Save Hours with these Photoraphy Tools // Tools and Practices to Make the Most of your Busy Season
Fall is finally here, and all of us family photographers know what that means: packed calendars, marathon editing sessions, and perpetually full inboxes. It’s a crazy mix of overwhelming and amazing, and can truly be the most rewarding season of the year — unless the busy turns into burnout.
In my 10+ years in this business, I’ve had fall seasons that left me full and happy, and others that left me absolutely fried. Thankfully, I’ve also learned a lot through trial and error, and now I approach fall totally ready for a little bit of craziness — and also with the right tools to help me manage it and stay healthy.
Here are seven different tools and work practices that will help you save a ton of time (and sanity) this fall season!
⚡️ 1. ImagenAI
This AI-powered editing tool has been a game-changer for me. It delivers a polished starting point that matches my style, so I can spend just a few minutes in Lightroom making a few final adjustments, instead of hours editing from scratch. It’s fast, reliable, and so affordable, and will cut down the time you spend in Lightroom by 50-90% (really). Use this link for 1500 free edits!
✨ 2. Evoto
This AI retouching tool gives every photo a perfectly retouched, high-end look in minutes instead of hours. With Evoto, you can copy and paste your settings from one image to the next — it’s truly the fastest way ever to get professional, consistent retouching done. If you’re not retouching your photos, I highly recommend checking this out as well — our job is to make our clients look their best, and this program will level up your photos in a major way! Try it using this link and you’ll get up to 500 free edits!
Note: not sure of the difference between Imagen and Evoto?
👉🏻 Imagen takes care of everything you do in Lightroom: white balance, contrast, curves, cropping, etc.
👉🏻 Evoto takes care of everything you do in Photoshop: retouching, including smoothing skin, removing blemishes and double chins, fixing flyaway hairs, etc.
I use both together for the most beautiful images and streamlined workflow.
💌 3. Words That Work
This is my own suite of communication templates, and it’s one of the biggest time savers in my entire business. I use templates for everything — inquiries, booking, check-ins, follow-ups — so I can communicate with clients quickly, clearly, and confidently. I love offering this template suite because I know how much time it saves me personally. It’s also incredibly affordable and well worth the time you’ll save!
Bonus: these templates are already written in four totally unique and professional voices, so you don’t even need to customize them before getting started.
📋 4. Studio Ninja
I’ve used this CRM for years and it has completely streamlined my workflow. It organizes every part of my client experience and even allows for online booking (especially handy for petite sessions when inquiries are booking fast during fall). It syncs with my calendar, sends automated invoice reminders to clients, and so much more. And they get to manage all of their own details seamlessly in a beautiful client portal. Use code AHIU3CQ7YH0UY0 for 20% off, forever!
🎧 5. Focus Music
As much as I love a good podcast or audiobook, if I’m honest… they slow me down. When my to-do list is full, I switch to focus music, which is specifically designed to keep our brains focused and energized. It makes a huge difference in my focus and productivity! Check out my favorite channel here. I love the really upbeat tracks myself, but if you prefer mellow and soothing, there’s something for everyone to choose from.
📌 6. Block Work
Multitasking feels productive, but it’s actually the opposite. I batch tasks — editing, emails, bookings, newsletters, etc. — and give each one my full focus. I also try to minimize how often I check my email in a day, and aim for once in the morning and once in the afternoon. When I check in often, it is really distracting and kills my productivity on my other tasks. Turning off notifications while I’m working is also a must. Embracing a block work schedule is one of the best choices I’ve made for myself!
🎙 7. Voice to Text
This one is so simple yet so effective: I use voice-to-text whenever possible on my phone. It saves me tons of time (and my poor thumbs) compared to typing everything out. You can also use this at a computer for emails, newsletters, and everything else! I haven’t done this yet myself because I actually love typing at my keyboard with my focus music on, but if you get bogged down in typing, give this a try too!
Friend, I promise that busy season doesn’t have to mean burnout! By using the right tools and creating supportive habits, you can reclaim your time (and your sanity!) while still delivering incredible work.
Cheers to a wonderful fall!
Save Hours with these Photoraphy Tools // Tools and Practices to Make the Most of your Busy Season
I’m a family photographer and educator with a passion for real transformation. I believe in your talents and potential even more than you might believe in them. Really! I believe in you because I know that being a successful photographer isn’t about being born with the right skills, but about getting your hands on the right education.
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