A bit ago I wrote about work life balance and how I don’t believe in balance and how I hate the term work life balance but here we are again, with an update on both of those things that I don’t believe in. haha.
 
The real reason I’m talking about this again is because it is so easy to assume everyone else has it figured out, or they magically have more time, or they have some secret sauce they’re dousing every moment of their day in so that they can get all of those things done and be superhuman. not that any of you are thinking i’m superhuman, but just in case you’re counting yourself out on being able to take on that project you’re heart’s been tugging at you to tackle because of excuses like “i’m-too-busy” i want to show you exactly why that’s not real and also why that’s the best news ever (cause you can change it, thass why!)
 
also, as moms who also do other things but mostly do mom things, it can be weird to always have dynamics shifting and constantly reevaluate where your energy is going. this is one of my favorite things about my business–I have complete control to make it what i want it to be–but I see so many other mamas especially buying into the idea of overwhelm and oh-there’s-just-so-much-i’ll-never-be-able-to-catch-up.
 
aight so let’s talk DETAILS (again!):
 
now my 4 year old is no longer napping at all. she still does quiet time for one hour in the afternoon. then i put on a 20 minute show for her.
 
so that’s my current work time: one hour and twenty minutes, usually about 4 days a week because there’s inevitably something that comes up (family in town, Gemma was up all night and mama needs a nap, etc.)
 
I’m also shooting one session per week max, and more like 2-4 sessions a month.
 
If that still sounds insane that I can do what I do in 5 ish hours a week (plus shoots) then keep onnn reading, cause this time i do have snappy tips.

 1. Social media is not work.

social media is one of the biggest time suckers and dream stealers in our world. you mean to look something up and then ten minutes later you’re jealous of a stranger and second guessing your whole life plus you KNOW you didn’ even look the thing up that you meant to. I’m not perfect at this by any means, but as a general rule I don’t get on social media unless my kids are asleep. It’s just too much of a vortex otherwise, plus social media and phones are straight up scientifically addicting so I have no interest in playing with that fire without significant boundaries. When we use social media to get business, it’s easy to justify the time spent there as work, or at least contributing positively to our businesses. hashtag networking or something? I’m not doubting that instagram can bring you clients, it definitely can, but it’s just something to be strategic about and not put all your eggs in that basket, especially when things like the algorithm are always going to change and the platform isn’t yours. I don’t want to invest a lot of time playing by someone else’s rules that are constantly changing. 

2. Chase your own version of success.

So many photographers I talk to are simply recycling someone else’s version of success rather than doing the work to create their own version of success. I understand why, because it takes courage to commit to a version of success and really chase it, leaving all other options behind. It’s much easier to spin in “I don’t know what I want, I could probably do X if I really tried but I just don’t have the time right now, I don’t know how to do it,” and on and on. So where would you love to be next year? What in your work truly lights you up, and how can you do more of that? The joy of having your own business is being able to create whatever you want. There’s no rule that says you have to do social media or mini sessions or have this website template to be a successful photographer, in fact–the exact opposite is true. The most distinct photographers are those who go against the grain, but in a way that’s meaningful to them and not purely for the sake of being different. Creating from your authentic core is the only way to stand out in a saturated market.

3. Calendar out your big projects.

This idea is SO simple and yet none of us really do it–so do you have 10 minutes a week to try a free experiment that might change the way your world turns foreva? yahhh.

You got stuff you want to do “someday” even though you know it’s never gonna happen when you put it in that category. even in the slow season, most photographers I’ve talked to about this don’t end up redoing their website or blogging or figuring out how to move into a new genre of photography–and while there are many reasons those ideas never make it to fruition like good ol fashioned fear, one of the biggest reasons is simply because you’re not planning your time. when you calendar out your big goals into little chunks, all you have to do is follow the calendar. if that makes you feel like a boring robot with no soul i hear ya, and i also want to see the grin on your face when you actually accomplish that thing that’s been on your to-do list for years. it’s not that you don’t have time or that you’re too busy; it’s that you spend your time doing other things. if that’s the way you wanna roll, rock it out, but just tell yourself the truth about it.

