How to Overcome Creative Burnout as a Photographer
Feeling Burned Out? You’re Not Alone.
Burnout isn’t just about feeling exhausted - it’s about losing the passion that once kept you going. When every shoot feels the same and even picking up your camera feels like a chore, it’s time to reset.
Step One: Permission to Pause
Your creativity is like a battery, it needs recharging. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, give yourself guilt-free rest. Take a day (or even a week) to step back from editing, marketing, and social media.
Tip: Set an Out of Office email reply for 24 hours. No one will notice, but you’ll feel relief instantly. Worried about editing deadlines? Simply send your clients an updated gallery delivery estimate to take the pressure off (and always originally quote a slightly longer delivery window than you hope to achieve)
Step Two: Reconnect with Why You Started
Burnout often happens when your business starts to feel more transactional, instead of meaningful. When this happens, scroll back through your favourite past photoshoots. What made them special? Was it the connection, the storytelling, or the creative freedom?
Tip: Print out your top 3 favourite images of all time and remind yourself why you love this work.
Step Three: Simplify & Automate
Tiredness often comes from decision fatigue (aka juggling too many tasks at once). Instead of doing everything at once, try these easy shifts:
- Batch Editing: Set aside one day a week for editing instead of doing it every day (I purposefully schedule Thursdays as my main editing day)
- Use Pre-Made Templates: Stop reinventing the wheel. Use client guides, contracts, and pricing guide templates to save time.
- Automate Client Communication: Set up email workflows so you’re not manually sending the same information repeatedly.
Tip: Don't do this all at once, just pick one process in your business to work on today.
Step Four: Reignite Inspiration with a Free Shoot
Sometimes, the best way to fall back in love with photography is to shoot something just for you. No rules, no client expectations, just fun! Here's some tips:
- Try a self-portrait project to get behind the lens (plus it'll mean you have new founder content for instagram too!)
- Photograph a friend in a creative way (or someone you know will go along with your random ideas!)
- Experiment with a new editing style or technique (these photos never have to see the light of day, but trying something new can feel so refreshing)
Remember: It's just a season
Burnout doesn’t mean your career is over, it’s just a sign you need a reset. Be kind to yourself and trust that your creativity will return.
Need practical resources to lighten your workload? Check out the best time-saving products in the shop here.