I'm a part-time portrait photographer, looking for ways to save time, run a successful business, and prevent burnout.


As a part-time photographer, it can be challenging to juggle photography shoots, editing, and managing the backend of your business. However, there are ways to save time and streamline your workload. Here are four ways that I plan to save time as a part-time photographer, and you can too:



1. Use social media scheduling tools


Social media is a vital marketing tool for photographers. However, managing your social media presence can be time-consuming. This is where social media scheduling tools come in handy. With social media scheduling tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Later, you can schedule posts in advance, saving you time in the long run. These tools allow you to plan your content ahead of time and schedule it to be published automatically, so you don't have to worry about manually posting every day. There are also settings within many of the social media apps that allow you to schedule posts during times of high engagement, keeping you from having to drop everything to post, when you're busy working your 9 to 5.


Batching content is another good method to utilize when you are lacking extra time during the week. Batching content is the process of creating multiple pieces of content at once and scheduling them for publication at a later date. It involves setting aside a block of time to focus on creating content, such as blog posts, social media updates, or videos, and creating multiple pieces of content during that time. Batching content allows content creators to work more efficiently by eliminating distractions and focusing on one task at a time. By creating a batch of content at once, content creators can also ensure a consistent flow of content, even during busy periods or times when they might not have as much time to create new content. So visualize this.... instead of getting dressed up and doing your makeup 5 days out of the week, to create video content, simply plan out content and knock them all out in a day. Making video after video, but switching your outfits out in between, can save a ton of time during your marketing process.


As a part-time photographer, my weeks are often split between many priorities, such as my full-time job, workout schedule, meeting, and more. I make sure to set aside time to market, during my busy week, for the growth of my business. How do I do this? I have mapped out what my average week looks like, and all of the things I HAVE to do during certain parts of my day. I call this time blocking. I then look for gaps in my schedule and fill the blocks of time in with photography to-dos.



2. Outsource editing


Editing is a time-consuming process that can take up a significant amount of your time as a photographer. However, it's also an essential aspect of your work that needs to be done correctly. One way to save time is to outsource your editing to a professional photo editor. Many companies offer photo editing services at a reasonable cost, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your photography business. Outsourcing editing can also result in higher-quality images, as professional editors have years of experience and a keen eye for detail. Personally, editing is not my favorite task. I would rather be spending my time working with people, instead of sitting behind the computer screen. This time-saving method also allows for more shooting time, which in turn allows for more sessions to be booked, and more money to be made.



3. Use online platforms to run the backend of your business


Running a photography business involves more than just taking pictures. You also need to manage your finances, schedule appointments, and communicate with clients. Fortunately, there are many online platforms available that can help you manage the backend of your business. I use a platform called Pixieset, which offers all-in-one solutions for photographers, including invoicing, contracts, scheduling, and client communication, as well as gallery delivery and website creation. By using a platform like this, you can save time and focus on what you do best – taking pictures.


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https://gallery.pixieset.com/ref/OVeonExNyN



4. Do mini sessions


Mini sessions are shorter photoshoots that typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. They're a great way to save time while still earning money as a photographer. Mini sessions are popular among families, couples, and small businesses, making them an excellent opportunity to expand your client base. By offering mini sessions, you can increase your income and save time by shooting several sessions in a single day. SAVE TIME AND ENERGY FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENT!!!


In conclusion, as a part-time photographer, it's crucial to find ways to save time and streamline your workload. By using social media scheduling tools, outsourcing editing, using online platforms to manage the backend of your business, and offering mini sessions, you can save time while still delivering high-quality work to your clients. So, take advantage of these time-saving strategies and focus on what you do best – capturing memories that will last a lifetime!!