In the world of photography, capturing life’s precious moments is both a passion and a profession. It’s a journey of creativity and business acumen. However, this journey often comes at a cost, with photographers caught in a relentless cycle of long hours, missed family events, and the constant hustle to stay profitable. Finding a healthy work-life balance can be a big challenge.
Photography is more than just a job; it’s a calling, an art, and a way of life. Many photographers are passionate about their work, and it often consumes their lives, pushing them to dedicate countless hours to their craft. The desire to excel, build a successful business, and gain recognition can lead photographers to work long days, all in the pursuit of their dreams.
However, the pursuit of success can inadvertently lead to a neglect of one’s mental health and family relationships. Family events, vacations, and quality time with loved ones sometimes take a back seat to a busy shooting schedule and endless hours of editing.
Photographers often find themselves in a precarious position when it comes to mental health. The long hours and the weight of client expectations can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, and even depression.
In the relentless pursuit of perfection, photographers may experience a perpetual state of self-doubt and anxiety, eroding mental health and leading to a diminished sense of self-worth.
As a photographer’s mental health declines, so too does their ability to create a healthy work-life balance. The inability to switch off from work-related stress and anxiety can lead to tension and conflict within the family, as well as negatively impact relationships with partners and children.
One of the most significant challenges photographers face is missing out on important family events due to work commitments, especially weddings, where we are locked into a particular date. Birthdays, anniversaries, sporting events, school plays, and other milestones can be easily sacrificed in the name of professionalism and profitability. As children grow, these moments become increasingly fleeting, and failing to prioritize them can result in feelings of resentment, abandonment, and a sense of neglect. There have been times in my career when I booked a wedding/portrait session, only to find that it coincided with an upcoming family event.
Balancing work and family life as a photographer isn’t about neglecting your professional responsibilities; it’s about finding a way to prioritize family without compromising your passion and livelihood. Here are some strategies to help nurture family relationships and improve your overall well-being.
Establish clear boundaries between work and family time. Schedule dedicated family days/times, when work is off-limits. Communicate these boundaries to your clients, and make it clear when you’re available and when you’re not.
Efficient time management is key to achieving work-life balance. Use tools and apps to streamline your workflow, automate tasks, and reduce unnecessary stress. Don’t be afraid to delegate or outsource tasks that can be handled by others.
Establish regular family meetings where everyone can share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. This open communication can help prevent issues from festering and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
Prioritize your mental health by taking time for self-care. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy, dedicating time to yourself can help reduce stress and boost your overall well-being. These are the best methods to recharge and feel like you are in charge of work, and not the other way around.
Plan your work schedule in advance, ensuring that you can be present for important family events. Set clear priorities and communicate with your clients about your availability. Most clients will understand and appreciate your commitment to your family.
It’s essential to learn how to say no when necessary. Overcommitting can lead to exhaustion and a lack of time for family. Be selective in the projects you take on and maintain a manageable workload.
In the hustle and bustle of the photography world, it’s crucial to remember that success should not come at the expense of your family and your own mental health. Missing out on your children’s growth and key family moments can never be regained, and the emotional toll it takes on both you and your loved ones can be irreparable.
Your children will only grow up once, and the moments you miss can never be relived. They won’t remember the awards you won, the clients you impressed, or the weddings you slogged through. They will remember the times you were there for them, the laughter shared, and the support you provided. Additionally, a family that feels loved, valued, and secure is an incredible source of strength for any photographer.
My family has been my biggest supporter. They have helped me find that “happy balance.” But, they really smiled when I was there for them.
Balancing work and family life as a photographer is a complex endeavor. The relentless pursuit of success can lead to detrimental effects on your mental health and family relationships. It’s crucial to find a work-life balance that prioritizes your family’s well-being without compromising your professional aspirations.
In the end, a balanced life that includes both a thriving photography career and a thriving family life is the path to genuine and lasting success.
David Hakamaki is a renowned international speaker, educator and photographer. He has been a regular speaker at WPPI and speaks on various photography & business topics. He is married to his wife, Gina, and has four grown children (Henry, Finn, Lara & Ryan) who still tolerate him and his photography career.
Words for Photographers – A Simple Guide to Unlocking Your Sales Potential
The new acquisitions highlight the museum’s effort to expand its already significant collection of American art.
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Fenimore Art Museum announced today that it has acquired eight major works of art including works by Eastman Johnson, William Merritt Chase, John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Maurice Prendergast, Joshua Johnson, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Acquisition of these works was generously funded by the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust.
