A PHOTOGRAPHERS GUIDE TO PRODUCTIVITY

If you’re anything like me, you may constantly looking for a better way to manage your workflow.

As a photographer, content creator and creative, I’ve come to recognize the importance of having a schedule that promotes productivity.

After years of trial and error, here’s what I learned:

ESTABLISH HEALTHY WORK BOUNDARIES

Of course, cozying up on your couch, or in bed to get the gritty work done sounds amazing, but are you getting too comfy?

You might think that you can reach peak productivity in your pj’s while binging the next best Netflix show, but I promise you as good as that sounds, it doesn’t work like that.

Designing a distraction free environment for you to get work done will ensure your productivity.

HOW?

(It doesn’t have to be boring!)

Play music that gets you amped up for working.

Can’t handle silence? Get yourself a white noise machine. (Trust me, it helps.)

Clean off your desk. (Organization matters, especially as a photographer.)

Set a time for work and stick to it! (But be sure to make time for breaks too.)

USE WORKFLOW SOFTWARE

Now, what exactly is workflow software?

Workflow software is a platform or specific software designed to help you stay organized.

This kind of software allows you to coordinate the planning, configuring and tracking efforts. This is an excellent resource for any small business owner looking to better manage their workload.

Need some recommendations?

Height app
Smart-sheet
& MONDAY.COM

If you don’t have the budget for any of these, you can go the old fashioned route and get yourself a fancy planner! I’ve also seen some pretty good digital planners available out there too.

This planner has been a lifesaver when it comes to scheduling out content.

(This page contains affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

CREATE A TEMPLATE FOR FREQUENT EMAILS

If you find yourself frequently rewriting the same kinds of emails, this may be a sign that you need a better system.

Pro tip: Create an introductory email for new potential clients, this will save you time.

KEEP A NOTEBOOK FOR ALL YOUR IDEAS

Remember, write it down or you will lose it. Having a notebook handy ensures that when you’ve got an idea or concept, you don’t lose it.

If you’re on the go and happen to forget it, take full advantage of the notes app on your mobile device. (Its a lifesaver.)

CREATE A SYSTEM FOR EDITING PHOTOS EFFICIENTLY

As a fellow photographer, I do understand that editing is one of the most time consuming aspects of the job.

Creating a good system to get your editing done will free up time for more clients.

More time = More clients = More profit

How?

Tackle edits in larger batches. (Set aside a time to do this.)

Don’t underestimate the workload, it’s going to take real effort.

Create keyboard shortcuts for every editing action.

I kid you not, that last tip alone will cut your editing time in half, and save you hundreds (if not thousands) of keystrokes during your editing process.

SET FIXED SHORT TERM GOALS

A lack of preparation leads to a lack of success.

What do you want?

Be specific when you set goals, and do what you can to make them realistic enough to reach.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

Thinking too much about the past (what work you’ve done, what you should’ve done and negativity in general) is counter-productive.

Your work will continue to change as you grow, this is for the better. You’ve made it this far! Be confident in how much farther you can go, I believe in you.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO PRODUCTIVITY?

Being capable of doing more meaningful things with your time and your craft.

But, no matter what habits you decide to implement into your routine to increase your productivity, it comes down to your ability to set aside distraction and stay motivated enough to get it done.

You CAN do it.