After a nice long off season, the weather is starting to warm up, and before I know it, I will be back into the swing of busy season! I’ve tried my best to fully enjoy these past few months of slowness, but now it’s time to get back into my routine. Like any sport or activity, “warming up” is essential for a healthy career or season. Here’s what I’m doing to prepare myself well for a great year. 

1. Prepare Your Equipment

If you haven’t prepped your equipment for the year, you need to! If you’re a photographer, I suggest making sure that everything is cleaned and all equipment is fully working. It will be inconvenient to send off your equipment during the season – so prep ahead of time. 

2. Set Off Days

If you’re like me, you often over work yourself. You forget to schedule days off, or you tell yourself you’ll find time later. For me, it often doesn’t happen, and I will go weeks and months without down time. You need to take time off. Don’t let yourself believe the lie that it’s “cool” to be completely booked that you never can take time for yourself or you feel guilty for sleeping in past 7 on the weekend. It’s not okay, and it’s not healthy. Go ahead, look at your calendar and set the days (or set the number of days) each month you’re dedicating to yourself/your family. 

3. Practice Up!

After time off anything, you can often feel a bit rusty! Just like warming up for a race, it’s a good idea to warm up for busy season. It doesn’t need to be anything big, just grab your camera and start shooting. Photograph your daily life for a week to get your skills and mind prepped. 

Last but not least, encourage yourself. Listen to some upbeat music, think about your goals, and pray for the season ahead! 

You’ve got this!

Xoxo,