Photography has always been my way of capturing moments that matter… the small, fleeting pieces of life we often overlook. But after years of client work, I found myself drifting away from the very reason I picked up a camera in the first place. Between driving to sessions, editing, promoting my business, and trying to meet everyone’s expectations, I realized I was missing out on the most important moments: slow, intentional time with my kids.
The grind of client work can be invisible to those outside the photography world. For a long time, I felt I had to create what I thought clients wanted and somewhere along the way, the joy of photography started slipping away.
Recognizing Burnout
Burnout for me was gradual. Weddings, family sessions, pet portraits, and everything in between kept my calendar full, but the pressure to be perfect was exhausting. I was creating for everyone but myself. It wasn’t until I narrowed my focus that I began to reclaim a sense of balance. Letting go of the “I need to do it all” mindset was liberating, but I still needed to reconnect with my personal work.
Rediscovering the Camera (and Myself)
When I finally stepped back, I didn’t touch my camera for weeks at a time. It would sit on my counter, ready to be picked up at a moments thought but I just didn’t reach for it. At first, I felt guilty about it, like I was losing my identity as a photographer. But then, slowly, I began to play. I began trying new things with my phone’s camera but I found that it wasn’t measuring up to the images I saw in my mind. So I grabbed my Canon. I experimented with different techniques, photographed the birds in our backyard (a wonderful lesson in patience, let me tell you haha), and started finding inspiration from other creative outlets, like watercoloring. I even explored more brand and Airbnb photography that aligned with my family’s lifestyle. Which we all got to enjoy together!
I also stopped sharing everything I photographed. Some images were just for me and my children, memories captured without the pressure of public approval. I used 52-week challenge prompts to look at everyday life from new perspectives, which reminded me that creativity doesn’t always have to come with expectations.
Letting Go of Perfection & Moving Forward
One of the biggest shifts in my journey was letting go of perfection. I no longer felt the need to capture or share the “perfect” image. Instead, I focused on the moment itself. These photos weren’t for social media or client galleries… they were for my own children, a visual record of our lives together and their childhood.
Accepting that my style isn’t for everyone has been liberating. Not every client will appreciate a documentary-style approach, and that’s okay. The right clients do, and the joy is in finding that connection. Create what you want to create, not what you think others will like.
Looking ahead, I plan to take on a very limited number of clients per month and per year. I haven’t started taking clients again yet, but 2026 feels like the right time to reenter photography with balance and intention.
The journey back to joy has reminded me that personal work is essential. For my creative growth, for my family and my sense of purpose. Photography isn’t just about business to me… it’s about connection, curiosity, and the ability to slow down and witness life.
If you’re a photographer who has felt burnt out or disconnected from your creative work, know that it is possible find that passion again. Take time to experiment. Play. Step away from what’s expected and create for yourself first. Whether it’s photographing your own family, experimenting with new techniques, or exploring entirely different creative outlets.
Ask yourself: What would your photography look like if it was just for fun?