Chances are if you are a photographer or business owner, you may be a little bit stressed right now about your business. I know I am, but at the same time I know there are things I can do in my business right now that will help ease my anxiety. We cannot control what is going on in the world, but we can control our business decisions, productivity, feelings, etc. and now is a really important time to focus on that. I just want to say also to remember to breathe and lean on your loved ones. It’s so important right now. I want to help and support all the other photographers right now and wanted to share my thoughts in a blog post so hopefully others can benefit from it as well. Here are 5 tips that will help get you and your business through this tough time.

1. Use this down time to work on things you’ve been putting off. There are so many things I put on the back burner during wedding season. Blogging definitely doesn’t happen, I am not able to engage in online education, I typically don’t have marketing on my A game when I am busy, and lots of other things. Guys, this is the perfect time to do these things! Weddings and photo shoots are getting canceled and it’s heartbreaking, but these are things you can do from home that will help your business in the long term.

2. Get your contract updated. This time has brought on all kinds of situations that photographers and business owners weren’t prepared for. Now is the time to really look at your contracts and make sure they are in tip top shape. There are lots of resources online to help you make sure it it legal and legit. I recently found “The Legal Paige” (https://thelegalpaige.com) and she has some amazing free and paid resources.

3. Communicate with your brides/clients. If you have a bride that’s getting married in the next two months, chances are she’s considering rescheduling her wedding. Which is very devastating and heartbreaking. Send her love and some coffee, or wine, or maybe even something stronger. She needs it. It’s also important to let them know you are there for them, you will help them reschedule their wedding if need be, and will make it as easy on them as possible.

4. Make sure you are okay financially. Having brides cancel and reschedule really can hurt your income right now, which is scary, but try and take control over it if possible. If you can make income in different ways, do that! Offer Skype mentor sessions, sell templates online, or start offering online courses. Even if it’s not necessarily photography related try and find other ways to make money if you are struggling. You got this!

5. TREAT YO SELF. This is probably the most important. You have to engage in self care during this time. Taking care of you and your feelings helps you make clear, smart business decisions. Do an at-home workout, take a bubble bath, have a dance party, sit on your porch with coffee, whatever makes you happy. DO IT. You have the time for it right now!

Hopefully, this helps some of my fellow creative business owners out there. The most important thing right now is to remember that WE HAVE GOT THIS. This too shall pass. Just take one day at a time and know that I am here for you and I love you all so much!

xo, Bri