Let’s start with a gentle reminder: you're an artist, not a machine. And yet, as wedding season approaches, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of “work, shoot, edit, repeat” until you're living on caffeine, surviving off flapjacks from the petrol station, and wondering why you haven’t seen daylight in three days.

If you're feeling nervous about diving back in after a bit of a winter break—or if you're absolutely raring to go but don’t want to lose yourself in the process—this one’s for you. Because while the energy at the start of the season is exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Between managing bookings, editing galleries, and remembering to hydrate (yes, water, not just coffee), it's easy to forget that your well-being and creativity matter just as much as your client experience.

So, let’s talk about how you can take care of yourself and your creativity this season—without burning out or losing your spark along the way.

Your energy is precious. So, instead of pouring it all out with no plan to refill the tank, start with a pre-and-post wedding routine that supports your well-being.

The day before a wedding, resist the urge to cram your to-do list. Hydrate well, give yourself some calm time (maybe a romantic film or a walk in nature), and triple-check your kit, car, and notes. Your nervous energy is totally normal, but channelling it into preparation and peaceful rituals can make a world of difference.

The day after, don’t just dive straight into your inbox. Instead, focus on recovery. Hydration sachets are your friend, and if you’ve backed up your files on the way home (top tip: definitely do this!), you can switch off without guilt. Plan something that reconnects you to your own world—whether that’s brunch with friends, a slow morning with your dog, or a sun-soaked walk with zero agenda. 

Remember, you give up a lot as a wedding photographer—weekends, birthdays, summer days out—so carving out intentional time for you matters.

And don’t ignore your body, either. I swear by my osteopath (2–3 visits a year minimum!). We twist ourselves into wild shapes for the perfect shot, but it takes a toll. That’s why treating yourself to proper physical care isn’t indulgent; it’s really essential.

I used to stay up all night backing up images (we’ve all been there), but now I back up on my way home. By the time I walk through the door, I can go straight to bed, knowing it’s all safe. Little changes like this make a big difference.

If you didn’t know already, tech is your friend. Tools like Imagen AI, Aftershoot, Studio Ninja, and Dubsado can transform your workflows. Automate the boring bits so you can focus on the creative stuff, and if editing every single gallery is draining you, consider outsourcing. I know that can feel scary, especially if you’re a control enthusiast like me, but trust me—it can save your sanity and your creativity.

We need to talk about boundaries. I know, I know—it’s a buzzword, but it’s a game-changer. Set working hours for admin, editing, and Zoom calls, and stick to them. Don’t cancel your evening yoga class to answer emails at 10pm. You are allowed to have a life, and your creativity depends on it.

Wedding season can feel like one big blur if you don’t carve out space for yourself. If you’re not careful, you’ll look up in late August and wonder where your summer went. So, book the massage. Plan the mini-break. Go for a Wednesday morning walk in the sunshine just because. Explore a new café. Add in the joy now, not when you’ve “caught up on editing” (spoiler: you never will). 

And please, celebrate your wins! Screenshot that glowing DM from a couple. Save those social comments that made you smile. Keep a little folder of feel-good feedback so when imposter syndrome sneaks in, you’ve got proof that you’re doing amazing. And if you're struggling to recognise how far you’ve come, grab my free Gratitude Journal—a simple downloadable that’ll help you reflect, celebrate, and reconnect with the good stuff (because, trust me, there’s more of it than you think).

Taking five minutes at the end of your day to note what went well—even the small stuff—can shift your mindset and keep you feeling grounded when things get hectic.

Also, if you’re feeling run down for weeks on end, brain fogged, or low in ways you can’t quite explain—it might be more than “wedding season burnout.” I thought I was just tired… until I realised I was in perimenopause. If something feels off, trust yourself and talk to someone. Your health matters more than your next gallery delivery date.

Here are a few more well-being tips I swear by:

• Avoid living on fizzy drinks, coffee and sweets. Try prepping a freezer bag with healthy food and frozen water bottles the night before. They’ll double as ice packs and keep you going all day

• Don’t overload your schedule. Back-to-back weddings might sound financially enticing, but editing burnout is very real. Space them out where you can

• Struggling with overwhelm? Write it all down. What can you delegate, delay, or ditch?

Find your people. And yes, you’re more than welcome in my Facebook group!

Burnout’s ugly cousin is creative fatigue—and honestly, they’re often holding hands. If you’re going to stay inspired, you need to keep your creative fire lit.

Start by putting your phone down (I say this with love). Scrolling might feel like inspiration, but more often, it drains you. Instead, make a mood board. Grab some magazines, start a Pinterest board, or even make a vision collage as your desktop background. Know what lights you up—is it symmetry? Colour? Texture? Movement? Lean into that and explore it further.

Don’t just look at other photographers—look at cinema, paintings, architecture, fashion, etc. I found huge inspiration last year in Indian artwork and traditional dance—especially the movement and storytelling through hand placement. That one spark completely reshaped how I see composition.

You must also shoot for you. That might be a styled shoot, some dreamy movement shots of your dog in a field, or just a new lens test in your garden. The pressure of weddings can sometimes suck the fun out of creativity. Reclaim it!

If you’re second shooting, use the opportunity as a playground. Bank the safe shots (of course), then play. Try a new angle. Shoot through a glass. Break your own rules.

More of my top creativity tips: 

• Attend creative events that aren’t wedding-related. One of my goals this year is to explore cinematography

• Book a mentor (👋 hi!) to help you develop your creative vision

• Check out your local library. You never know what you’ll stumble upon

Remember: your voice is what you want to say. Your style is how you say it