How to make the most of your free time

Even the most successful photographers and videographers occasionally find themselves in a quiet spell. Downtime can come for many reasons – plans change, assignments fall through, events are cancelled… And when these things happen, you can find yourself at a frustrating loose end.

Times like these can be tough, especially if photography is your main source of income. But there are positives too. Free time offers us the chance to adapt, catch up on aspects of work that we've neglected and reflect on future projects.

Here Canon photographers and Canon Ambassadors share their tips on how to use quiet periods effectively to further your skills.

2. Look for new income streams

Being a professional photographer isn't just about taking and selling the shots. Whatever sector of the industry you are in, there are plenty of other ways you can make money – and these moments are a great opportunity to explore them.

Photojournalist and former Canon Ambassador Georgina Goodwin has been using downtime during the Covid-19 crisis to expand the services she offers customers. "I've been sharing my photography knowledge by providing critiques and training on various photography and art online platforms," she says, admitting that she uses tutorials like this to expand her own skills with programs such as Lightroom.

"I've also been earning a small income selling prints online and reaching out to my clients to see if there are any images that I shot for them that we can republish – which I will get paid a license fee for."

Tina has also been taking advantage of the opportunities that online learning offers. "Live streams, tutorials, podcasts – all of these allow us to share our creative thoughts while giving back to and connecting with a community of peers," she says.

3. Seek new inspiration

Recharging your batteries between busy periods is always important – and can sometimes lead to new creative ideas for future projects and assignments. Without the pressures of working on your current job, it's a great chance to let new ideas develop.

"I think one of the really important things is to spend time looking at the work of people you admire," says Georgina, saying that this is often how she finds inspiration. "The more you can immerse yourself quietly in a space where you want to be, the more you'll be able to replicate that and have that in your life."

For photojournalist and Canon Ambassador Daniel Etter, working on practical jobs on his farm gives him time to think. "I do a lot of gardening – pruning fruit trees, planting shrubs and veggies, chopping wood. It is almost like a meditation. When I'm here I try to read as much as I can, get inspired and develop my ideas for future stories."

5. Pursue other passions

Easy as it is to get wrapped up in your job, do remember there is more to life. If work has hit a bit of a pause, it's also a good time to pursue your other passions and to recharge.

"I try to get at least 20 minutes of swimming or yoga in each day," says Georgina. "During my current downtime I'm taking the time to explore different types of cuisine and I'm getting back to playing the piano after 20 years. Above all, though, I'm delving into the precious moments with my husband and new baby."

And don't feel bad in moments like this. "Remember, not every day is game day," says Tina. "Times like this are the perfect chance to find some new non-work related interests or simply to allow your hard-working mind to relax a little… If you don't feel like crushing your career goals every day, that's OK."