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145. How to avoid burnout with Mona Moe Machava
Mona is one of my favorite photographers. She is an amazing storyteller. Five years ago she quit due to burnout. She has so much wisdom to share about why it happened, and what could have prevented it.
From Burnout to Balance in Photography
Burnout in the world of creative professionals, especially photographers, is a very real issue. Mona Moe, a retired photographer who faced burnout, shares her journey and what she learned along the way.
The Importance of Photography
Photography is often seen as a luxury, but Mona reminds us that it is an important job. Photos often hold deep emotional value, especially when they capture significant life moments. Understanding the value of your work can help ensure you are paid fairly and recognized for the efforts and creativity you bring to the table.
Finding Your Unique Voice
One of the keys to staying passionate and avoiding burnout is to trust your unique voice as a photographer. The more true you are to your style, the better your work will be, and the easier it will be to charge what you’re worth. Competing with others and constant comparison can lead to exhaustion. Staying true to yourself helps maintain excitement and creativity in your work.
The Dangers of Burnout
Mona shared that burnout isn’t limited to doing things we dislike; it can also come from doing too much of what we love. Photographers often pour their hearts and souls into their work, leading to a kind of creative exhaustion. Recognizing when you’re overextending yourself is critical to maintaining a healthy balance.
Managing Expectations and Saying No
Saying no can be incredibly difficult, especially when you’re passionate about your work. Mona mentioned the importance of setting boundaries and learning to distinguish between what truly inspires you and what’s driven by external pressures or flattery. Drawing a line between necessary and unnecessary tasks can help you focus on what truly matters.
Value Relationships with Clients
Working with clients whose values align with yours can significantly affect your work experience. Helping clients understand why they initially chose you can create a more satisfying and mutually respectful relationship. For Mona, ensuring that all family members were included in photos, even if initially reluctant, often led to more authentic, valued images.
Learning to Overdeliver Wisely
Overdelivering doesn’t necessarily mean doing more work, but rather providing unexpected value. Mona’s strategy was to include candid, less formal shots in addition to the posed ones, making clients feel they received more for their money. This approach helped in building lasting client relationships and reducing complaints.
Strategies to Avoid Burnout
Mona emphasizes the importance of honest self-assessment and having a mentor or coach. Working with a coach can help you navigate the emotional aspects of your profession, ensuring you don’t reach a breaking point. Reflecting regularly on your motivations and setting clear personal and professional boundaries can also be crucial in preventing burnout.
The Healing Journey
Mona’s journey after hitting rock bottom involved extensive self-work with the help of various coaches. Understanding her eagerness to please and setting clear boundaries allowed her to regain balance. Employing strategies like making quick, informed decisions about what truly inspires you versus what simply flatters can make a big difference.
Fun and Enjoyment
Ultimately, Mona believes it’s essential to have fun and enjoy the journey. Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth can keep your work feeling fresh and exciting. By embracing your unique style and setting clear personal boundaries, you can maintain a sustainable career and find joy in your creative pursuits.
About Mona
Burnout in photography is a serious issue, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By valuing your work, staying true to your unique voice, setting boundaries, and finding joy in your work, you can build a sustainable and fulfilling career. Learning from experiences like Mona’s can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the ups and downs of your creative journey.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
hi, I’m ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
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