Running a photography business seems like a fun, flexible option for people who love photography and want to earn an income from it. It doesn’t take long after starting your business, though, to find out that it can be extremely time-consuming if you’re doing it well. So many of us start our business as parents or students, or people trying to balance multiple roles, and if we’re not careful, the business can consume our lives. So today, I want to share my 5 time-saving tips for photographers, so you can better balance your business, with everything else you do.

My story may be similar to yours. I started my business when my first child was about 18 months. I worked part-time at the time and wanted to be home with her more and also earn a better income. So, I jumped in with two feet. After a while, I realized this was no side-gig. To run my business like a business, and earn an income that would actually make a difference in my life, this was pretty much a full-time job. I looked for ways to save time and also provide a great experience to my clients, without sacrificing my income.

While the true key to my personal success was Virtual IPS (which you can learn more about here), I wanted to share 5 time-saving tips for photographers that helped me offload some of the work, so I could focus on more important things.

Tip #1: Create a dedicated workspace that you keep clutter-free and organized

I know what you’re thinking – how does this save me time? Having a dedicated workspace that is organized has been proven to increase productivity, making all those little tasks that take up your time more efficient, and ultimately saving you lots of time.

Ensure everything you use daily – hard drives, notebooks, printer, your laptop – is easily accessible and ready for you to get going the moment you can. Which leads us to our next time-saving tip for photographers…

Time-Saving Tip #2: Carve out dedicated work time.

This is sacred. Keep it as consistent as possible. I recommend scheduling this in the morning if you’re able. Studies have shown that most people tend to be more productive first thing than we are in the evening. If you don’t work another job and you have the ability to treat your business as you would a traditional job, at least most days, this can be super beneficial. If you don’t have an office and find you’re feeling distracted at home, work at a coffee shop or, better yet, find a co-working space where you can both work and network (win-win!)

Time-Saving Tip #3: Start with a brain dump

During your work time, start with a brain dump. Instead of distracting yourself by keeping everything in your head, write everything you need to do on a paper or in a trusted document or organizational system. I like to write it down with check boxes so I can check them off as they are finished. This both helps me keep on track, as well as makes me feel accomplished at the end of my work time.

Time-Saving Tip #4: Figure out the Priorities

Go through your list, and underline the priorities. I recommend prioritizing customer service and money-making activities first. Respond to client emails and ensure you’re providing the level of service you advertise by dealing with deliverables, then follow up with things that will bring in new clients. I personally like to highlight the money making activities on my list in green, so I know to get them done before moving onto the “busy work”.

Time-Saving Tip #5: Time block

Now that you have a solid list of what needs to be done and what needs to be done most, estimate the amount of time each thing will take you. Break your work time into smaller focused chunks. Give yourself a good amount of time. If you finish early, get up and grab a glass of water and then add that time to your next task.If the task isn’t finished at the end of your time, assess. Is it the absolute most important thing? Does it need to be totally finished today? If so, see what you can take off today’s list. If not, put it aside and start on what’s next.

Want to learn more about how to be productive, and earn more in your business? Join my free Facebook Community for Photographers!

Bonus tip: Use templates and things other photographers have created!

If you’re interested in finding the templates and resources I offer photographers, including my Inquiry Booking Script, or my Sales Session blueprint, you can find them here.