Taking Breaks as a Photographer – Why it’s Great for Business

Taking Breaks as a Photographer // Embrace the Slow Season Instead of Sweating It

As summer arrives and our schedules begin to get busy again with the warmer weather, I’ve been reflecting on a truth I’ve learned over the years: taking breaks is crucial for the growth of your photography business.

I know, it might sound counterintuitive. As photographers, we often feel like we need to be constantly working to stay ahead, whether that’s editing, shooting, marketing, or managing client emails. But here’s the thing—sometimes, stepping away for a little while can actually be one of the best things for your business… Not to mention your family, your mental health, your physical health, and your creativity!

The power of a break:

When you’re constantly in “work mode,” it’s easy to burn out and feel creatively drained. Your work starts to feel repetitive, your motivation dips, your creative spark burns out, and the love most of us feel for photography feels like a distant memory.

Here’s why stepping away is so important:

1. Resting Refreshes Your Creativity
   Photography is an art, and like any artist, us photographers thrive when we’re inspired. Taking time off to rest, relax, and recharge allows your mind to clear, giving you fresh perspectives and new ideas. When you return to shooting, you’ll feel more excited, motivated, and ready to try new things.
2. Recharging Keeps You Balanced
   Burnout is real, and the last thing you want is to feel like your business is draining you rather than empowering you to work on your own schedule, be present with your family, and work a job you’re passionate about. Taking breaks helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance, so when it’s time to work, we’re fully present, and when it’s time to rest, we can truly enjoy our time off.
3. Increased Efficiency
   When you’re well-rested, you’ll find that you work faster, more efficiently, and with greater focus. Your editing speed improves, your sessions feel more natural, and your overall workflow gets smoother. We tend to respond to emails more quickly, stay more organized, and not let anything slip through the cracks. 

Why I love the seasonal cycles of photography:

One of the things I really enjoy about being a photographer is the seasonal rhythm that comes with it. Each season brings something new, and winter—while slower—offers the perfect opportunity for rest and renewal.

During the slower months, when bookings are fewer and the weather is colder, I take advantage of the time to refresh. This break allows me to recharge my creative energy, experiment with new ideas, and get excited about the upcoming busy seasons. It’s a time to step away, reflect, and really reconnect with why I love photography in the first place. It’s also a time to prepare for the year ahead, whether that’s refreshing my client closet, putting together a new branding shoot for myself, or releasing new educational content.

I need slower seasons in order to accomplish what I do each year. The tasks I complete during winter are crucial, and the light session schedule helps me fall back in love with my work again as I begin to miss it!

Taking breaks isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

I get it. It can feel like there’s always something to do, always something to fix, or always something you “should” be working on. But if you don’t give yourself permission to rest, you’ll only burn out faster—and that’s no good for your creativity, your passion, or your business.

So here’s my encouragement for you: take that break. Whether it’s a few hours of downtime after a busy week, or a few weeks of slower-paced work, honor that space. Your creativity, your business, and your clients will thank you for it.

Taking breaks doesn’t make you less of a photographer; it makes you a more effective one. I promise, you’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on new projects with more energy than before.

Taking Breaks as a Photographer // Embrace the Slow Season Instead of Sweating It