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Postpartum and How I Dealt With My Photography Business
- Bigwig Photography
- Aug 10
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 31
Table of Contents:
Becoming a Mother and Staying an Artist
A personal story from Bigwig Photography
On May 25, I was supposed to meet my daughter for the very first time, that's when her due date was. The date felt magical to me. I had always dreamed of becoming a mom before I turned 30, and my birthday was just two days later. But, as I’ve learned, babies have their own timing, and my baby girl decided to show up fashionably late, in June, after my birthday, in her own month. Savage.
I’m a professional photographer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. When I first found out I was pregnant, I immediately thought, May, what a beautiful month to be born! But, it also hit me that May is the start of the busy season for European photographers, of course, for many business owners as well. For me, that meant weddings, elopements, and endless golden evenings behind the camera.
When I met with a nurse during pregnancy, she gave me advice and said:
“I wouldn’t recommend you work a few weeks after birth. You might bleed, you’ll feel guilty leaving your baby at home.”
She continued, and the more she spoke, the more it felt like my future as both a mother and a photographer was being written by someone else. I went home that day ready to cancel all my bookings. But deep down, something in me pushed back - No. I want to work. My baby will grow up with a mother who loves her job, who is both a mother and an artist.
That evening, I sat down with my husband and told him how I felt. He went into full supportive mode and said something I’ll never forget: “Nobody can make our family plan; only we can.”
In Denmark, dads have six months of parental leave. My husband got fully paid by his company, and we decided he would take four months during the first year, so I could work part-time at 50%. That was our family plan that I loved.
Finding My People
One of the most helpful resources I found was a Facebook group called: Wedding Photographers: Pregnant, Planning, or With Kids. Everyone there is so open and real. I also spent hours on Reddit reading other parents’ experiences, but the Facebook group was faster and easier to find exactly what I needed. It made me realize that I can work and take care of my baby.
At my next appointment, the nurse asked, “Nertila, will you take the photo sessions after giving birth?” I told her, “Not only will I take the ones I already have booked, but I’ll take more.”
She looked surprised, almost as if she regretted making me feel guilty the first time when she told me, “Don’t take them.”
I even called the maternity department in Denmark to be sure about the rules and how I can legally work while in maternity. In 2025, if you’re self-employed, you cannot work for the first two weeks after giving birth. But after that, you can work 25% or 50% or more, it’s up to you. I double-checked this multiple times. Of course, rules change, so if you’re reading this and expecting, check with your local system when you’re pregnant.
Back to Work - After Giving Birth
As I write this, my baby is two months old. And yes, I have worked. I didn’t cancel a single client, though I did turn down some projects abroad. Looking at my little girl, it was worth every choice.
Someone in the Facebook group said something that resonated with me deeply: “It was actually nice to go out after a few weeks and switch your mind.”
I felt the same way. I started working two weeks after giving birth and had my first shoot three weeks postpartum. And you know what? My work helped me with postpartum depression. Those first two weeks were the hardest, problems with feeding, pumping, no sleep, etc. But once I started working again, I felt more like me. At my 8-week postpartum checkup, you usually talk about depression, but when I met my doctor, he smiled and said, “I see you’re happy.” He was right.
Working has made me a better mother because I’m present, fulfilled, and mentally healthy.
The First Photoshoot Experience After Baby
Going out on my first shoot after giving birth felt amazing. I loved every second of holding the camera again, moving around, and creating. It was like breathing fresh air after days indoors.
But there was one “funny but not so funny” moment I will never forget. I had a six-hour photoshoot booked, and every two hours I needed to run to the toilet. That part I expected. What I did not expect was… well, let us just say my bladder had other plans. Right before I reached the toilet, I felt the pee - and yes, it landed on the floor. Not my proudest moment, but I was so relieved it happened in the toilet and not in the middle of the session somewhere out in the open.
Motherhood changes so much, even in the little everyday things we used to take for granted. But it also makes you stronger, more adaptable, and able to laugh at moments like this later.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Returning to Work
Returning to work after time away can feel overwhelming. It is important to take a moment and reflect on what you really want and need before making this big decision. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
Do I want to work?
Be honest with yourself about your feelings towards work right now. Are you excited to get back to your career and professional goals, or do you feel unsure or hesitant? Sometimes, the desire to work is tied to a need for social connection, personal growth, or financial reasons. Understanding your motivation will help you make a choice that feels right for you.
What will I gain from it?
Think about the benefits that returning to work will bring. Will it give you a sense of purpose, fulfillment, or independence? Will it provide financial stability or contribute to your family’s wellbeing? Consider both the tangible rewards and the emotional ones.
Is it worth it for my family?
Working means balancing your time and energy between your job and your family. Reflect on how returning to work will impact your loved ones. Will you have enough time for them? Will it create stress or open up new opportunities for everyone? This is a deeply personal question, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Do I want to stay at home 100%?
