PPD as a photographer – as told by Jamie & Alex two photographer moms turned podcasters to connect with fellow moms walking the same path so we all could feel together, and less alone.
The Reality of Motherhood Behind the Lens
Hey there, photographer mama. Let’s get real for a minute. Postpartum depression is that unwelcome guest that nobody invited to the party, but sometimes shows up anyway. There’s no sugar-coating it – PPD is an ugly side to motherhood that catches so many of us off guard.
But what happens when you’re not just dealing with a newborn and raging hormones, but also have photography clients waiting, deadlines approaching, and a business that depends on your creativity?
PPD as a Photographer – When Your Camera Feels Too Heavy to Lift
So there you are – deadlines looming, your inbox overflowing, a client gallery that needs editing, and your baby (or babies!) crying in the background. Meanwhile, you can barely find the energy to get out of bed, let alone pick up your camera.
Shower? What’s that? Self-care feels like a luxury you can’t afford right now.
We’ve been there. Those days when you stare at your camera bag and feel nothing but dread. When editing photos feels impossible because you can’t focus through the fog. When you worry that your creativity has vanished along with your pre-baby jeans.
You are not alone in this struggle.
You built your photography business because you love creating beautiful images and having the flexibility to provide for your family while doing something that brings you joy. But now there’s this heavy weight on your chest – guilt when you’re working instead of with your baby, guilt when you’re with your baby instead of working, and guilt when you just need to lie down because it all feels like too much.
How to Navigate PPD While Running Your Photography Business
Here’s what has helped us and many photographer mamas in our community:
- Shower. No, seriously. Put the babies down somewhere safe for five minutes and get in that shower. Sometimes the smallest act of self-care can break through the fog, even if just for a moment.
- Talk to someone who gets it. Whether it’s a fellow photographer mom, your partner, or a therapist – get those feelings out of your body and into the open. PPD thrives in isolation and silence.
- Outsource what you can. Maybe it’s time to hire an editor for a few months, or use a client management system to automate your emails. Perhaps it’s getting meal delivery or asking family to help with the baby while you work. Give yourself permission to not do it all.
- Adjust your client load. It’s okay to take fewer clients right now. Your business will still be there when you’re ready to ramp back up.
- Find your photographer mom group. Connect with others who understand the unique challenges of balancing cameras, clients, and cribs. Our Cameras & Carseats community is full of women walking this exact path.
PPD as a Photographer: The mix of Motherhood and Business
Here’s the truth – you can be both a present, loving mother AND a successful photographer. One doesn’t have to sacrifice the other. But during seasons of PPD, you might need to redefine what “success” looks like.
Maybe success is delivering one beautiful gallery this month instead of five. Maybe it’s taking family photos with your phone because your professional camera feels too overwhelming right now. Maybe it’s shooting only when you have childcare instead of trying to do both simultaneously.
Whatever it looks like for you, know this: PPD is not forever. This season will pass. Your creativity isn’t gone – it’s just hibernating while your body and mind heal.
Until then, we’re here for you. Because whether you call it PPD, PPA (Postpartum Anxiety), or PPR (Postpartum Rage) – it happens, and you’re never, ever alone in this.
Come join us every Tuesday for practical tips that actually work when you’re balancing business and babies. Your camera will be waiting for you when you’re ready to pick it up again – and so will we.
Remember: If you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call your doctor or the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS immediately. You matter too much not to reach out.
Tune into Cameras & Carseats Podcast to not feel alone in your Photography business and motherhood
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PPD as a photographer // PPR PPA PPD // postpartum mothers
