Being a wedding photographer is a rewarding yet challenging profession that demands more than just technical skills. It requires the ability to capture the essence of love, emotions, and timeless moments while also excelling in communication with your couples and handling the essential backend work. To succeed in this field and prevent burnout, it’s crucial to prioritize both your clients and your own well-being. After being in the wedding photography industry for five years, here are 7 ways I’ve personally experienced and used to avoid burnout – let’s dive in!

1. Answer to your clients and serve them well.

This should be your ultimate priority as a wedding photographer! Great client service goes beyond capturing beautiful photos. It involves listening to your clients’ desires, offering guidance when needed, and ensuring they have a smooth and memorable experience on their special day. Happy clients are more likely to recommend your services to others, leading to more business and less burnout.

2. Tell the truth and give a damn.

Trends and fads will come and go but the story you were hired to document is timeless and deserves to be preserved in a way that is true to your couple and honors them well. Be a witness, not a director as you take portraits and candids.

3. Give your couples and their loved ones space and time to let life happen.

Instead of micromanaging every aspect of the day, be hands-off and let life happen naturally. The more hands off you are the better… it sounds scary but if you let your couple do their thing, their pictures will be more unique and timeless than any Pinterest board you try to recreate.

4. Start outsourcing as soon as you can.

As your wedding photography business grows, consider outsourcing tasks like editing, social media management, you name it.. This will give you more time to recharge so you can put more effort and time into scaling your business as well as your personal life. Burnout can be prevented by finding a healthy balance between work and relaxation!

5. Invest in QUALITY education when possible.

Continual learning is vital for professional growth! Research and figure out what you want to focus on and find a way to gain knowledge in these areas. I highly recommend @edenstrader – she’s an open book and has helped me so much over these last few months. P.S. This is not a paid ad🥳

6. Quality over quantity.

Always. Avoid falling into the trap of hustle culture. Remember that it’s better to deliver a few outstanding images than to overwhelm yourself with a large quantity of mediocre shots. Prioritizing quality allows you to produce work that stands out and satisfies both you and your clients.

7. Have fun!

As my parents and grandparents always told me… just freaking have fun! In the midst of the busy wedding season, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. However, make sure you’re enjoying what you’re doing, slowing down, being present!

Remember that preserving timeless moments requires a balance between serving your clients and taking care of yourself. Stay true to your craft, be open to learning, and above all, have fun capturing the love and joy that fills a wedding day!

Interested in booking photography coverage for your wedding? I’m taking a few more last-minute weddings, engagements, and mini sessions for 2023 and I’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy Austin + Feng’s wedding previews below!
Venue: Mountain View Ranch by Wedgewood Weddings