Being a full-time mom and a full-time photographer is a constant juggling act. Thoughts race through my mind daily—am I spending enough time with my kids? Am I making enough money? Am I learning enough within my field, shooting enough, seeing all my kids’ milestones, posting enough, and more? It’s a delicate balance that often feels like I’m burning the candle at both ends.

My journey into photography began after my first child was born. The passion to capture every moment of her growing up ignited a spark in me. I fell in love with not only documenting my own family’s memories but also hearing couples’ love stories—how they met, their journey together, proposals, and finally watching them exchange vows. It’s like living in a Hallmark movie, and I feel incredibly honored to be the one capturing those moments.

However, the reality of being a full-time mom and full-time photographer hit me quickly. There have been many times when I’ve considered hanging up my gear. The phrase “burning the candle at both ends” rings true for so many photographers, and for me, one end of the candle is my family life. I’m constantly thinking about whether I’m giving my kids the mother they need, spending enough time with them, and being the wife, my husband married. Am I over-focused on work and not feeding our marriage? Am I giving my kids the love, attention, and patience they deserve? On the other end of the candle are my clients, marketing, editing, shooting, and post-session follow-ups.

Learning to Balance Life and Work

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that perfect balance doesn’t exist. Some weeks are easier and less busy than others. So, if my husband surprises me with a date night when I had planned to spend the evening editing, I remind myself that the balance will eventually even out. It’s about being flexible and understanding that it’s okay to shift priorities from time to time.

Prioritizing Self-Care

I’ve also learned the importance of self-care. To prevent burnout, I make it a point to do something I love at least once a week to destress and unwind. For me, that means being on a boat or near water. It rejuvenates my body and helps me refocus for the coming week. Taking time for myself is crucial for maintaining both my physical and mental well-being.

Learning to Say No

Perhaps the hardest lesson of all has been learning to say no. If my daughter has a cheer competition or my son has a t-ball championship, I’ve learned to prioritize those moments over work. No matter how much I might want the job or the money, my kids’ memories are more important. I never want to look back and regret missing those special moments.