How To Run Your Wedding Photography Business While On Maternity Leave

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Running your wedding photography business while on maternity leave can feel a bit daunting, since all solopreneurs know that if you aren’t answering emails and out doing the work, nobody is. With careful planning and organization, it's possible to maintain your business and balance it with your new responsibilities as a parent. Here are some steps to help you manage your wedding photography business during maternity leave:

Plan Ahead: Start planning for your maternity leave well in advance of your due date. This includes notifying your clients, managing associate shooters, having a plan for culling and editing while you’re on leave, and setting expectations with associates/vendors/clients. Over-communication is key here.

Notify Your Clients: Inform your existing clients about your upcoming maternity leave as early as possible. Be transparent about the dates you'll be on leave and provide options for either working with an associate photographer (someone else shoots the wedding but you handle the editing) or terminating the contract so they can find a new photographer.

Delegate Responsibilities: Consider hiring or collaborating with an associate photographer or a trusted colleague to cover weddings and photo sessions during your maternity leave. Make sure they are familiar with your style and approach to photography. Have a plan on how RAW files will get delivered to you (I pay for a Dropbox plan) and by when. I pay my associates extra to handle culling so that takes a little off my plate. I also communicate to my associates when booking them that I expect ~20 sneak peek RAW files next day via Dropbox and then the final culled files 3 days after the wedding via Dropbox.

Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work boundaries during maternity leave. Inform clients and associates about the specific times when you'll be available for communication and work-related tasks. Let them know your preferred methods of communication. Do you prefer to limit communication to email or can they text you if needed?

Automate Your Workflow: Utilize software tools and automation to streamline your workflow. This includes scheduling social media posts (I recommend Planoly), sending automated email responses, and managing client inquiries (Honeybook is great for setting up automated workflows).

Outsource Administrative Tasks: If you have the means, delegate administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, client correspondence, and editing to a virtual assistant or an employee. This will free up your time for essential aspects of your business. For me personally, the administrative tasks never felt too overwhelming for me to keep up with but everyone is different. You know yourself best and what parts will overwhelm you. Outsource those if you can. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box here. If hiring a house cleaner will take a huge weight off of your shoulders, by all means, do it!

Maintain an Online Presence: Keep your website and social media profiles updated with recent work, blog posts, and client testimonials. Take the time to do this before your due date. You can even schedule blog posts and social media posts so that they post during your maternity leave. Consistency in your online presence will help maintain your business's visibility.

Set Realistic Expectations: Be realistic about the amount of work you can handle during maternity leave. Avoid overcommitting and prioritize self-care and family time.

Plan for Backup: In case of any unexpected emergencies or situations, have a backup plan in place with your associate photographer or trusted colleague.

Stay Organized: Use project management tools, calendars, apps, and to-do lists to stay organized. This will help you manage both your photography business and family life efficiently.

Prioritize Self-Care: Remember that taking care of yourself and your baby is the top priority during maternity leave. Avoid overextending yourself, and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed.

Adjust Your Workflow as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your business operations based on your baby's needs and your own recovery. Your business can adapt and thrive as you navigate the challenges of maternity leave.

Balancing your wedding photography business with maternity leave may require some adjustments, but with careful planning and support from your network, you can successfully manage both aspects of your life.

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