How I Juggle Being Project Manager by Day And...

The Art of Balancing Roles - Roxanne Weber, VOA

As a project manager, I thrive on organization, deadlines, and managing teams to deliver successful projects. However, when the sun sets, I unleash my creativity and pursue my passion for photography. In this article, I'll share my experience and strategies on how I juggle being a project manager by day and a photographer by night.

Embracing Dual Passions

Being a project manager and a photographer may seem like two vastly different worlds, but I've found that both roles require similar skillsets. In project management, attention to detail, planning, and the ability to adapt are crucial. Similarly, in photography, these qualities translate into capturing exquisite moments, preparing for shoots, and continuously improving my art.

My journey into photography began as a hobby, but it quickly turned into a deep passion. I realized that balancing my project management career with my budding photography skills was a challenge worth embracing. It allowed me to nurture both my logical and creative sides, creating a harmonious synergy.

Setting Priorities and Managing Time

One of the key aspects of successfully juggling dual roles is effective time management. Prioritization becomes imperative to ensure that both my project management duties and photography receive the attention they deserve.

Here are some strategies I employ:

• Creating a Schedule: I meticulously plan my days, allocating specific time slots for dedicated project management tasks and photography sessions. This helps me maintain focus and ensure that I give each role the necessary dedication.
• Utilizing Productivity Tools: Embracing technology has been a game-changer. Project management tools, such as Trello or Asana, help me streamline tasks and keep track of deadlines. Additionally, I leverage photography apps for editing, organizing, and sharing my work effortlessly.
• Delegating and Collaborating: Effectively delegating tasks and collaborating with my project management team ensure smoother operations and create room for me to focus on my photography endeavours.

The Synergy between Project Management and Photography

Surprisingly, my roles as a project manager and a photographer beautifully complement each other. Here's how:

Attention to Detail:

As a project manager, attention to detail is critical for successful execution. This meticulousness naturally transfers to my photography, where capturing the perfect lighting, composition, and emotions require a keen eye.

Adaptability:

Project management often involves adapting to unforeseen circumstances and finding innovative solutions. Similarly, in photography, lighting conditions, weather, or client requirements can change unexpectedly. My project management experience helps me stay calm and find creative ways to adjust and capture remarkable shots.

Organizational Skills:

Being organized is crucial in both project management and photography. From managing project documents and timelines to organizing photography equipment and photoshoot schedules, these skills are invaluable in ensuring smooth operations and top-quality deliverables.

Communication and Collaboration:

In project management, effective communication and collaboration are the keys to successful teamwork. As a photographer, these skills are equally important when working with clients, models, or other professionals involved in a photoshoot. My project management background has provided me with excellent communication skills, allowing me to build strong relationships and create a comfortable environment for capturing authentic moments.

Nurturing Creative Growth

While project management drives my professional life, photography is my creative outlet. It's essential to continually invest time and effort into creative growth, even while managing a demanding career.

Here's how I nurture my photography skills:

• Continuous Learning: I regularly attend photography workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. This ensures that my work remains fresh and relevant.
• Personal Projects: Embarking on personal photography projects allows me to explore different genres, experiment with styles, and push creative boundaries. It keeps me inspired and prevents creative burnout.
• Networking: Building connections within the photography community not only opens up opportunities but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration. Engaging with fellow photographers and sharing experiences fosters growth and helps me stay connected with the art.

Finding Balance and Fulfillment

Juggling a demanding project management career and a flourishing photography passion requires self-awareness, discipline, and a commitment to achieving balance. Finding fulfillment in both roles is the ultimate goal. Here's my advice:

• Embrace Imperfection: Striving for perfection in both project management and photography can be exhausting. Learning to embrace imperfections allows room for growth, learning, and the discovery of unique perspectives.
• Self-Care: Taking care of oneself is paramount to success. Balancing work and personal life, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities outside of work and photography help maintain a healthy mindset and prevent burnout.
• Celebrate Achievements: Celebrating milestones and achievements in both roles reinforces the sense of fulfillment. Recognize and appreciate the progress made, whether it's successfully completing a project or receiving recognition for a captivating photograph.

Conclusion

Being a project manager by day and a photographer by night presents its challenges, but with the right strategies and mindset, it is more than possible to find harmony and fulfillment in both roles. Balancing these two worlds has enriched my life, helping me grow both professionally and artistically. So, if you find yourself juggling dual passions, remember that with determination, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous growth, you can successfully navigate the exciting realms of project management and photography.