With an infinite number of things jostling for room on your overflowing to-do lists, it’s easy to let the creative outlet you love slip to the back burner. In this episode, my own time-management mentor, Jo, and I talk about strategies you can use to carve out time for photography no matter how full your calendar.
Build your own custom time-strategy toolkit
Good news and bad news.
The bad news is, there’s no magic bullet solution for time management. There’s no one strategy you can flip on and swoosh, your calendar is cleared for creativity.
The good news is, there are LOTS of solutions available that you can build a time-strategy tool kit out of.
This means you can pull the just-right-for-right-now solution from the kit when you need it.
Creativity Is a Muscle
First things first, let’s debunk a common myth: creativity isn’t just a magical burst of inspiration. It’s a muscle that needs regular exercise, just like any other.
Waiting for the right mood to strike can mean missing countless opportunities to create.
Instead, let’s focus on strengthening that creativity muscle by prioritizing it and making time for it regularly.
Understanding Your Work Style
Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to recognize that everyone’s brain works differently.
Some of us thrive on juggling multiple tasks, while others need to focus on one thing at a time.
Understanding how you work best will help you choose the right strategies.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are tools and techniques that can fit your unique style and schedule.
Strategy 1: Carving Out Whole Days
Sometimes, dedicating an entire day to creativity is the best approach.
This method works wonders when you need to immerse yourself fully in a project without distractions.
Set up your family or household to support this by planning ahead.
For example, arrange for takeout meals, set the kids up with activities, and ensure everyone knows it’s your creativity day.
But what if you’re not feeling creative on that day? The key is to get up and do it anyway.
Often, once you’re out in nature or your creative space, inspiration follows.
Think of it as warming up before a workout.
Once you’re in the environment, your creative mind will start to engage, and ideas will flow.
Strategy 2: Scheduling Hours Each Week
If carving out a whole day isn’t feasible, try setting aside a certain number of hours each week. This method provides flexibility but requires discipline.
Treat these hours as non-negotiable appointments.
To make this strategy more effective, define specific goals for these sessions.
Instead of vaguely planning to “do photography,” decide on precise tasks like “photographing the sunset at the park” or “editing last week’s shoot.”
Life happens, and sometimes you might miss these scheduled hours. Don’t beat yourself up.
Instead, reschedule and ensure you still get those hours in within the week. This keeps the momentum going and prevents the creative process from stalling.
Strategy 3: Focus Sessions
Focus sessions involve setting a timer and dedicating that time solely to your creative work.
This technique is incredibly effective when you have multiple projects and feel overwhelmed.
Knowing you have a set amount of time helps you stay zeroed in and reduces distractions.
Focus sessions work even better when done in a group.
Gather friends or fellow photographers, hop on a Zoom call, and work together.
The collective accountability and shared purpose can significantly boost productivity. Plus, it’s motivating to know others are working alongside you, even if on different projects.
Strategy 4: Breaking Down Projects Into Chunks
When a project feels too big and overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. This method is particularly useful when you have a significant goal but limited time.
For example, if you’re working on a photo story, divide it into steps like researching, planning shots, photographing specific scenes, and editing.
Start by visualizing the end goal and work backward.
Identify all the elements needed and break them into bite-sized tasks.
Then, schedule these tasks into your calendar.
This approach prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and keeps you moving forward steadily.
Practical Tips to Keep the Momentum
- Visual Pep Talks: Spend a few minutes the night before looking at some of your best work in Lightroom. Remind yourself of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating beautiful images. This can hype you up and make you excited to pick up your camera the next day.
- Enclothed Cognition: Believe it or not, what you wear can influence your mindset. Choose a specific piece of clothing or gear that you associate with being a photographer. For me, it’s my Carhartt overalls. Every time I put them on, I’m instantly in photographer mode, ready to stomp around in the dirt and create.
- Support System: Rely on your family and friends to support your creative endeavors. Let them know when you have a scheduled creative day or focus session. They can help remind and encourage you to stick to your plan, and celebrate your achievements with you.
- Reflect on Achievements: Regularly look back at what you’ve accomplished. This reflection can energize you and remind you of your progress. It’s easy to forget the small steps you’ve taken towards a big goal, but celebrating these milestones keeps you motivated.
Final Thoughts
Finding time for photography in a busy life isn’t about having more hours in the day; it’s about prioritizing your passion and using strategies that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s carving out whole days, scheduling weekly hours, doing focus sessions, or breaking projects into chunks, there’s a method that can work for you.
Start small, set clear goals, and gradually build up your creative practice.
The world needs your unique perspective and creativity. By prioritizing your photography, you’re not just nurturing your passion but also contributing to the broader field of conservation and storytelling.
So, what’s your next creative project? How will you carve out time for it this week? Let’s keep pushing forward and making time for what we love. Happy photographing!
