Balancing a Full-Time Job and Pursuing Photography: How I Make It Work
Many people are surprised when they learn that, alongside my full-time job as a graphic designer, I also spend a significant amount of time working as a photographer. I often hear, “How do you manage to do it all?” It’s a valid question. Balancing two demanding careers—graphic design by day and photography by night and weekend—requires commitment, passion, and a bit of strategic planning. However, the rewards of pursuing photography have been worth every ounce of effort.
Photography is more than just a side gig for me; it's a passion that allows me to break free from the confines of my everyday work life, meet new people, and explore new environments. Whether it’s covering photojournalism assignments, festivals, concerts, street raves, or working on my fashion and portrait portfolio, photography provides me with a dynamic and fulfilling contrast to my graphic design work. Here’s how I make time for it all and why it’s so important to me.
The Reality of Working Two Careers
First, let’s be clear: juggling a full-time job while pursuing photography is not easy. I work six or seven days a week, often splitting my time between my day job and photography assignments or portfolio shoots. My weekdays are primarily spent behind a computer screen, crafting designs for clients who may never know who I am. In graphic design, it's easy to feel like just another cog in the machine; the recognition often goes to client services rather than the creators themselves.
In contrast, photography offers a more personal connection to my work. It's not just about capturing moments—it's about interacting with people, understanding their stories, and finding a way to bring those stories to life visually. This direct interaction is something I crave and can only really find through photography.
Making the Most of Every Free Moment
Time is my most precious resource, and I’ve learned to maximize every free moment. I often plan my photoshoots or attend events immediately after my 9-to-5 job, on weekends, or even during early mornings when the city is just waking up. I’ve grown accustomed to late nights and early starts, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. When I’m not actively shooting or editing photos, I’m scouting new locations, networking with potential clients, or brainstorming creative concepts.
This relentless approach might sound exhausting, but when you love what you do, it feels less like work and more like a journey towards something bigger. I’m on the edge of turning my dreams into a full-time reality, and that thought keeps me pushing forward.
The Need for a Personal Connection in Photography
One of the driving factors behind my passion for photography is the desire to connect with people in a way that graphic design does not allow. In design, you often work in the background, and the only interaction is with client services teams rather than the clients themselves. It can be a bit disheartening to see your work go uncredited or unnoticed by those who benefit from it.
As a photographer, however, I get to meet my clients face-to-face, engage with their stories, and collaborate closely with them to create something unique. I’ve learned that photography isn't just about the final image—it's about the experience of creating it. I want my clients to see the passion I bring to my work, to feel my energy, and to know that I’m not just another person behind the lens, but a collaborator who is deeply invested in their vision.
Finding the Balance: Discipline and Passion
Balancing both careers requires discipline. It’s crucial to set boundaries to ensure that neither my graphic design work nor my photography suffers. I maintain a structured schedule and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance. This approach allows me to stay organized and avoid burnout.
But beyond discipline, it’s passion that drives me. Photography takes me beyond the four walls of everyday work life; it allows me to move around the city, meet new people, and immerse myself in new experiences. There’s a certain charm in being a photographer that graphic design just doesn’t capture. While design is about controlling and creating in a static environment, photography is about adapting and reacting to the world around you.
Networking and Building Relationships
To succeed as a photographer, especially while juggling a full-time job, networking is essential. I’ve realized that building a strong network can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Attending events, engaging in local photography groups, collaborating with other creatives, and maintaining a strong online presence are all critical strategies. Networking not only helps in gaining visibility but also in learning from others’ experiences and finding inspiration.
Staying Ready for Opportunities
One thing I've learned is that opportunities can strike when you least expect them. This is why I always make sure to be prepared—whether that means having my camera gear ready to go or keeping my portfolio up to date. You never know when a chance encounter or a recommendation from a past client might lead to your next big break.
It’s essential to put yourself out there and be persistent. If you want your dreams to become a reality, you have to take risks and put in the hard work. Every photoshoot, every late night editing session, and every networking event brings me one step closer to where I want to be.
Embracing the Uncertainty and Pushing Forward
I won’t lie—there are days when it feels overwhelming, and I question how I’m going to manage it all. But one must try for success to be a thing. There’s a quote I love: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." So, I’m taking every shot I can, quite literally, to push myself further and see where this passion for photography can take me.
Final Thoughts: Following Your Passion Relentlessly
Ultimately, the balance between my full-time job and my photography work is about more than just managing time—it’s about pursuing a passion that allows me to connect with the world in a meaningful way. For anyone who’s juggling a career and a passion, my advice is simple: dedicate every spare moment you have to what you love. It will be challenging, it will be exhausting, but the rewards of doing what sets your soul on fire are priceless.
I’m still figuring it out, and I’m still on this journey, but one thing is certain: I’m committed to making photography work for me. For now, I’ll keep pushing forward, keep meeting people, and keep capturing the world through my lens. After all, the best stories are always those that are still being written.