The Photographer’s Couch – Episode: Choosing Family Over Business (Without Losing Your Clients)

Welcome back to another episode of The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Joi, a portrait photographer based in North Carolina.

Today’s episode is all about a hard lesson I recently re-learned: the importance of setting boundaries with your business so you don’t sacrifice what matters most—your health, your kids, and your family.

What Happened

I had opened up my fall calendar for clients, only to realize later that some of those dates conflicted with my son’s football schedule. Ouch. A couple of clients were easy to move, but one was a new client—which made it extra hard to say, “I can’t keep that date.”

I hated having to make that change after someone had booked and paid, but here’s the thing: I wasn’t about to miss my son’s game.

Lessons From My Early Years in Business

Years ago, I would have chosen differently. I can remember many times where I picked my business over my kids’ events. At the time, I thought that’s what it meant to be a professional and to build a business.

But looking back, those choices left me stressed, spread thin, and missing out on moments I’ll never get back.

Now, my perspective is different:

• My family comes first. Always.
• My health matters. Burnout doesn’t help anyone—not me, not my clients.
• My clients still deserve professionalism. That means I need to have my schedule right before I ever open it to them.

What I Do Differently Now

• I release my calendar in chunks, 2–4 months at a time.
• I double-check family schedules (hello, football!) before I make those dates live.
• I remind myself: clients are booking into the structure I create. If I let my business run me, no one wins.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re in the early stages of your photography business (or any business), I want you to hear this clearly:

👉 Success isn’t choosing your business over your life.

True success is being able to:

• Do the work you love.
• Serve your clients with excellence.
• And still show up for the people you love most.

When you run your business with values and boundaries, your clients will respect you more—not less.

Takeaway

Don’t let your business or clients run you. Be professional, set expectations, and protect your time. You’ll be happier, your family will be happier, and yes—your clients will be happier too.

✨ Thanks for tuning in! If this episode hit home for you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What boundaries have you set in your business that have made the biggest difference?

Until next time—see you later!