Balance: My Photography Nightmare
For years I dreamed of being a photographer. I’ve said before that it’s really all I can see myself doing as a career and NOT hating my job.
That kind of changed last week. Just a little. See, I had that session a week and a 1/2 ago on a Sunday evening. My clients were my friends and they were just awesome to work with. The kids were so cute and we just had a great time. She praised my work over and over and I felt proud of what I did. The SLIGHT problem? Working on these said photos. I can’t work on them when I’m at work all day so I have to work on them when I’m home. Considering the fact that I’m away from my family all day it really sucked spending days working on the pictures. I’d get home from work, eat with my family, send Hannah to either play outside or in her room and grab Livie to head up to my bedroom to work. She’d sit on the floor and play and I’d work. And work. AND WORK. For like 2 hours or more every evening. By the time I finished each night it was like 8 or even later and by then it’s time to get the girls ready for bed. IT SUCKED. I love photography. I love editing my work and making everything look pretty for my clients. I HATE taking time away from my girls to do this. I complained to Hubs about this and he said it’s just like when he works overtime…we have to make sacrifices for the extra money we need right now to keep Hannah in her school which is ALWAYS going to be a priority and a huge conviction for us. It just is. And yeah, dance costs money too but that’s just something we also sacrifice for.
But how much am I willing to sacrifice? How much do I REALLY feel is ok? I thought about this for a few days and I came to this conclusion: I’m only doing 2 sessions a month. It takes me about 4-5 evenings to edit. Really about 8-10 hours to edit everything and get them on my website for clients to view. I usually shoot on Sunday evenings because I know Hannah won’t have dance or school stuff going on. I don’t even get 2 sessions booked a month usually but just in case, I set that limit on myself. That way even if I DO get 2 a month, that’s 10 nights out of 30 that I’ll be glued to my computer. I’m willing to sacrifice that for now.
I can’t quit my job. I can’t even go part time yet. Or probably any time soon actually. So while I’d love photography to take me to that place, it’s hard to get there when I can’t put in the time to get it there. I hope that makes sense. In order to get my photography to a place where I could quit my job or even work less, I’d have to give up A LOT more of my time at home with my babies. And I just can’t right now. Maybe in a few years when Livie’s in school and Hannah’s even busier with school and dance. But for right now, it’s just not worth it.
10 Responses to Balance: My Photography Nightmare
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Ugh Becky. That sucks. Is there any way that you can do a little bit at work? like during a break or lunch? that way you dont have a hell lot of editing to do at home?
pamela´s last blog ..#NewMoon Summary
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Yeah, my SO does photography and really gets into the editing process. His stuff is gorgeous but it takes away from our time and the time with the kids. Or it takes away from his sleeping. I think setting a limit for now is a good idea. And hopefully you’ll get more chances to add on as time goes.
Katie (aka Kekibird)´s last blog ..CTMH: The Ramblings of an Aging Woman
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It is really kind of impossible to have it all. Which is a terrible thought.
Karen´s last blog ..Different Friends
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Not knowing anything about your setup — is there something that’s holding you back when you process your photos?
- Is your computer old?
- Do you need a new version of PS?
- A better cardreader?
- Steps to cut out of your workflow?
For me, the computer was the sticking point.
Just a thought.
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That’s a really difficult predicament. I think another thing to contemplate is the more time you devote to photography means more time you take away from your family, which means you may begin to resent photography for what it’s doing to your life. I think it’s really smart to set some limits now. Think of it as getting your foot in the door of the industry. And when you’re finally ready to ramp up your business, you’ll have to take far fewer steps.
Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks´s last blog ..Contest
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I feel the same way about teaching. I rush out shortly after the bell to pick up my own children who have to go to daycare after school. If I leave them there to get work done, I feel guilty. If I leave all the correcting and lesson planning for after the kids have gone to bed, I’m just frustrated. I feel like I can’t win. But, I do enjoy having the summers off with my family and that makes up for all of it…well, most of it.
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I actually stopped doing my photography for a while also, because of the EXACT SAME THING! I had my accounting job and then when I was done w/that was constantly editing… my computer was in my face 24/7.
I quit my job. I found my thing that has brought in the money I needed to quit my job and am now finally able to start putting more time in my photography and am at home.
But before the above happened I was EXACTLY in your predicament…. and it sucked! I hope you figure things out.
Amanda (Garibay Soup)´s last blog ..Pour Your Heart Out – #1
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This is the predicament of trying to turn a hobby into a career, unfortunately. I think if you just stick with what you’re doing for now, and as time goes on and like you said, the kids are older and theres a little more time, then you can push the envelope and see what you can make work. For now, theres nothing wrong with having a hobby you can make a little extra money at!
Vinomom´s last blog ..It’s Stir-Fryday!
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I know exactly what you mean! I try to only edit after the boys go to bed, which is at 9 for the older two, but then I find myself editing for two hours, then it is SO late and well, I miss the time I should be spending with my husband.. as you know. Although I think because photography is my passion- its all mine, that I am willing to sacrifice just a small amount of time so I can do something I love.
jenn´s last blog ..I’m Broken- Part 1
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I am right there with you. Editing photos is the majority of the work. I said that very thing in my post today… Easter 2 years ago… I still haven’t finished editing those photos! Yikes!
Kellee´s last blog ..Sunday Share on a Monday Morning
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