36: A Week in the Life (7 Days Behind the Scenes with Sara)
If you've ever wondered how I set up my week and spend my days, you'll love this episode! As photographers, I thought you'd like to see what a 6-figure wedding photographer does in a week. I hope this gives you a fun behind-the-scenes peek at the ins and outs of my life. You'll hear it all, what I focus on, what I struggle with, and how I handle all of it!
I share it all including:
How I plan out my days so I get the most out of them
A behind-the-scenes peek into working on my new course I'm creating all about how I document wedding days authentically
How I'm getting prepped to create a community of Shine + Thrive listeners and to show up live for you more often to answer your questions live!
Being honest when things don't go as planned with working out
How I stay organized with posting to Instagram
The planner I'm OBSESSED with and how I use it
When during the week I outsource certain tasks to my editor and my VA
If you get value out of this episode, please make sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @saramonikaphoto and I would love to share your comments and takeaways on my Instagram Story as well!
TIMESTAMPS
[03:35] Friday morning, I started the day with my protein shake. Recorded a snippet for this podcast. Reviewed edits from the Image Salon and sent it to my virtual assistant. Got my hair done after 8 months. Rory and I went to a 15k run. And then I got ready for a wedding the next day.
[12:50] Saturday morning was a wedding day. I took a nature stroll before going to the wedding and went over any notes that I have to remind myself of the couple's story. The wedding ended up right on time and enjoyed an evening with Rory.
[16:08] I made sure to back up the images from yesterday and then I sent the catalog to my VA. I put away the laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed. Purchased groceries online for the first time. Did yoga with Rory and went a really long walk together with Abby. And since it is a Sunday, I made sure to plan my week ahead using my Full Focus Planner.
[25:33] I (finally) filled out the bottom part of my tax form. Put out a survey on Instagram and sent out an email to subscribers about having a Shine + Thrive Facebook Group. Made the OME Motivation call with my students and I was so happy with their wins. Reviewed the curation of my VA for a wedding gallery. Went through emails. Went to an engagement session in the afternoon. And had some bourbon when I got home.
[37:50] I woke up slightly hungover but my morning shake saved the day. I set up a system for inviting podcast guests. I'm so proud that I finally completed the tax form and submitted it to my accountant! Made a 20-minute review for a cull of my VA for a wedding and submitted it to the Image Salon to be edited. Ordered all the prints for my client's boxes. Checked Instagram votes for my survey.
[46:45] Wednesday, I created the rules and descriptions for the Shine + Thrive FB group. I created a reel on Instagram that I really loved. Reviewed an engagement session culled by my VA. Sent the couples a sneak peek and sent the photos to the Image Salon for editing. Had a coaching call with another photographer which extended for another hour to dive deeper.
[1:00:00] I managed to cull 1/3 of the video footage of behind the scenes of a wedding, which I will use for a course I'm putting together to teach how to story tell a wedding day authentically as I do. Setup pending members’ questions for the Shine + Thrive Facebook community group. Assigned VA to gather names from the survey. Scheduled Planoly posts until Sunday. Replied to a lot of emails. Reviewed edited images from the Image Salon and handed them off to my VA for the blog post, slideshow creation, and sending them off to the client.
[1:06:52] I culled through another 1/3 of the video footage. I reviewed my VA's curation. Announced the winner of the free coaching session giveaway. Went to a wedding ceremony in the afternoon. And lastly, I had to get ready for tomorrow's wedding.
RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Listener’s Feedback
My Online Photography Courses for You
Outsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)
Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!
Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!
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Instagram: @saramonikaphoto
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With love + gratitude,
Sara
PS
Did you miss the last podcast episode? Listen here: My Chat with Emotional Eating Expert Amber Romaniuk