Product Photography is so much more than just a few great pictures. I think I speak for all of my fellow Product Photographers when I say this, we spend days planning out the shoot, collecting ideas, sourcing props (if there’s no stylist on board), and creating the final setup on the shoot day.
It’s not fair to expect that someone who isn’t from the same field will understand the plethora of things that go on behind the scenes.
It is in fact, very easy to feel a burnout coming up when you’re shooting products back to back.
Product Photography is a creative art and to be at your most creative self, you need to feel your best from the inside out. This affects you as an artist and the brand as well because they can get better results if you’re at your best creative self.
You can’t force great ideas that are uniquely yours if you are exhausted. Your personal goals should be aligned with your professional goals.
Just like it is true for any other profession, work-life balance is important. It is not all about making the most money in the shortest amount of time.
But about making money along with maintaining your own health, both mentally and physically.
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A little about my personal experience as a product photographer…
Before the pandemic began in March 2020, my work was mainly focused on portraits and fashion.
I did shoot products as well but not in the majority. I wouldn’t call myself that much of a Product Photographer back then.
As the pandemic started to ease out a bit, more brands were focussing on improving their sales online since that was the only source through which they could reach potential customers.
Because of this, I personally, saw a huge surge in Product Photography requests. Which I’m grateful for as it helped my business stay afloat in unprecedented times.
It was exciting at first, having fully booked months with brands that were right in my niche.
But after a month or so, I felt exhausted creatively.
Each Product Photography project involves a lot of going back and forth with the brand’s team to discuss the deliverables, budget, timelines, etc.
And if you don’t have a team wherein someone else is responsible for handling client conversations over the phone, it is quite a time taking.
You become a one-man/woman/person business doing everything from client handling to final retouching edits on the photographs.
The main reason I pursued my passion for Photography and created it into a business of my own was to enjoy working and be free of stress.
But if your Photography business creates a stressful environment for you because of multiple projects and short deadlines, it is time to take a step back, friend.
Happiness should be your top-most priority. Don’ say YES to everything.
Also Read: How to become a Product Photographer
Signs of a burnout
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Not enjoying Photography anymore
- Feeling pessimistic, that you skills aren’t getting any better
- Wanting to avoid client calls and emails out of exhaustion
- Not feeling content with your output
When to start saying no
Start saying no when
- You get an enquiry for a project when you’re already fully booked. Don’t try to squeeze in some extra time or overlay different projects. This will stress you out.
- You spot red flags quite early when communicating with the client. Here are some red flags you should look out for.
- The deliverables don’t match the limited budget. Avoid stressing yourself out about how you’d manage the expenses when the images need a lot of investment but the client has a limited budget.
- The work isn’t exactly in your niche and wouldn’t help you land your dream clients, or upgrade your portfolio.
- The project has a super short deadline and the brand is more than eager to book you ASAP. Projects wih short deadlines can be tricky. The ideation, shooting and editing takes time and if you hurry that up, things can get messy. This in turn will affect your other shoots too.
People pleasing can lead you to a burnout
Sometimes the brand will really emphasize the fact that they love your work and would be thrilled to get an opportunity to hire you as their Product Photographer.
It is totally normal to feel excited when you are praised for the work you put your heart and soul into. I know I did.
But don’t let yourself make decisions while you’re happy with the praise you’re getting.
Have a minimum pricing package, below which you wouldn’t take up gigs. Don’t invest too much of your money in customizing props and setups for a project that is paying you lower than expected.
You should be comfortable in saying no when needed. Say it in a nice way though and let them know that you’re willing to work together soon when things align.
Also Read: Affordable online Photography courses you should check out
Limit your social media intake
Social Media is a breeding ground of possibilities and new exciting opportunites.
It is easy to get caught up in the loop and spend time resenting our own level of success by comparing it with others.
Everyone loves to share the successes on social media and the not-so-perfect behind the scenes never makes it to the public eye.
Don’t compare your work, your expertise in your niche with someone else’s social media presence.
You’ve something unique, something that makes you you.
Take time to remind yourself that you’re talented and that growth is a process. Be inspired by other’s work instead of having second thoughts about your skills.
It’s time to revisit your prices
Think about why you’re getting a ton of requests for bookings?
Because your work is flawless, your profile is trustworthy and brands are loving the pictures you’re shooting.
It also means that you’re quoting a bit low. If every brand you pitch to, says YES on the first go, it is your sign to revisit your prices.
I strongly suggest you have customized quotes for each project because each Product Photography project is so different.
Often you’ll have clients asking you for a rough estimate before they share the details about the project.
It is essential to let them know that you need to know the specifics in order to be able to share a quote that fits the project. You can create a Google form which you can then share with brands for a quicker & smoother communication funnel.
Another thing I’d like to suggest is, have a monthly goal for your income. And when you’ve reached your monthly goal with still time to spare, you can take on projects at a bit lower commercials since you have already reached your goal.
Have a rough estimate on the number of projects you might get in a month and divide your monthly goal income between them.
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