Since I’ve announced my transition from my tech job to being a full time photographer, some people on Instagram asked how the transition was and what do I do in my day to day as a California Wedding Photographer. I must admit, that at first, I found it difficult. After a while, I started getting used to my new life and came to the realization that my job makes my life flexible yet empowering.
For those of you who do not know, I am one of those who participated in the “Great Resignation.” I left my cushy, 9-5 tech job in silicon valley to pursue my dream job of being a full-time wedding photographer after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
It was such an adjustment, but I don’t think I have ever been happier!
REMINISCING ON HOW MUCH MY PREVIOUS JOB TAUGHT ME
Although I am living out my dream of being a California Wedding Photographer, I can’t help but get emotional thinking back to everything that my previous job taught me.
I LEARNED:
- How to communicate via email
- Client experience/customer satisfaction
- Work discipline
- Worklife balance (although I am still working on this)
- Teamwork
- Delegation
Having my own schedule has been a game-changer! However, I would be lying if I said that it didn’t also give me anxiety from time to time! There is never anyone telling me what I HAVE to do. I simply have to figure it out and just do it! There is always work to be done, and I am constantly having to remind myself of that.
A DEEP DIVE INTO A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CALIFORNIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Like anyone else’s day, it typically varies. I mean, not every single day is the exact same. However, the general gist is pretty similar.
MY DAILY TASKS:
- Catching up client emails (timeline planning, engagement prep, inquiries, etc)
- Editing galleries that need to be delivered
- Exporting galleries that are done with edits and upload onto pic-time for gallery delivery
- Client consultations and/or client meetings to discuss wedding prep
- Prepping my gear for an engagement session
- Driving out my engagement sessions and/or city hall weddings
- Come home, back up my photos 3x
- Cull images
- Edit a few sneak peeks
- Spend a little time with hubby and our cat
- Head to bed
My days are pretty busy. I think it is important to note that the occupation of a photographer sometimes gets a bad reputation of not being a “real” job. It is often just thought of as just taking pretty pictures. While we spend a lot of time taking pretty pictures, that aspect only makes up about 15% of what we actually do.
BECOMING MORE EFFICIENT
Although I have worked really hard to create a system and schedule that works for me as a California Wedding Photographer, I am always looking for ways to improve my work.
MY GOAL: TIME/SCHEDULE BLOCKING
- Tuesday & Thursday: Client consultations/meetings, content planning, and all administrative tasks
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Editing and shooting
As I mentioned, I am still figuring out a balance but loving the ups and downs to figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t.
LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES FROM A CALIFORNIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA? Check out: PLANNING A SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL WEDDING