The acquisitions highlight the museum’s effort to expand its already significant collection of American art. This group broadens the scope to include major works created from the 1870s to about 1930, allowing the museum to tell the story of American art and culture as it evolved after the Civil War.
“We are looking forward to sharing these magnificent acquisitions with our audiences,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, Fenimore Art Museum President and CEO. “Moving forward, our goal is to create a renowned collection of American art that builds upon the early and mid-nineteenth-century works left to the museum by our original benefactor Stephen C. Clark. Likewise, we continue the legacy of the generous gift of the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art given to us in 1995 by the Thaws and housed in a new wing funded by Clark’s granddaughter, Jane Forbes Clark.”
The new works are currently on view through December 31 and will be on display throughout the 2024 season beginning April 1.
New acquisitions include:
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)
Portrait of Laurence Millet, 1887
Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986)
Brown and Tan Leaves, 1928
Childe Hassam (1859-1935)
Mrs. Hassam in the Garden, 1896
Childe Hassam (1859-1935)
St. Germain l’Auxerrois, 1897
Eastman Johnson (1824-1906)
The Pet Lamb, 1873
William Merritt Chase (1849-1916)
The Lady in White, 1894
Joshua Johnson (ca. 1763-ca. 1824)
Seated Girl with Strawberries, ca. 1803-1805
Maurice Brazil Prendergast (1859-1924)
Snowy Day, Boston, ca. 1907-1910
About Fenimore Art Museum
Fenimore Art Museum, located on the shores of Otsego Lake—James Fenimore Cooper’s “Glimmerglass”—in historic Cooperstown, New York, features a wide-ranging collection of American art including folk art, important American 18th- and 19th-century landscape, genre, portrait paintings, photography, and the renowned Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art. Changing exhibitions have featured well-known artists including Keith Haring, Ansel Adams, Andrew Wyeth, M.C. Escher, and others. Museum admission is free for ages 19 and under. Visit FenimoreArt.org.
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Renowned travel brand includes Seattle on prestigious ‘Where to Go’ list
SEATTLE – Seattle is entering the new year with a major distinction – as award-winning travel media brand AFAR names the Emerald City on its list of the most exciting destinations for 2024 travel. Released today, AFAR’s highly anticipated ‘Where to Go’ list spotlights the best travel destinations for the coming year. Selected by AFAR’s global team of correspondents and editors, this year’s list includes 25 top destinations from around the world. One of five U.S. cities to be recognized, Seattle will also be featured in AFAR’s ‘Where to Go’ print issue, which hits newsstands on Jan. 9, 2024.
“We are thrilled for Seattle to receive this prestigious recognition from AFAR, underscoring our city’s status as a world class destination,” said Tammy Canavan, President & CEO for Visit Seattle. “As both Seattleites and those who have traveled to our city can attest, there is no other place in the world quite like Seattle. We embody a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure with a vibrant and diverse cultural scene brimming with extraordinary attractions, top-tier accommodations, culinary hotspots and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. There’s so much excitement heading into the new year, with many reasons for visitors to discover – or rediscover – what makes Seattle among the world’s most iconic spots.”
AFAR’s selection nods to many of the city’s anticipated events over the next year – declaring that Seattle’s cultural offerings take the spotlight in 2024. The publication highlights several museum and gallery happenings, including the anticipated CALDER: IN MOTION, THE SHIRLEY FAMILY COLLECTION exhibition at Seattle Art Museum (running now through Aug. 4, 2024), the Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES exhibition at Henry Art Gallery (running Feb. 24, 2024 — Aug. 04, 2024), the Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science. exhibit at The Museum of History and Industry (running now through March 3, 2024), and the Seattle Aquarium’s redesigned Ocean Pavilion (opening summer 2024).
“Selected as one of the ‘Great American Cities’ in AFAR’s Where to Go in 2024 list, Seattle not only has its gorgeous natural surroundings going for it, but also its rich cultural offerings,” says Billie Cohen, AFAR’s executive editor. “The events coming up in 2024 showcase the city’s coastal geography as well as a commitment to the arts and diversity.”
Spanning cities, regions, and whole countries, AFAR cites the 2024 list as the result of months of research and reporting from its cohort of correspondents and editors roaming the globe. The outlet’s selection process focused on opportunities that allow travelers to go deeper and represent AFAR’s belief that travel can be a force for good. Seattle is included in the editorial roundups of Great American Cities.
View the full ‘Where to Go’ list at: https://www.afar.com/magazine/where-to-go-2024
Check out visitseattle.org for more on travel opportunities to Seattle in 2024 and beyond.
