Writing my own rule book for 2026

My Photographer New Year’s Resolutions (and Why I’m Standing by Them)

The new year often comes with a lot of noise — change your pricing, book more, work harder, say yes to everything.This year, I’m choosing intention over intensity and building a photography business that supports my life, not consumes it. I have hit the ground running at the beginning of this year, with the purpose of building foundations for my business to run smarter.

These are the resolutions I’m committing to as a photographer in the year ahead — grounded, honest, and sustainable.

1. I’m Not Changing My Pricing

I’m standing firm in my pricing this year — and doing so with confidence.

I have clients who value what I do and are happy to invest in it. Charging what I charge allows me to put my whole heart and soul into every shoot: from preparation to delivery, from the experience itself to the final images.

This isn’t about charging more — it’s about charging appropriately, so every client receives my full creative energy and attention.

2. I’m Only Working One Sunday a Month

This year, I’m committing to working just one Sunday per month.

Sundays are important — they’re for rest, reset, and family time. By setting this boundary, I’m protecting space to recharge and ensuring that my workdays don’t bleed endlessly into personal time.

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for creativity, patience, and longevity in this industry.

3. I’m Taking on a Passion Project

This year, I’m carving out space for a passion project — something just for me.

Something I love.Something a little different.Something that isn’t centred around family photography or client expectations.

This project is about creative freedom, experimentation, and reconnecting with the joy that made me fall in love with photography in the first place.

4. I’m Prioritising My Physical Health

After last year’s knee injury, I had a real wake-up call: I’m not 27 anymore — and that’s okay.

Photography is a physically demanding job. Long days, heavy equipment, constant movement. This year, I’m committing to strength training, regular exercise, and proper recovery.

I want to be strong, capable, and well — not just now, but well into my 70s.

5. I’m Saying No More Often — Without Guilt

Not every enquiry is the right fit, and that’s okay.

This year, I’m giving myself permission to say no when something doesn’t align — whether it’s timing, energy, or creative direction. Saying no to the wrong work allows me to show up fully for the right work.

Boundaries don’t limit creativity — they protect it.

6. I’m Focusing on Experience, Not Just Images

Great photos matter — but the experience matters just as much.

This year, I’m continuing to prioritise how my clients feel before, during, and after their session. Calm, guidance, trust, and connection are just as important as the final gallery.

When people feel at ease, the images naturally follow.

7. I’m Protecting 6:00–8:30pm as Non-Negotiable Family Time

From 6:00 to 8:30pm, I’m fully present for my kids — from the moment they’re home from school through to bedtime.

That means no emails, no editing, no phone in hand, no mental to-do lists running in the background. This time is reserved for connection, conversation, routines, and simply being together.

By clearly defining family hours and working hours, everyone benefits — my children get my full attention, and my work gets my best focus at the right time.