4. Automate and outsource.

i still use the findlab to process and edit all my film and so it takes me 1-2 hours to cull, edit, and upload a family session to a client. If I were shooting digital I would absolutely outsource my editing no question. Editing is below your pay grade, m’love. As a mover and a shaker and a biz owner boss you have things to do in your business that will actually move it forward, whereas editing is simply running the hamster wheel. Editing is working IN your business, versus working ON your business. If you want to stay exactly where you are in terms of money, number of clients, the level of work you’re producing, the exact projects you have, then keep doin exactly what you’re doing. But if you want to grow and expand in any area of your work, you have to do something different. And that something different is focusing your limited energy on only the tasks that you are fabulous at, and outsourcing or automating as much of everything else as possible.  Even if you are fabulous at editing–what’s your unique fabulousness that no one else can do in your business? This goes back to creating your vision of your business and really chasing your version of success, versus just keeping up with what you already have–a well you might find has run dry once you do come up for air, because you were too busy running around on the back end to ever attract new clients or opportunities.

Aight. Did these ideas help you? Which one are you gonna implement very first? Would love to hear from you, send me an email, seriously.

 

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You’ve heard about the Love Soaked Family Photography Workshops by now, and maybe you tuned in for the live sneak peek, but for whatever reason, you’re still on the fence.
 
I need to be totally, one-hundred-percent clear, friend. The workshop is not for everyone. And it’s a complete lose-lose for me to have someone there who’s not going to benefit, so take this as your permission to say nope, not for me, and save your energy and head space and money for something that’s really going to make your heart and your work soar.
 
But if you’re not sure…these will help. Don’t come if:

1. You’re not ready to change your way of working with families.

I’m not going to pretend my way is the only way. The idea is to see and hear and try on all my ideas and see how they fit with you. Most often I find that photographers are just stuck and need the practical tools to achieve the kinds of images they see in their heads, and need a smorgasbord (best word!) of ideas to get the ball rolling for their own very individualized process. This is not vague, ‘ooh just have them act natural’ garbage. It’s incredibly detailed and concrete.
 
So if you’re not willing to apply any of it and are already stuck in one way of doing things, you will be wasting your time, love.

2. You’re not up for a jam-packed experience.

The day is super, super packed. If you’re traveling in to Utah, come at least the day before and leave the day after so you can really soak everything in and have enough energy to give the shoots your all. I promise to give absolutely everything I have throughout our time together (previous attendees can attest to cray cray hand talking/singing/squatting/posing demos…wowwheew) and set you up for success in channeling your best energies. But if this all sounds like too much, it might not be a good fit.

3. You don’t wanna shoot families at home.

If you’re not sure–come. But if you already know shooting families in their homes is not for you, the shoots won’t be as applicable and watching me work in this setting won’t inspire you in the same way. Plus, I’m going to spend some time talking about how I shoot film in dark houses with fast moving kids plus addressing the other challenges that come with shooting in a client’s home (composition, the “toooo-comfortable” problem, distractions, and more).

4. You just want a portfolio beef-up.

YAS girl we will be shooting some fabulous families in beautiful homes but the purpose of the shoot has to be learning. If you just want some photos for your portfolio, this is not the right fit. (and ps–even though the homes we’re shooting in will be beautiful they will not be perfect. Every home has its challenges and I will definitely be talking about how I address each space’s unique issues and giving you the tools to rock ANY home like a boss.)

5. You’re not in a financial position to swing it.

ooh, everyone’s favorite topic: money.
 
I have no interest in someone choosing between paying me and paying their taxes/paying rent/eating. If it’s not that extreme for you, consider this: what if you booked just two more clients than you otherwise would have if you didn’t have the skills and refresh the workshop would give you? in most cases that would mean the workshop would pay for itself.
 
But even if you’re not full court pressin’ for clients–think about why you got into this work in the first place. You did it for the love. You adored the process and it sparked something in you. If it doesn’t do that anymore, let’s find that flicker again. You deserve an art, a business and a life that ignites that in you. (and yup, it’s possible!)

