one of those “either do it or don’t bother” things. Consistency builds trust.
There are plenty of tools out there that can help — apps that automate posting, schedule your content in advance, or even help you create graphics with just a few clicks. Make social media work for you, not the other way around.
But here’s the real truth:
You don’t have to rely on social media to build a successful business. You can absolutely grow through a strong website, good SEO on Google, or even simple, good old word of mouth — especially if your customer experience is top notch.
In the end, it’s about choosing a system that supports your goals and your lifestyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all — and that’s the beauty of it.
4. The emotional side of creating
When people critique or ignore our work, it hurts. Let’s not pretend it doesn’t. Our art is personal — it’s a part of us. So when we don’t get feedback, or worse, when we get negative feedback, it can hit really hard.
And sometimes, it’s not even criticism — it’s silence. No likes, no messages, no reactions. And that can be just as discouraging.
What can help?
Start collecting kind words. Seriously — screenshot sweet messages, testimonials, even short “thank you” notes from clients. Create a “feel-good” folder and open it whenever the self-doubt creeps in. Better yet, use those words! Post them on your website, share them on social media, include them in your brochures. Show people why you’re loved — and let your actual clients speak for your value.
Their words can become your value proposition — a way of presenting why people should choose you over someone else.
Also? Please take care of your mental health.
Stop comparing yourself with others.
Unfollow accounts or leave Facebook groups that make you feel small or overwhelmed.
And for the love of peace — stop scrolling if it makes you feel worse about yourself.
It’s okay to mute the noise. Focus on your path. Protect your creative energy. Because you are more than your likes, your reach, or your last session.
5. Trying to always be original
There’s so much pressure these days to constantly reinvent yourself — new props, new backdrops, new trends, new locations. And if you haven’t fully found your own style yet, it can feel like you’re just floating from one idea to the next, chasing what’s “in” instead of what feels right.
What can help?
Let yourself play. Seriously. Give yourself permission to experiment in the studio. Try a new lighting setup just for fun. Use what you already have in a totally new way — before buying anything new, ask yourself: Have I made the most of this yet?
Break the routine. Shake things up.
If you find yourself recreating the same poses or setups over and over — pause and try something different. Even if it “fails.” Actually, especially if it fails.
Because here’s the thing: failure is part of creativity. It teaches you, guides you, and pushes you closer to finding what actually works for you. Once you start embracing the process, not just the result, everything shifts. You stop copying and start creating — and that’s where the magic happens.
And once you define your unique style? Everything becomes easier. You’ll know where you’re going, and you won’t feel the need to chase every trend that shows up on your feed.
6. Money worries are no joke
When you’re self-employed, that pressure of “Can I really make a living from this?” is always lingering in the background. Add rent, bills, kids, school fees, groceries… and it can all become overwhelming, fast.
I remember those nights when I couldn’t sleep because I was worried about not having enough clients. The fear of not booking enough sessions was eating me up. And that kind of stress? It doesn’t just mess with your mood — it totally kills your focus and creativity.
What can help?
Start by getting really clear on your pricing and costs. Know what you need to earn to cover your life and business expenses — and then price accordingly. Don’t guess. Don’t undersell.
Before buying new gear, pause and ask yourself:
Do I really need this? Will it actually change my business?
Sometimes, less gear and more focus is exactly what you need.
Also — track your numbers. Look at your income, your costs, your conversion rate. Adapt your approach to match what’s happening in the market. If things slow down, don’t panic — look at what you can shift instead.
And here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: build up a small cushion of savings before you start spending on shiny new equipment. That financial buffer can give you peace of mind — and allow you to make smarter, not panic-driven, decisions.
7. The market has changed — a lot
Let’s face it — we’re no longer working in the same industry we were a few years ago. There are lower birth rates, economic uncertainty, and tons of competition. Add to that a changing customer mindset, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly swimming upstream.
What can help?
The answer is simple, but not always easy: adapt. What worked in 2019 might not work today — and that’s not a failure, it’s just reality.
Maybe it’s time to rethink your offers, update your pricing structure, or tweak your messaging.
Ask yourself:
– Does your website speak to the clients you want now?
– Are your session packages relevant to your current market?
– Could your brand story be stronger or more clear?
Think beyond Instagram, too. Some things that can make a real difference:
- Update your website content — make it clear, personal, and search-friendly
- Print leaflets and drop them off in places where your ideal clients go
- Collaborate with someone trusted in your community — a doula, pediatrician, midwife, or even a local influencer
- Collect Google reviews and encourage happy clients to share their experience
- Improve your studio visibility — signage, directions, parking info
- Reach out to local mom groups or women’s communities and introduce yourself
There are so many creative ways to stay visible and valuable — but they all start with being open to change and taking one small step at a time. Evolving is part of staying in business. And you can grow through it.
8. Feeling stuck and isolated
Sometimes we just feel like we’re doing everything wrong — and we don’t know who to talk to about it.
What can help?
Talk to someone. A friend, a mentor, another photographer. Venting is healthy. Getting another perspective is a game-changer. Don’t keep everything in your head — that’s where burnout festers.
9. No strategy, just… chaos
You’re doing a lot. Probably too much. But here’s the real question — are you doing the right things?
It’s so easy to stay busy and still feel stuck. You jump from editing to emails, from Instagram to planning, but at the end of the day, you’re exhausted… and unsure if any of it really moved your business forward.
What can help?
I know — the word strategy sounds overwhelming. But it’s really just about organizing your activities and creating a clean roadmap.
Write things down. All of them. Then ask:
– What brings real results?
– What feels good but doesn’t convert?
– What’s just noise?
Break your to-do list into simple categories:
- Quick wins – small actions that create results fast
- Long-term growth – things that need time but will pay off
- Time-wasters – things that eat up your energy and don’t move the needle
Once you see it all on paper, everything becomes clearer. You’ll know what to prioritize, what can wait, and what you should stop doing altogether.
Make it a habit to check in with yourself weekly or monthly — take 15 minutes to plan and refocus. A little structure can give you a lot of peace.
10. You’ve stopped learning
When everything starts to feel stale, stuck, or uninspiring — it’s often because we’ve stopped feeding our curiosity. Creativity needs input, not just output.
What can help?
Try something new. Watch a class, join a workshop, or even just tweak your lighting setup to see what happens. Go to a conference, meet other photographers, organize a fun project with a friend — anything that gets you out of autopilot and back into creation mode.
Sometimes, the smallest spark can lead to a big shift.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Build or join a supportive group where you can share, learn, and grow.
And make sure you have the right skills — because confidence comes from knowing how to create what you imagine. Learning is not just for beginners — it’s fuel for everyone.
Let’s get back to what we love: If you’re feeling stuck with your workflow, marketing, or even how you pose and direct your sessions, I’ve got something that might help:
FLY ON THE WALL – Live Maternity Photoshoot Experience | May 22nd at 1 PM CET
Can’t make it live? No problem — it’ll be recorded and saved inside my Online Academy, so you can watch it whenever it suits you.
SPECIAL OFFER just for blog readers: Use code LIVE20 at checkout for 20% off.
I hope this post gave you a little clarity and reassurance.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’ve been trying — really hard.
And maybe now, it’s time to take a breath, look around, and reset.
On your terms.
NEXT LIVE: May 28th, 2025 at 9.00 pm CET with another interesting guest – famous Italian maternity photographer. Can you guess who she is? Let’s meet on Instagram!
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