Culling and Editing and Turn around times AND juggling motherhood? YEAH WOOF. We know first hand how exhausting it all can be, but it’s not impossible. We just need to get your systems and ground rules laid out.

Let’s dive in, and if you want to listen in here is the link to Episode #08

When Your Workflow Meets Motherhood Chaos

Let’s be real for a minute. Being a photographer who’s also a mom is like trying to bake a soufflé while your kitchen is on fire. You’ve got thousands of images to cull through from Saturday’s wedding, a toddler who just discovered markers work on walls, and a client who “just wanted to check in on those previews you mentioned.”

Deep breath. We’ve all been there.

Remember when you could sit down and edit an entire wedding in one day? Those were the days! Now you’re lucky if you can cull through the getting-ready photos during naptime (if naptime even happens).

Setting Realistic Expectations (For Yourself AND Your Clients)

Here’s the truth bomb we all need to hear: Your pre-kids workflow simply doesn’t work anymore. And that’s okay! Instead of fighting against your new reality, it’s time to create systems that work WITH your mom life, not against it.

First things first – your turnaround times probably need to change. If you were delivering galleries in two weeks before kids, you might need to bump that to three or four or eight weeks now. And that’s completely okay! Better to over-deliver by surprising clients early than constantly apologizing for missed deadlines.

Your New Mom-Friendly Workflow

Let’s break this down into manageable chunks:

1. Culling in Pockets of Time

• Use a culling software that makes selection quick (we love PhotoMechanic or Aftershoot for this!)
• Break your culling into smaller sessions – ceremony today, reception tomorrow
• Set a timer for 20 minutes and see how much you can get through – small goals!

2. Editing Systems That Save Your Sanity

• Batch editing is your new best friend
• Create your own and use your presets for everything
• Consider outsourcing your editing during busy seasons (seriously, it’s a game-changer and your the business owner NOT the employee)
• Edit in short, focused bursts rather than marathon sessions
• Lower your perfectionism bar just a little – most clients won’t notice the difference between 30 minutes and 3 hours of detailed editing

3. Managing Turnaround Time Expectations

• Add buffer time to whatever timeline you think you need
• Send sneak peeks early to buy yourself goodwill and time
• Be transparent with clients upfront about your timeline
• Use an email template to quickly respond to “just checking in” messages
• Consider a client management system (Honeybook or Dubsado) that sends automatic updates

The Mom Photographer’s Ground Rules

These are non-negotiables for maintaining your sanity:

1. No editing after X TIME (your brain needs rest and your editing gets sloppy when you’re tired)
2. Schedule dedicated editing blocks when you have childcare
3. Create a dedicated workspace so you can walk away and come back without setup time
4. Communicate clear boundaries to clients about when you’re available
5. Build in buffer days for inevitable sick kids and school closures

Culling and Editing – Finding Your Rhythm

Every photographer mom has different demands and different support systems. Some of us edit during naptime, some edit at 5am before the kids wake up, and some block off two full days with childcare to power through everything.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the photographers who thrive with kids are the ones who:

• Accept that their workflow needs to change
• Set realistic expectations for themselves and their clients
• Create systems rather than winging it
• Ask for help when they need it
• Give themselves grace when things don’t go as planned

Remember, this season of life where you’re balancing little ones and your business is temporary. The days are long but the years are short, and one day you’ll have all the uninterrupted editing time in the world (and you’ll probably miss those little interruptions).

Until then, we’re here with you, editing with one hand while holding a baby in the other, promising clients “just one more week,” and somehow still delivering gorgeous galleries that make it all worthwhile.

Want more specific workflow tips and systems? Tune into Episode #08 of Cameras & Carseats where we dive deep into exactly how we manage our culling, editing, and turnaround times while juggling motherhood.

You’ve got this, mama. One image at a time.

Cameras & Carseats, the podcast for mom photographers

Cameras & Carseats Podcast episode #08 for more on this topic

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See you every Tuesday for actionable content that works when you’re also a busy parent.

Culling, editing, and turn around times while also being in the thick of motherhood can be a lot, we see you, we support you, we encourage you right here right now!