6. You want to keep letting excuses keep you from what you really want.

Okay, maybe this one is a little unfair. But at some point–and please know with how much love i wanna say this to your blinking eyes and your wonderfully beating heart–all you are doing is making excuses. If this is something that’s just feeling meh, ehhh, idk…it is not the right fit. And I absolutely don’t want you to bully yourself into it. But gosh, if something in you is saying this is what you want, what your artist heart needs right now, really examine your reasons for turning away. We humans are very resourceful when we put our minds to something that we truly want.
 
Check out all the details (and book a spot, if ya feelin it) for the Love Soaked Family Photography Workshops here.

More questions? Email me here and we’ll chat, love.

Balance is something i get asked about a lot. “work life balance” is not a thing. should not be a thing. isn’t work just part of “life”?
 
the truth is, i fit my work into my life. the other truth is: the “my life” part is not some glamorous swirl of trips around the world with my family while we gram pics of our lunch and our perfectly decorated home when we’re not at the national parks. it’s coaching the same “pleases” and “thank yous” a hundred zillion times over. it’s trying to be consistent in parenting. it’s tending to so.many.needs–just imagine the bodily fluids of three kids under 3, then spread them allll over the house and watch me try to clean them up while they just dispel more, or smear purple lipstick and green paint across eight stairs (real life examples here folks! didn’t even have to dig further back than 5 days for those two gems.
 
it takes a lot to run a business. there is constantly work to be done, and so lots of photographers have trouble shutting it down and feeling like they have time to do anything else. then they just wrestle with that big mean monsterbear mom guilt, which is a losing fight cause that beast is big yo.
 
so while there are a lot of nice-sounding tips to create “work life balance” (i have to keep puttin it in quotes cause it’s just such a weird name) i want to dig in to the practicality of what my life looks like as a …working mom? mostly-stay-at-home-mom-who-also-runs-a-business? see. labels. they’re a problem.
 
My usual daily schedule goes like this: we all wake up, eat breakfast, exercise, bathe and get dressed. and GUESS WHAT THAT TAKES ALL FREAKING MORNING. yup. we’re usually fully ready by 11 am, and then it’s either time for therapy, a little outing, or playing at home. lunch and then the heavensent glory that is nap time around 1pm. My three year old is transitioning out of naps, so she mostly does quiet time. this is my work time. 2 hours per day and that is it. I don’t make a habit of working at night. i dread it and it drains my energy big time–and here’s the takeaway advice that i would give to all people: find the energy leaks and plug ’em up.

lots of photographers like to work at night after the kids go to bed but i hate it, i get hardly anything done and feel like a robot and a life-failure and my eyes start to feel dry my mouth starts to frown because at night after my kids go to bed i want to be spending time with my husband. or doing anything BUT working, ha. But maybe you like working at night and if so you should do it. Find the times you function best and maximize that time, boo. If you want to get really technical, I do spend time every day on instagram and in my facebook group, but that fits into small moments of down time and isn’t a big stressor/need to be at the computer thing.

What about shooting, you ask? I shoot mostly on Saturdays, and right now I am taking on one shoot per week with my little kids. I’ve transitioned to taking on very few weddings with more photography education and the load for me is completely manageable. Other photographers take on a lot more. Some take on a lot less. Some hate shooting on Saturdays. This seems like basic basics but please dooo not worry about what works for other photographers. Hone in on your own energy, what nourishes you, and find ways to minimize or outsource the things that make you want to scream. Especially if this isn’t your main gig/you don’t NEED to have your own biz–work shouldn’t feel like work. It hardly ever does for me–and that’s because I’ve spent a lotta time molding my business into what I love + what recharges me.
 
Which brings me to outsourcing.
 
I shoot film, and I get premium scans from The FIND Lab. Could I save loads of $ if I shot digital, or if I just got basic scans? Yep. But here’s the thing: time and energy have a cost, too. You can’t buy more of either of them. Buut I kinda feel like that’s exactly what I’m doing when I outsource. When I get scans back from the lab, they are 80% ready to deliver to the client. I still take care of things like culling, cropping, cleaning up silly things that weren’t meant to be in my shot, etc. It takes me one hour to cull, edit, upload and deliver a family session to a client.

Here’s the other thing: I am constantly reevaluating where my business is as far as time I spend on it and time I spend with my family. I make room to make changes, whether it’s particular offerings or session types that go away or get scaled back. The perfect example of this: weddings. I’m taking on a very limited number of weddings in 2017 because I want to keep them in their gorgeous I-love-this-so-much bubble.
 
