Yesterday Iaan, I, Adri and Lizelle randomly decided to take a drive to Somerset West and go for sushi. On our way there we were talking about running your own business and having your “own time” but also the hard hours that go into editing and admin in the early hours of the morning. And then Iaan said: “You’ll probably never say: I wish I worked longer that day, you’ll probably say: I wish I’d spend more time with my friends and family!”
That statement is very true! The past 2/3 years I’ve been putting very long and hard hours into my business and now I’m starting to see the fruit. Everything in life happens in stages and we all go though a process. Some seasons are harder than others and some require more physical work and hours, but for the first time in 3 years can I say that I’m not stressed! Yeh, I do have lots of work, but much less than the previous season and I’m finally getting some off evenings and time with friends.
The key to this is to outsource! To all the photographers out there: You have to start sharing your skills with other people and draw people into your business that can help you with editing/emailing/admin. Even if it’s just on a part time basis. Really, this has changed my life! It took time and patience, because all of us have our own way of doing, but there are many willing people out there that want to help and learn, open up your studios to them and teach them, in return you will have time for life! Even if you can’t pay someone a salary now, how about an exchange agreement? You teach them and in return they help you out? I receive SOOO many emails from people who want to assist or intern, but I can’t help everyone. I answer every email, even if it takes time, but I can’t take everyone in as an assistant. Open up your comfort zone, share your “secrets” and many other blessings will come…
These pics are from a recent Italian cooking class I attended with some friends. We learned how to make our own pasta from scratch! Was so much fun! Thanks Maris for organizing it!
Excellent post, the world really needs more photographers (and people in general) to think along these lines. As an amateur photographer I’ve been lucky to receive so much help and guidance from pro togs along the way and this has helped me immensely to improve my photography.
Reading through this post I’m thinking how I can apply this to my own trade…thanks for the challenge!
So true! I think their are a lot of busy photographers out there but I do wonder how many are actually making a healthy profit. Not tons of money but enough to live life. To bring up a family and to enjoy holidays. I have started to outsource things slowly and need to try to let go of a bit more too!
Hi Christine, I can vouch for you being sooooo willing to share you talent and know how. I phoned a few months ago when I wasn’t sure which camera to buy. I eventually bought the 5D II on your recommendation and I’m so happy with it. My photos has changed so much…. Thank you for actually phoning back. Not a lot of other photographers would have done that!
This post just proofs what a wonderful, sharing person you are! It is amazing that you have the time to interact and share so much with other photographers wanting information from you. I can also vouch for that. Thanx. I am going into my 2nd year of business and yes, it is very tough. My biggest challenge is to actually find the time to teach someone how to help me! ;-)
Dankie Christine, dis net die inspirasie wat ek nodig het. Dit het gister vir my gevoel ek werk in sirkels – ek het so baie om te doen, en hopeloos te min tyd! En ek kry geen tyd vir vriende en familie nie..dit raak nogals eensaam. Maar dis soos jy sê, eendag sal die vrugte pluk! Dankie vir jou … x
Weet jy wat, ek het dit soooo geniet om bietjie uit te kom en “kop skoon te maak” en te lag dat die water spat.
Ons moet dit weer doen! Wanneer ons regtig baie besig is en nie tyd het nie. Ek werk sommer weer vinniger en meer doelerig vandag!
“We work to live, we don’t live to work!”
When do we go again? :-)
This is why i love reading your blog, you share so much and give awsome advice. I need a stress free life… i wonder if i could outsource my day job and just take photos all day..
Stunning Stiene! waar het julle gegaan vir die cooking classes?
@ marelize hier in Stellenbosch, by ‘n Italiaanse tannie se huis. Was baie lekker!
Ai! I have contacted so many photogaphers to learn and grow…as it was my thoughts exactly. Hopefully I will find a kind hearted photographer soon. Thanks Christine
@sanelle – I’m not a pro myself, but also willing to share the bit I know. I’m also friends with som every capable pro togs so I may get you organised. Drop me a line at http://www.ruanviljoen.com/contact-me if your’re interested.
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[...] post by @cmeintjes "having life." – http://www.christinemeintjes.co.za/2009/11/24/having-life/ [...]
[...] togs, both professional and amateur, that are very gracious with their knowledge. A recent blog post by the amazing wedding photographer Christine Meintjes reminded me again how important it is to [...]