Quick Tips for Balancing Photography With Everyday Life

Finding time for photography can feel impossible when you're juggling work, family, and everything else. You might feel like you're always running out of time for your passion. The good news is, it's not about having more time, it's about using the time you already have better.

Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this insightful video explores the challenge of balancing photography with life’s other demands. Bebbington explains that it’s not just about finding spare hours to shoot, but about overcoming mental blocks like procrastination and perfectionism that eat into the little time we do have. His approach highlights practical ways to integrate photography into everyday life, like always carrying a camera with you—whether it’s a dedicated camera or just your phone. It’s a simple tip that can help you normalize photography as part of your routine, making the most of small windows of time.

Bebbington also talks about the importance of changing your perspective on what’s worth photographing. While many of us have ideal subjects we want to shoot, life doesn’t always give us the perfect conditions. He suggests shifting your mindset to embrace the mundane moments around you. Whether it’s light falling on a building during your commute or capturing an interesting detail on a walk through your neighborhood, these small opportunities can spark creativity and help you push past perfectionism. If you’ve found yourself frustrated by a lack of time, this shift in thinking could be the boost you need.

Another key point Bebbington touches on is time management, though he admits it’s a term many of us dislike. He brings up Cal Newport’s concept of "Slow Productivity," which focuses on meaningful work without the pressure to constantly produce. This idea can be quite beneficial for photographers who feel overwhelmed by comparison. Instead of stressing over how much content others are putting out, the focus shifts to using your time more effectively for the things that matter most to you.

Bebbington’s advice is practical, but it also challenges you to think about how mental barriers like procrastination and perfectionism are limiting your creative output. These are common struggles for many photographers, and Bebbington offers a fresh perspective on how to break free from these blocks and stay creatively engaged. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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