A Burned Out Celebrity Photographer
Finding the balance between your dream job and your mental health.
Beyond Burnout is dedicated to sharing stories of burnout across different industries. In this edition, Miles Diggs, AKA @diggzy, a celebrity photographer who’s captured the likes of Rihanna, Obama, and more, shares how burnout has impacted him in a particularly competitive industry.
Vogue once called Miles, 30, “fashion’s favorite paparazzi.” But it’s not because he’s chasing down celebrities and capturing them off guard. Instead, Miles has built a name for himself by working with different celebrity talent. Consent plays a key part in building relationships with his A-list clientele, which has allowed him to travel the world doing what he loves.
Even still, his lifestyle isn’t all glitz and glam; snagging the perfect photograph can take long hours and endless amounts of patience. Below, Miles discusses his own experience with burnout, and how he manages to balance it while running his own successful business.
When did you realize burnout was affecting your life?
I think burnout for me first arose as a student. There was so much that I wanted to do and accomplish so quickly, but there were so many hurdles standing in the way. In my junior year of high school, as college applications were in full swing, I began getting overwhelmed. My guards went up, and it caused some struggles.
What did burnout feel like for you?
I think procrastination was one of my most major symptoms. It was a level of disassociating from reality and responsibilities (as many as a student could have at 14 years old). I had asthma flare ups, which were real issues, but also easy excuses to buy myself more time. I enjoyed the perks of staying home from school, home schooling at one point due to asthma, but the deep rooted issue was absolutely burnout.
How did burnout impact you in a professional setting?
As I escaped from the grip of school and entered the work world, I felt such a sense of relief. My work has always been something I’ve been extremely passionate about, and I see it as equally a hobby as it is my profession. If I take off from work, I feel like I’m missing out on doing the fun thing that I love. Don’t get me wrong, there have come times over my fifteen year career in photography that I’ve hit a wall, been burnt out, need a breather, but I’m very lucky to have the freedom and choice to take a step back unlike when we were forced in a forward direction during school.
Did you ever talk to anyone about your burnout?
I think my close circle of family and friends know what my burnout looks like more than I do. My mom was so supportive through high school when I needed a break. She was so receptive and nonjudgemental, and I give her credit for allowing me to escape it on my own rather than drowning in it for an extended period of time. It’s not necessarily what she said, but the way in which I was allowed the time to get through it on my own without more things being piled on top.
What did you do to try and stop feeling burned out?
Procrastination, as bad as we paint it to be, is really just allowing yourself the space to breathe. It took months or more to overcome some of the feelings of burnout, but being allowed the room to just let the emotions come and go, was the necessary process to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Are there any strategies you’ve tried to help deal with your burnout?
In my current state, if I start feeling burnt out, I know that my escape is nature. I can always fall back on time in nature to have a quick reset. I tend to like the beach when in LA, or the mountains when on the East Coast. Just spending time with fresh air, animals and experiencing the beauty of the earth has always grounded me. I’m very grateful to be able to take months at a time off if I really need , and it pays off ten-fold.
How long did it take for you to recover from burnout?
Typically, a few weeks , sometimes longer. It can take over a year to realize where you are on the scale, so allowing a few weeks to recover is within reason.
Has burnout changed your perspective on work or life?
I think for me personally, I have taken note of what works. I love what I do, and I feel like I’m at a loss when I’m not doing what I’m passionate about. But still, I know that there should be a balance. Being understanding of your inner feelings is important, and I know that I listen to my body when it says to chill out. Sometimes that message comes in form of a week long cold, or just mental drain, but when I take note, I allow the space to step back.
Do you have any advice for others experiencing burnout?
It can wait! I’m sure some people feel as if they have responsibilities to themselves, their jobs, their families or their bosses, but being selfish is just fine for a while. We can’t be the best versions of ourselves for others if we cannot be whole internally.