So, what do you have to do to keep the branches of your business in the I-love-this-so-much bubble? Is it eliminating a certain type of session altogether, creating a new passion project, or scrapping absolutely nothing and telling me you got dis all figured out? (wink)
 
I’d love to hear what your personal flavor of “work-life-balance” is and how you arrived there, either in the comments or in my facebook group.
 
Brooke Schultz is a family + wedding photographer who can be found hugging her one hundred babies (aight there’s only 3), photographing families at home, and wearing obnoxious shiny pants. Her 2017 family photography + writing workshop details are gonna go live soon, so if you want to know bout them sign up right here.

Well hey! Welcome to a guest post for photographers from the FIND Lab, the lab where I send all my film to be processed, scanned, and magic-ified. Their customer service and results are plain fabulous, so I really dunno what you’re waiting for–go try them out.
(And get your first roll free! AND they’re sponsoring my workshop this November. Infinite reasons to love ’em, I tell ya.)
 
And now, their tips for creating a film look you love with your lab:
 
Film has a very personal look and unique aesthetic no photographer can achieve alone. Only with the help of a lab, can a film photographer achieve the look and feel they are going for. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic wand the lab can wave to nail down your style. This can only happen with an open dialogue and two way communication between photographer and lab.
 
Here are a few pointers, from a lab’s perspective, on the best way to communicate to ensure they nail down your look every single time:

 

Whether it’s your first order with your lab or you’re wanting to fine tune your preferences, we’d recommend setting up a color profile.

When setting up a color profile you’ll have some homework to do. As photographers we are very visual people so providing images of your preferences is the way to go. Everybody sees color differently. A client may say they like warm skin tones, but does that mean golden, pink, or peachy in color? By providing imagery, we can see what you see. If we notice an inconsistency, we’ll put you back to work and encourage you to narrow down your images or hone in what you like about each image provided. Addition to color, we also like to ask about contrast and exposure. Do you like high, neutral, or low contrast? Bright, darker or neutral exposure? Again, if the images provided don’t match up with your description, we may ask you to go back to the drawing board.

 

We all wish we could be shooting under perfect conditions every single time. However, the reality is there will always be less than ideal situations. As a lab, we like to know how you’d want us to handle your images in these situations. When you underexpose do you want us to darken down the shadows so they’ll be less muddy, or leave them flatter to retain more detail? When you overexpose do you want us to scan for the highlights to save as much highlight detail as possible, or leave your images brighter? We’ll ask you to provide images in all different lighting scenarios, back lit, side lit, full sun, open shade, indoor, outdoor, under and over exposure. We want to know how you want your images handled in any and every lighting situation that you can think of.

 

Next, provide feedback, but remember, feedback works both ways.

If your lab processes your order and you’re not happy with the results, kindly let them know. As far as your lab is concerned, no news is good news. If you’re not loving what you’re receiving and not speaking up, your results will be the same. Your lab wants feedback and to give you a product you are both proud of. The best way for a lab to get feedback is with example edits of how it was originally and then with the changes you made. 

 

That being said, your lab may not be able to fix everything.

Your negatives don’t lie and sometimes your final product may be less than ideal because of the way it was exposed.  If you’re not happy with your scans, you should go to your lab with an open mind that it may be something that needs to be changed on the photographer’s end. If it is something your lab can improve, your lab should be eager to work with you to get your order on track. Who better to trust than the people who are looking at your negatives and who you’ve already trusted to develop and handle them?

 

Lastly, now that you have started a relationship, you need to foster it.

We’d love to say that as soon as a color profile has been made that everything will be perfect overnight, but that’s hardly the case. This back and forth communication may take a handful of orders until both lab and photographer are happy with the results. It may take time, but in the end it will all be worth it. So whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned photographer, start compiling images and get that dialogue started.

*photo by Noelle Reynolds, Portra 400
 
ONE more time infomercial style, seriously you’ve got to give The FIND Lab a try. I’ve never used another lab because I’ve never had a reason to–they treat every client like gold and are truly invested in your success as a photographer.