Owning a photography business has its seasons. Especially if you live in a state that has winters…thanks a lot Michigan. Regardless of where you live though, being a creative, you live in waves. There are seasons of growth, seasons of questioning and doubts, and seasons of challenges and accomplishments. It is so important to embrace the high tides AND the low tides. But even more noticeably so, there are our busy seasons and our slow seasons. Instead of letting our slow seasons keep us up at night with anxiety, we need to look at these seasons from a different perspective. Sure, sometimes I think I’d rather be in a constant state of hustle, non-stop shooting, and responding to emails. But it is so important to embrace our slow seasons and look at them as a season of opportunity. Just because business is slow, doesn’t mean your work has to stop.

Reset + Refocus

First things first. Take a break and put the damn camera down for once. It’s so important to rest. Being creative all the time can be draining, emotionally and physically. That career you love so much starts to feel more like a job, and becomes routine-like. When you find yourself feeling this way, you need to take a step back. Hit pause and unplug. If that means booking yourself a cabin in the middle of the woods for a week, so be it. Stepping away from your to-do list leaves you only more room to dream bigger, set more goals, and prep yourself for an even better busy season. Entering your next season as your best self; rested and ready for anything.

Work smarter, not harder

Remember all that stuff you kept putting off because it was busy season and you said you’ll do it when your work slows down? Hellllooooo, the time has arrived! When we’re in the midst of our busy seasons, it is so easy to set important things aside. It’s almost impossible to focus on anything other than our current clients.

One thing I like doing during my busy months, is jotting down things as I go to remind myself to go back to them. Slow season is the perfect time to look at your business from a different perspective! Maybe it’s time to start that blog, or hire that web designer to level up. Or maybe you realize you spend way too much of your time managing your clients individually and need a new system (Honeybook is my favorite…check this out!) Or heck, maybe it’s time to get your a$$ on Pinterest and take advantage of FREE marketing.

I guarantee that there are things you are doing in your business that you can change, work on, or upgrade. I challenge you to look at what you do with a critical eye and start working smarter, not harder. Use your downtime to reevaluate and make some much needed changes. I promise that your clients WILL notice.

Re-inspire yourself

Do something for yourself, babe. Craving a trip to some place new? Book the damn flight. If that’s not financially an option for you, don’t worry I’ve got something for you, too. What about that shoot you’ve been really wanting to do? Freaking do it! Connect with other local vendors who may be in the same lull as you. Find inspiration in your own work again and do it for the love of it. Forget about the money for a second and let your creative self reflect your business. Fuel yourself creatively and re-inspire yourself in some way. Your future clients will thank you.

Spend money to make money

The off season is the absolute best time to take the leap and sign up for that workshop you’ve been dreaming about! Invest in your business, and your clients will do. Investing in business development (education, mentorships, courses, etc) will be the smartest decision you’ll ever make with your business. Swear it.

Embrace the ebb and flows of your photography business! Just because it’s a slow season doesn’t mean it’s a bad season. Seek out the opportunities in front of yourself and get ready for the busiest, slow season ever. 😉