Why I Practice Sabbath as a Photographer (and What It’s Taught Me About Rest, Boundaries, and Creativity)

As a professional photographer, my schedule doesn’t always follow a typical 9-to-5 rhythm — especially while juggling the demands of raising school-aged children. Some weeks are full and unpredictable, and early on in my business, I took every opportunity I could. If someone needed a shoot on a Sunday, I said yes. If there was editing to do late into the night, I powered through.

I was building something I loved, but I didn’t realize how much it was costing me — not just my time, but my spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Eventually, I started to feel drained. My creativity felt thin, my energy was low, and spiritually, I felt disconnected.

That’s when I began to re-evaluate what Sundays meant to me.

Choosing Rest, Not Just Time Off

As a Christian, I believe in the idea of Sabbath — not as a rule to follow perfectly, but as a rhythm of rest and connection. For me, practicing Sabbath means going to church and being fully present with my family. It’s a day to pause, reflect, and simply be — without the constant pull of emails, editing queues, or calendar checks.

I’ll be honest: it hasn’t always been easy. There are Sundays when I catch myself reaching for my phone to review the week ahead. There are times I’ve been tempted to squeeze in “just a quick” editing session. But I’m getting better at protecting this space. It’s taken time, and I still slip up, but the difference it’s made is undeniable.

The Boundaries I Used to Avoid

In the beginning, boundaries felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I said yes to everything, especially on weekends — and especially on Sundays. I thought that was what hustle looked like. But over time, I learned that saying yes to everything often meant saying no to the things that grounded me.

Now, choosing to rest on Sundays has become a boundary that doesn’t restrict me — it refuels me. It reminds me that I’m more than my work, and that rest is just as essential to my creativity as shooting or editing. I’ve started to see how this one intentional pause each week has made me a better business owner: more focused, more creative, and more present in every area of life.

Saying No (Even When It’s Hard)

Turning down a Sunday session isn’t always easy. I understand that weekends are often the most convenient time for clients. And sometimes it’s hard not to feel like I’m missing out on work or opportunities. But what I’ve come to realize is that when I say no to shooting on Sundays, I’m really saying yes — to my health, my faith, my family, and to a more grounded version of myself.

A Rhythm That Nourishes

Sundays have become a day that nourishes me spiritually, mentally, and physically. It’s a day to be poured into so I can pour out again during the week. Whether that’s spending slow mornings with my family, worshipping in community, or simply resting without guilt, Sabbath fills my cup so I can start Monday refreshed — not depleted.

A Word to Fellow Creatives

If you’re a creative who feels stretched thin or like your work is starting to pull you away from what matters most — you’re not alone. It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to build a business that honors your values and respects your limits. I’m still figuring it out myself, but I can tell you this: practicing Sabbath has been one of the best things I’ve done for my spirit and for my business.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about creating space — even just one day a week — where you can be reminded of who you are, beyond what you do.

Grace Margritz | Colorado Springs Senior Photographer