Avoiding Burnout as a Photographer: Keeping the Passion Alive
Elizabeth Lang Photography- Cloverdale, Surrey near Vancouver
Photography is both a business and an art, and I am grateful that it helps me pay my bills and feed my family. But it's also much more than that—it's driven by passion and creativity. As any artist will tell you, feeling inspired and creatively energized is what keeps the love for your craft alive. Unfortunately, photography comes with a high burnout rate, especially as many photographers turn their passion into a full-time job.
Photography is a business, and as much as we start out with a love for capturing beautiful moments, over time we often find ourselves taking on tasks that have little to do with the art itself. This is why avoiding burnout as a photographer is so important. You may start with a hobby you’re passionate about, but as your business grows, you inevitably end up wearing many unartistic hats.
For example, when running your photography business, you also need to be a social media manager, creating content, posts, reels, and stories for Instagram and Facebook. If you're really into the socials, you might also be managing accounts on TikTok, Threads, Twitter, and even YouTube. Podcasts are also becoming more popular ways photographers create content to serve their clients and attract traffic to their websites.
On top of that, photographers spend a lot of time emailing clients, managing contracts, writing guides, and handling endless correspondence. During sessions, we’re often juggling clients and kids, making sure everyone’s comfortable and happy. And of course, let’s not forget the countless hours spent editing images to perfection. With so many tasks to manage, it’s no wonder that photographers often feel burnt out.
So, how do we fight burnout as photographers? Well, I’ve been there myself, and I’ve learned to slow down and approach the rough patches with intention. Here are a few things I do to prevent burnout from happening or to overcome it when I’m already there.

1. Shoot What Makes You Happy
One of the most important things I’ve learned in avoiding burnout as a photographer is to focus on what I truly love shooting. If you’re passionate about scouting unique locations with beautiful lighting, then embrace that! But if the thought of setting up an elaborate kids' cake-smash session makes you cringe, don’t do it. It’s as simple as that!
Personally, I love maternity, newborn, and family photography. I also enjoy boudoir sessions when I get the chance. But there are certain types of shoots, like large extended family portraits, all-day weddings, and in-home newborn sessions, that no longer bring me joy.
Being based in my studio in Cloverdale, Surrey, near Vancouver, means no travel time and more time with my family. I’ve learned to focus on the kinds of shoots that excite me, which helps keep the passion for photography alive. Shoot what you love, and you’ll avoid feeling burnt out.

2. Challenge Yourself
Another way to avoid burnout as a photographer is to constantly challenge yourself. I try something new every time I shoot. Whether it's a new pose, a unique prop, or a fresh editing technique, trying new things keeps me engaged with my craft.
When you’re in a creative rut, it’s easy to feel uninspired, but pushing yourself to try new techniques or experiment with different styles can reignite that passion. By continually learning and growing as a photographer, you stay excited and motivated, helping you avoid burnout.








3. Do Shoots Just for Fun
Sometimes, the pressure of paid work can weigh us down. While getting paid is essential (of course), it also means you have to meet your clients’ needs and expectations. You have to ensure you get all the shots they want and check off their “wish list” of images.
That’s why I love doing creative shoots just for fun—whether it’s model calls, conceptual shoots, or collaborative projects with other like-minded creatives. These shoots are an opportunity to let go of the pressure of client expectations and just create for the sake of creating.
Doing creative shoots allows you to experiment freely, without the pressure to deliver a specific set of images. It’s all about collaboration, bringing an idea to life, and having fun with others who share your passion. Plus, these shoots remind me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

4. Never Stop Learning
One of the most important things that keeps me from burning out is my love for learning. I’ve always been a lifelong learner. I went to university to become a teacher, and that’s where I first learned how much I enjoy expanding my knowledge. For me, photography is no different—there’s always something new to explore. Whether it’s mastering new editing techniques, learning about lighting, or diving into new software tools, the process of learning is a huge part of what keeps me inspired and passionate about my craft.
I spend time researching new techniques, reading up on the latest trends in photography, and watching educational videos. There’s always a new way to improve, and the journey of learning never gets old. Embracing new challenges, learning new tools, and continuing to grow as a photographer helps me stay motivated and avoid feeling stagnant or burned out.

Conclusion: Keep the Passion Alive
If you want to maintain a lifelong relationship with photography (as I plan to do), you have to keep your passion and creativity alive. Photography should never feel like a burden—it’s about expressing yourself and capturing the world around you through your lens.
Avoiding burnout as a photographer isn’t just about taking breaks; it’s about staying true to the creative aspects of the craft. Focus on what makes you happy, challenge yourself with new techniques, do creative shoots just for fun, and, most importantly, never stop learning. These practices help me stay energized and inspired, and I hope they can do the same for you.
In Cloverdale, Surrey, close to Vancouver, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty that continues to fuel my creativity. Whether I’m shooting maternity sessions bathed in golden light or capturing the intimate moments of a newborn, photography remains an exciting, inspiring journey for me.