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As wedding photographers, we often feel the pressure to always be “on”—juggling shoots, editing, and client calls with little room to breathe. But what if taking an extended break could actually help your business thrive? In this blog post, I’m diving into how to take a sabbatical, featuring my conversation with Ivan Amssan, a Midwest-based wedding photographer who has mastered the art of stepping away to recharge.
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The Power of Taking a Break
Ivan’s journey into sabbaticals didn’t start as a planned business move. It was born out of a desire to spend time with his family and a realization that the hustle culture we see on social media isn’t sustainable. After a personal health scare and a jam-packed year of weddings, Ivan knew something had to change. His first sabbatical was a two-month trial that didn’t go perfectly but taught him invaluable lessons about the need for rest.
Ivan shares that taking time off isn’t just about stepping away from the day-to-day grind. It’s about building a sustainable business that can operate even when you’re not constantly working. The key takeaway: your business should support your life, not the other way around.
Setting Up Your Sabbatical
The thought of taking time off might feel impossible, but as Ivan proves, it’s totally doable with the right planning. Here are some of the steps Ivan took to prepare for his sabbatical:
- Dream Big and Plan Ahead
Ivan recommends giving yourself 3 to 5 months to plan for your sabbatical. Start by dreaming about what your ideal break would look like. Is it time spent with family, traveling, or just stepping away from your daily responsibilities? Once you have that vision, begin mapping out the steps needed to make it a reality. - Systemize Your Workflow
The next step is creating systems that allow your business to run smoothly in your absence. Ivan talks about setting up workflows in his CRM to automate client communication and tasks. For example, if a client inquiry comes in while you’re away, an automated email can keep them in the loop and buy you time before your return. - Delegate and Outsource
If possible, delegate responsibilities to team members or outsource certain tasks. Ivan credits his assistant, Alicia, and his team of associate photographers with helping his business run smoothly while he’s on break. Even if you don’t have a large team, you can still prepare by automating what you can or hiring temporary help for busy periods. - Create Boundaries and Stick to Them
One of the hardest parts about taking time off is the temptation to jump back in when a small fire needs to be put out. Ivan’s advice? Don’t give in. Part of the value of a sabbatical is learning to trust the systems and people you’ve put in place. Your business will survive, and you’ll come back stronger if you allow yourself to fully step away.
Why Every Photographer Should Consider a Sabbatical
Taking a sabbatical doesn’t just benefit your personal well-being; it can improve your business too. As Ivan shares, stepping away gave him the clarity to make intentional decisions for his business. By creating space to think and reflect, he was able to refocus on his long-term goals and set boundaries that have helped him avoid burnout.
Ivan also explains how time away helps foster a deeper relationship with God, allowing him to run his business in alignment with his faith. While not every photographer may have the same motivation, the principle is universal: time away gives you perspective, recharges your creativity, and helps you become a better business owner.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt the burnout creeping in, it’s time to start thinking about how you can incorporate more rest into your life and business. Taking a sabbatical might seem like a big step, but with the right planning, it’s completely achievable—and can lead to a healthier, more sustainable business.
So, what does your future self need? How can you start building systems today that will allow you to take time off without everything falling apart? As Ivan says, “We can do it, friends.”
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Connect with Ivan Amssan
Thank you for reading! If you’ve ever considered taking a sabbatical or want more tips on how to run a sustainable photography business, reach out and connect with me on Instagram. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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