Photo Q&A: How To Juggle a Day Job and Photography with Automation
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Aug 5, 2025
The host discusses balancing a day job with a photography side hustle, highlighting the power of automation tools for seamless client management. Personal evolution in editing styles is explored, with encouragement to embrace change and maintain authenticity. Strategies for overcoming creative blocks are shared, alongside tips for capturing spontaneous moments. Additionally, practical advice on selecting gear for studio settings helps enthusiasts make informed choices, enhancing their photographic outcomes.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Automate Client Workflows
Do automate client workflows for inquiries, quotes, contracts, and invoices to save time while holding a day job.
Use templated emails and autoresponders so only personalized follow-ups need your attention.
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Mailed Contracts To Digital
Raymond used to print, mail, and track two physical contract copies for each client early in his business.
That process proved expensive, slow, and unsustainable as his volume grew.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Centralize Client Info In A CRM
Do use a CRM that centralizes client info, automates contracts, schedules, and follow-up workflows.
Try free tiers (e.g., CloudSpot) to test automation before scaling up your plan.
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#586 In Today’s Episode of the podcast I chat withYOU as I answer the questions that matter most to photography beginners and enthusiasts who are eager to grow both technically and creatively.
This episode is all about addressing real-world challenges that come up when you’re starting or growing a photography practice. I share my personal experiences, insights, and favorite tips—especially about balancing a day job with a budding side hustle in photography. I open up about my own journey of building a wedding photography business and the practical strategies I used to manage my time, keep clients happy, and avoid burnout.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
Starting a Photography Side Hustle & Workflow Automation - Raymond shares his early struggles balancing a day job with building a portrait and wedding photography business. He highlights the time-saving power of using tools like CloudSpot Studio for automating bookings, contracts, invoicing, and client communication. Key takeaway: automation prevents lost opportunities and allows photographers with limited time to provide a seamless client experience.
Editing Style Evolution & Managing Creative Ruts - Addressing questions about losing confidence in editing style, Raymond emphasizes that evolving tastes are normal and even healthy. He encourages experimenting with new edits and using past work to develop a style that feels authentic. Takeaway: feedback is useful, but personal satisfaction with your work is crucial for creative fulfillment.
Equipment Choices for Travel, Studio, & Technical Mastery - Through specific gear-related questions, Raymond discusses how to weigh camera options for travel and studio documentation, advocating for a minimalist approach while tailoring choices to the context and desired output. He also offers a deep dive into understanding depth of field and autofocus, demystifying how they interact to produce sharp images. Takeaway: deliberate gear selection and technical competence empower photographers to adapt to any shooting situation.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS
Depth of Field (DoF): The range within a photo that appears acceptably sharp, determined by a combination of aperture, focal length, and subject distance. Raymond explains how understanding DoF helps photographers achieve their desired focus in different scenarios, especially when combined with autofocus settings.
DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How might automating your business workflow free up time for more creative pursuits? What steps can you start implementing now?
Have you recently felt dissatisfied with your editing style or creative output? What strategies could help you refresh your perspective?
When preparing for a travel or studio shoot, how do you decide what gear is essential versus what might be excess baggage?
In what ways has understanding (or misunderstanding) depth of field affected your photography?
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