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
About AFAR:
AFAR is the critically acclaimed travel media brand that makes a positive impact on the world through high-quality storytelling that inspires, enriches, and empowers travelers who care. The print edition reaches 1.1 million travelers, while AFAR.com attracts 2.5 million monthly UVs. Follow along on Instagram (@afarmedia) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/afar-media/).
This interview originally aired on “In the Moment” on SDPB Radio.
The Black Hills Indian Artist Market is happening on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City.
The event features award-winning artists, a fashion show with local designers, elder storytelling and traditional food. There will also be a showing of SDPB’s “Tatanka: A Way of Life.”
Lorri Ann Two Bulls is one of the event’s organizers and will also have a booth at the market. She brings us a preview of what to expect this Saturday.
“Untitled” by Blake Randall. Photographer of the Year, Winner.
In a time when the public is increasingly skeptical about the veracity of what they see online, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to a stringent set of requirements, you can rest assured that, in the case of this exceptional landscape photography, what you see is what you get.
Entrants are not allowed to add, remove, or distort significant elements from their images. They also can’t combine images taken at different focal lengths or during different times of day. In order to verify the accuracy of the images, judges require that each photographer also submit their RAW files.
Even though the competition is only in its third year, it still received 11,176 entries from professional and amateur landscape photographers in 54 different countries. And the winners clearly demonstrate that heavy editing is not necessary to produce breathtaking images. Canadian landscape and nature photographer Blake Randall was named Photographer of the Year for his exceptional portfolio of work. From snowy rolling hills to detailed photos of the icy environment, Randall’s photos rose to the top of the field.
“Since its inception, the NLPA awards have set the gold standard for landscape photography—preserving the authentic experience of capturing our planet’s unaltered natural beauty in contrast to the growing popularity of AI and computer-generated imagery,” Randall shared. “The images presented in the competition reflect the kind of photography I aspire to achieve, making this award extra special and something I will be proud of for the rest of my life.”
Proving that you don’t need to be a professional photographer to win an award, Gabriel Stankiewicz‘s image of snow-hugged trees in Norway was named Photograph of the Year. Stankiewicz is a doctoral researcher in computational mechanics by day, and he came across the scene while snowshoeing in Norway.
While winter appears to dominate the top awards, there’s also plenty of greenery to be seen across the contest’s 10 categories. From stunning star trails to lush moss-covered forests, the winners showed off a wide range of landscapes. The winners shared in a prize pool that included $13,000 in cash prizes, as well as FLM tripods. Scroll down to see more winners and get inspired to know that AI has nothing on these talented photographers.
“Untitled” by Tiago Mateus. Project of the Year, Winner.
“A storm in crayon” by Björn Nehrhoff von Holderberg. Grand Scenic, Winner.
“Lake Frome / Munda, South Australia” by Peter Eastway. Aerial, Winner.
“Gogh With The Flow” by Matt Redfern. Abstract and Details, Runner Up.
“Untitled” by Blake Randall. Photographer of the Year, Winner.
“Arctic Tenacity” by Gabriel Stankiewicz. Photograph of the Year, Winner.
“Untitled” by Benjamin Maze. Photographer of the Year, Runner Up.
“Untitled” by Xavier Lequarre. Grand Scenic, Runner Up.
“Eyeing the stars” by Prajit Ravindran. Night, Runner Up.
“Disturbed” by Peter Coskun. Black and White, Runner Up.
“Ice calligraphy” by Pål Hermansen. Aerial,Runner Up.
“Little Leaves” by Mieke Boynton. Common Places,Runner Up.
“Empty” by Jay Tayag. Environmental,Runner Up.
“Tempest – Crawford Notch NH” by Harry Lichtman. Black and White, Winner.
“Early Morning at Piemans Falls” by James Hider. Water, Winner.
“Winter Story” by Takahashi Hiroto. Intimate Landscape, Winner.
“Lightpainting” by Barbara Seiberl-Stark. Water,Runner Up.
“Solstice Marker & Star Trails” by David Hunter. Night, Winner.
“Ephemeral distortion” by Alexandre Deschaumes. Mountains, Winner.
“Winter Light – Mt Geryon – Du Cane Range” by Grant Dixon. Mountains,Runner Up.
“Untitled” by Eric Bennett. Abstract and Details, Winner.
“A little piece of autumn” by César Llaneza. Intimate Landscape, Runner Up.
“Once Upon a Time” by Matt Redfern. Common Places, Winner.
“Fuse” by Martin Bürner. Environmental, Winner.
