We had the good fortune of connecting with Marianne Wiest and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marianne, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Coming from a family of 12, being a small business owner and mom to 4 of the wildest children on god’s green earth, I quickly learned that work life balance is an absolute priority if I want to be able to have enough patience and love for all of it! However, while I was quick to realize that work-life balance needed to be a priority, it has taken me over 12 years of experience as a professional photographer to figure out how to make that an actual reality!

I honestly think that in order to build your own business (especially as a woman and busy mom) you have to have a certain degree of “when I see that something needs done I can’t do ANYTHING else until it’s taken care of” in your soul. It serves a business well, but sometimes can wreak havoc on mental health and your ability to maintain the balance.

Over the course of the last two years I’ve been able to stabilize the scales by hiring out the parts of my job that I don’t love. Trust me, being a photographer is an entirely different job when you don’t have to cull or answer emails! I’ve also learned to do less for more. Less shoots for more money, delivering less photos in exchange for more quality, etc. It truly does help to simplify!

The challenge with all of this though is that now that I have begun to set myself up to have more time for myself, it almost breeds a new type of anxiousness! Suddenly I feel like there is always something I should be doing, and transitioning from “I don’t have a life during the busy season” to “wow I feel like an actual person” is a steep learning curve. Its given me a profound peace of mind that lets me be better for my clients and the people that I love; and it’s given me a lot of time to work on my yard, which is my newfound hobby and obsession. 🙂

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a photographer I think my background in art is one of my main assets. Learning how to operate a camera or work in photoshop/lightroom is one thing, but knowing all of the art that has come before, fundamentals of composition, lighting, color, those are things that take time and dedication to learn.

No! It wasnt easy getting to where I am and it’s not easy staying here lol. To stay competitive while also not comparing yourself constantly to others. To stay busy but not so busy you don’t have a life (still trying to figure this one out) Adjusting prices, scheduling, editing, sneak peeks, what’s worth paying someone and what’s worth doing yourself. Keeping finances on track!

The best advice I can give anyone is be smart with money. You dont have a set income. You have a slow season. If you’re not smart with money it doesnt matter how talented you are it wont make up for bad finances.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Glacier park obviously!! I’d grab some breakfast at montana coffee traders and hit the road!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I was going to give a shoutout to the person who has changed my life as a photographer most it would probably have to be whoever invented content aware crop in Photoshop. That dude changed my life. But since I don’t actually know him personally, I might have to dedicate it to my younger sister Elyse instead.

I took her on as my personal customer relationship manager a couple of years ago, and not only did she jump in with enthusiasm and gusto, but she also made me feel so much less alone in my struggles as a single mom and small business owner. I truly do not know what I would do without the support system of the incredible women I have in my life, and Elyse is at the head of it all. She has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders and has helped me in finding my love for photography again. I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have her help, sarcasm, and adorable baby in my life.

Website: Www.mariannewiest.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/mariannewiestphoto

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/mariannewiestphoto

Image Credits
marianne wiest photography

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