One of the most common questions I get—right after “What’s your favorite wedding venue?”—is “How do you balance being a mom and running a photography business?” The truth? Some days, it’s a well-oiled machine. Other days, it’s organized chaos. But it’s always full of love, creativity, and a whole lot of carline coffee.
Being a photographer isn’t just about taking pictures. There’s editing, client calls, designing albums, marketing, bookkeeping—you name it. And being a mom? That’s a full-time job in itself. So, how do I make it work? I thought I’d give you a peek into a typical day when I don’t have a wedding or a session.
You may also be interested in reading “Designing a Life You Love”.
A Typical Day in My Life as a Business Owner and Mom
Morning: The Hustle Begins
The day starts early in our house. My alarm goes off, and within minutes, I’m waking up my girls, making breakfast, and getting everyone ready for the day. It’s a whirlwind of packing lunches, finding lost shoes, and making sure we actually get out the door on time.
Once school drop-off is complete, I get a few quiet moments to myself before diving into work. This is my time for a little stillness—a few minutes to journal, read, or just sit with my coffee in peace before the emails start rolling in.
Work Mode: Emails, Editing & Album Design
By mid-morning, I’m in full work mode. I check emails, edit wedding galleries, design albums, and finalize client timelines. This is where most people don’t realize just how much goes into photography beyond the wedding day itself. Each wedding involves hours (and hours) of editing, perfecting each image so it reflects the couple’s love story in the most beautiful way.
To keep myself from sitting all day, I hop on my walking pad every 45 minutes for a quick break. It keeps me moving while still staying focused.
Midday: Lunch & More Business Tasks
Lunch is usually quick, but I use this time to reset before tackling more work. This is when I schedule calls, finalize contracts, and make sure everything is in place for my upcoming weddings.
If I’m working with a wedding planner, we might go over a timeline to ensure everything flows seamlessly. I also check in with couples about any last-minute details. Photography is so much more than showing up and taking photos—it’s about preparation, communication, and making sure no detail is overlooked.
Afternoon: School Pickup & Sports Mom Life
The afternoons are where things get BUSY. After picking up the girls, we’re off to all the things—ballet, track, tennis, basketball, appointments. I spend a lot of time in the car, which means I’ve become a master at squeezing in productivity wherever I can. Sometimes, I’m catching up on calls. Other times, I’m reading a book while waiting in carline.
Dinner happens somewhere in between, depending on the schedule. Some nights, it’s a home-cooked meal. Other nights, it’s whatever we can grab between activities. And honestly? Both are perfectly fine.
Evening: Winding Down (Sort Of)
By 7:30, I’m either hopping on client calls or squeezing in a workout. If I have a couple who wants to go over their wedding details, I make time for them in the evenings when things quiet down a bit. Then, it’s time to unwind—watching a show with my husband, reading a book, or just sitting in the quiet before doing it all again tomorrow.
Final Thoughts on Balancing Motherhood & Business
No two days look exactly the same, but this rhythm works for me. Some days, I’m in full-on wedding mode. Other days, I’m soaking in extra time with my girls. Running a business while being a mom means constantly shifting between roles—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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