Fall is such a dreamy season for photos—the golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and crisp air make it one of the most popular times of the year for sessions. I feel so grateful to have so many wonderful families, couples, and clients trusting me to capture their memories this season. Every smile, every laugh, every little detail is a reminder of why I started this business in the first place.


But behind the scenes, this time of year can also be one of the most overwhelming for photographers. Long days, stacked schedules, hours of culling and editing, and the constant push for fast turnaround times can quickly drain even the most passionate creatives. Over last two seasons, I’ve seen colleagues experience this exhaustion, and I’ve felt it myself. Some days, it’s hard to muster the energy to get through the backlog of edits or to creatively push myself during a session, even though I know the work matters so much to my clients. I’ve had moments where I questioned whether I could keep up with the pace or if I’d lose the joy that drew me to photography in the first place.


Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it’s a mental and emotional weight that can make the work feel less magical and more like a chore. It can creep in quietly, in the skipped lunches, the missed evenings with family, the little voice that says, “I’m not creating enough, fast enough, perfect enough.” Recognizing it in myself has been key to preventing it from taking over completely.


That’s why I think it’s so important to talk about burnout—not only among photographers but also with clients. The more we understand each other, the more we can make the experience positive for everyone involved.


Here are a few ways I personally battle burnout during busy season:

  • Scheduling time off – Giving ourselves time to rest is just as important as showing up for sessions. This fall, I’m taking a trip to Canada with my husband to celebrate his birthday and our three-year wedding anniversary. That time away isn’t just a vacation—it’s a chance to step back, breathe, and remind myself why I love photography.
  • Finding new inspiration – Sometimes, fresh creativity is the best cure for burnout. While in Canada, I’ll be doing my first styled shoots, experimenting with new ideas, and playing with different photography techniques. Even just planning these shoots has sparked excitement I didn’t realize I was missing.
  • Setting boundaries – Saying “no” or limiting weekend sessions can be tough, but it’s necessary. Protecting my mental space allows me to show up fully for the sessions I do take on and ensures that the energy I pour into your photos is genuine and joyful.


And here’s how clients can help their photographers during busy season:

  • Be patient with galleries – Editing takes time, and giving your photographer space to do their best work ensures your photos will be worth the wait.
  • Trust their process – Whether it’s posing, location choices, or artistic edits, trusting your photographer allows them to focus on creating beautiful work.
  • Show appreciation – A simple “thank you,” a kind review, or even sharing your images (with credit) can make a photographer’s day. Knowing that our efforts matter and are noticed helps carry us through those long, tiring weeks.


I’m beyond thankful to be doing what I love, even during the busiest months. Burnout is real, but it can be managed with self-care, creativity, and support. By taking care of ourselves as photographers and having understanding clients, we can continue creating images that capture your memories and the moments that mean the world.