Everyone’s experience is different, but I’d love to share mine with you!!

I’ve always wanted a family, but pregnancy is something that’s always scared me. After starting my photography business, booking travel weddings, and wanting to expand into other areas of the industry—and especially once I completely and utterly fell in love with my job—I began to really struggle with how this was all going to work.

This was something I had wrestled with even before getting married in May 2024. After marriage, the struggle became even more real. I worried about how my clients would react, whether I’d be seen as less appealing as a wedding photographer, and how I would balance work and family.

After a couple of months filled with long conversations with my husband and trusted friends and family, lots of prayer, and listening to the Cameras and Carseats Podcast😂, I realized that motherhood is something I’ll never feel 100% ready for—but it’s something I can absolutely do through God alone.

Once I found out I was pregnant, it was a wild ride of emotions lol. But above all I just felt SO happy, thankful, and had an overwhelming sense of I CAN do this!! Seeing the ultrasound for the first time just made it so unbelievably real to me and even though it’s still so early, I feel more love and protection for this little life than I thought was possible.

So far, it’s been an incredible experience! I have two weddings this winter that I’ll definitely need backup for, but my clients have been beyond kind and understanding. I truly couldn’t have asked for a sweeter reaction. And the photography community itself has been so encouraging and supportive—it’s meant the world.

Here are a couple things that I’ve done to help balance pregnancy and business so far:

Pregnancy side –

• REST!!!
  • Galleries might take a little longer, and my communication might be a little slower—and that’s okay (as long as you’re still communicating and not breaking your contract, of course lol). Slowing down to rest has been huge for me. It was hard at first, but now I see it as such a blessing. Taking days off as needed, those afternoon naps, and going to bed earlier than I’m used to are all musts for me.
• Accepting help.
  • This has been a big one. I’ve leaned on my husband and my mom a lot during this season, and that’s okay!! I’m usually very resistant to help, but in these past few weeks, I’ve realized that without it, I’m heading straight toward burnout. So take the time to listen to yourself and your body—and say yes to help.
• Movement (even when I don’t feel like it).
  • I have a pregnancy workout course that I do as consistently as I can, but honestly, the thing that’s helped my fatigue (and nausea) the most? Simple walks outside!

Business side –

• Open and early communication with clients.
  For the wedding clients whose dates are close to my due date, I’ve offered associate shooters or the potential of having one step in. I also made sure to let them know that I’d be happy to void their contract and offer a refund if that felt like a better fit for them. It’s their wedding day—and the thought of not having their original photographer there can be hard. That’s totally valid.
• Prioritizing direct communication.
  I reached out to those clients before I announced my pregnancy publicly. I wanted them to know they were top of mind and not forgotten about.
• Using Aftershoot for culling and editing.
  LIFE. SAVER. Especially now that we’re heading into busy season and my capacity is a bit lower than usual. This tool has been a huge help in keeping my workflow manageable.
• Resting to serve well.
  I’m focusing on filling my own cup first so I can pour into my clients the way they deserve. Taking care of myself helps me show up as the best version of me—for them and for my growing family.

If you’re a fellow photographer (or creative business owner) navigating pregnancy, I just want to say—you’re not alone. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay if your capacity looks different right now. This season might come with challenges, but it’s also full of so much beauty and growth.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. I sure don’t! But I’m learning to trust the process, lean on the people around me, and rely on the strength God provides each and every day. You are capable, you are called, and you are doing an amazing job.

Give yourself grace, take the nap, send the email when you’re ready—and keep showing up in the way only you can. You’ve got this!!