Some people prefer to stay home full-time to focus on parenting and family life. Others want to work part-time or find flexible options. Think about what makes you feel happiest and most fulfilled. Staying at home 100% is a valid choice, just like returning to work is.
How long do I want to work?
Consider your long-term plans. Is this a temporary step while your child is young or are you looking for a career comeback? Do you want to work full-time, part-time, or just occasionally? Having a clear idea about the length and type of work will help you find the right balance and set realistic expectations.
Taking the time to answer these questions honestly can help you make a decision that supports your well-being and your family’s happiness.
And remember, there’s no right or wrong. This isn’t about shaming mothers who work or mothers who stay home. It’s about doing what works best for your family. End of story.
What was and is for me more challenging as a self-employed and a new mother
Going out on shoots, meeting clients, doing the shoots, short or long was actually easy, I loved it. But, difficult part was being at home and editing, to schedule the time to sit and switch your mind is challenging.
Even if you are the most organised person, sometimes you just change the schedule during the day the whole time.
Replying to emails and writing contracts took me more time than I would ever think of.
Getting ready for shoots now involves not just my outfit and equipment, but also making sure baby is settled and my husband has everything he needs before I leave.
Accepting that I cannot say yes to every project was hard, but it also made me value my time and energy more.
Looking back, I see that every challenge taught me something about patience, about asking for help, and about letting go of perfection. Motherhood and photography both demand presence and adaptability. Some days, one will need more of you than the other, and that is okay. You can be deeply committed to your art and still be an incredible mother.
Practical tips for other photographers
How to prepare your business before maternity leave
Schedule social media posts for 3 to 5 months in advance. I use the Preview app for Instagram. I have the premium version, and it was easy to manage posts through my computer as most of my photos are there.
Prepare ready-to-send email templates for common inquiries you receive via email or social media. This way, you won’t spend unnecessary time on repetitive tasks.
If you do client consultations, consider recording a short video or writing a PDF guide that answers your most common questions, this saves a lot of back-and-forth when your time and energy are more limited.
Review your pricing, contracts, and packages before your due date so there are no last-minute changes when you’re busy with your newborn.
Set clear boundaries and communicate your availability to clients well in advance, so expectations are managed and you reduce stress.
Keep a simple and flexible workflow to avoid overwhelm, simplify your processes to focus on what truly matters during this busy and beautiful time. For me, that meant purchasing Aftershoot for culling. I used to enjoy doing the culling myself, but I realized it was time for help, and I don’t regret it. Before my due date, I did a mini test to see how it worked and quickly realized it saves me tons of time.
Plan for a soft return to work if possible, gradually increasing your hours or projects to avoid burnout and allow your body and mind to adjust.
How to manage editing deadlines with a newborn
I have always beaten deadlines, but this time with a newborn, it took me more time. Still, I met every deadline.
I recommend editing in the morning when you are fresh. As an artist, you need to be in a great mood to edit images.
If my baby is fussy, I stop editing and wait for the next day.
Sometimes I would finish editing a small session in three days, upload the gallery to my system, and then not have time to even click send. You would not believe it, but sometimes I sent the email two days later simply because I did not have those 2 minutes physically or mentally.
Gear setup for quick sessions while baby is at home
Keep your camera bag packed at all times with your go-to lenses, extra batteries, and memory cards so you can leave quickly without packing.
Use lightweight, versatile lenses like a 35mm or 50mm so you can shoot a full session without switching gear.
Have a reliable crossbody or backpack-style camera bag that allows you to move freely while commuting to the shoot.
If possible, keep a second charger and memory card reader permanently at your desk so post-shoot workflow is quicker.
Always prepare your outfit the night before so you do not waste time the next day when baby needs attention.
Extra personal care tips for postpartum photographers
Take extra clothes with you in case of leaks, spit-up, or unexpected weather changes.
Always pack postpartum pads and a discreet bag to store used ones until you can throw them away.
Bring a small snack and water bottle; breastfeeding or recovering from birth means your energy drops faster.
If you are breastfeeding or pumping, plan your shoot locations and breaks so you have privacy when needed.
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes; your feet and back will thank you after long hours.
As per the end, I would like to say that motherhood and artistry are both journeys of discovery - full of surprises, challenges, and beautiful moments. As a new mother and self-employed photographer, I’ve learned that there’s no single “right way” to balance these parts of my life. It’s about listening to yourself, trusting your instincts, and creating a path that works for you and your family.
Whether you choose to dive back into work quickly, take things slow, or find a rhythm somewhere in between, remember that your choices are valid and meaningful. You don’t have to sacrifice one part of yourself for the other; you can be a loving mother and a passionate artist at the same time.
If you’re preparing for your own journey back to work after having a baby, I hope my story and tips help you feel more confident and less alone. Embrace the imperfections, celebrate the small wins, and always be kind to yourself along the way.
Here’s to all the creative moms making magic happen, both behind the camera and at home. Your story matters. Your art matters. And your well-being matters most of all.
