Planning Pregnancies as a wedding photographer can feel a little overwhelming, especially as a first time mom. Don’t fret though, we have two different experiences to help you navigate this new territory!
Let’s dive right into being pregnant to postpartum while running your photography business.
Make sure to tune into the Planning Pregnancy episode linked here, too.
Planning Pregnancies as a Wedding Photographer
You did it, you run your own business, you are taking on dream wedding clients, but you also want to expand your family.
Which if you want to, put it first, your family should always be your top priority. That’s why you started your business in the first place to work for yourself and be able to give yourself your own version of a dream life.
So how the heck do you start planning pregnancies as a wedding photographer?
Well this is our stories, and also our advice.
Jamie had her business first, and established it long before having kids.
Alex had her kids first and then dove head into wedding photography.
Then we both experienced being pregnant and postpartum during the wedding on / off seasons.
While Jamie has experienced a miscarriage, they both had fairly easy times getting pregnant, and both decided to try to plan for “off season” babies to give them enough time for a maternity leave.
Please note we are very sensitive to the fact not everyone can do that, so always put your family goals first and if you end up pregnant and due with an “on season” baby we have tips for you!
Pregnant at a Wedding vs Postpartum with Weddings
Being pregnant at a wedding is a different form of tired. You are not only caring for yourself, your clients, you’re also burning energy creating life.
Tips to survive being pregnant at a wedding:
- Water & Snacks
- Compression socks, good shoes (or change of shoes)
- Electrolytes (LMNT is jamie’s favorite)
- Having an assistant to carry your bags
- Having a trusted second shooter who could step in as an associate if needed
- Use a wheeled cart. If it can have wheels – DO IT
- Change of clothes (you never know)
Communication is key, Tell your Clients what’s up and you will set yourself up for Success
Sometimes your pregnancy kicks your butt, sometimes it doesn’t. Every body & baby will be different so we can’t fully prepare, but we can try!
If you’re an elopement photographer, make sure you always tell someone where you will be. You might not always have cell service so share your location!
Being up front with your clients is always good practice, too.
How To tell you client You are pregnant as their photographer:
- Meet in person, so you can ease any of their worry about their photos
- If it effects their date, offer an associate or help them find a replacement
- If having an associate make sure you train them in your eye so it’s consistent for the client
- Send an email if you can’t call or meet up with all the points of how you’re still taking care of them
Planning Pregnancies as a wedding photographer: Postpartum Phase
Postpartum is a rude awakening, there is no sugar coating that. But it doesn’t have to be this awful thing that you have to be scared of.
Yes your body is going through another change, you now have a baby to care for, and business, what do you do?!
First – rest. A well rested mom is the game changer. So talk to your partner about your plan for what you need to accomplish for business tasks while also taking care of yourself.
If you had a wedding near the end of your pregnancy, you can communicate with your clients that your turn around time might be a little longer (just always tell them the truth and be up front!).
Or
You can outsource your editing, then do the finishing touches of editing. This works wonders and it doesn’t mean you failed your client – it’s asking someone who can do the task for you to help you!
Want more from Alex & Jamie? Tune into the podcast that is helping mom photographers around the world
Episode #03 Planning Pregnancies
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Alex is your traditional wedding photographer that you can find here
Jamie is your destination elopement photographer that you can find here
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Jamie is Dubsado’s biggest fangirl, so get 20% off using her Dubsado link!
Or enter my code at check out “jamietobinphotography”
Alex is Honeybook’s ride or die, so get your discount using her Honeybook link!
See you every Tuesday for actionable content that works when you’re also a busy parent.
Planning Pregnancies as a wedding Photographer from the experiences of a traditional wedding photographer, Alex, and adventure elopement photographer, Jamie
You got this! Now go tackle some business!
