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WHY THIS MATTERS

Most of what you do, you do because you always have. Handing a task over well, with written instructions and a clear line for when to contact you, is what lets you actually switch off.

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WHAT TO DO

Work out what truly requires you. Add every delegated task to the database, choose a person and a backup, and write (or adapt) an SOP for each one.

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WHEN TO DO IT

Find people 10–12 weeks before your due date. Do a trial run with a past session 6–8 weeks before. Hand over fully before leave starts.

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What actually requires me?

There's a difference between tasks only you can do and tasks you've simply always done yourself. Sort your work honestly.

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Only I can do this

• Being the photographer a client booked specifically for
• Final creative say on your editing style
• Signing contracts and making money decisions
• Decisions about refunds, rescheduling and policy exceptions </aside>

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I've just always done it

• Culling and editing (with your presets and a style guide)
• Checking the inbox and replying to routine questions
• Album design from your selections
• Scheduling social posts you've already written
• Ordering and shipping prints </aside>

Ask these four questions about any task you're unsure of:

1. Is this a creative judgment only my eye can make, or does it follow a pattern I could explain?
2. Did the client book me for this part, or for the result?
3. Could someone trained do it 80% as well? Would the client notice the other 20%?
4. Am I holding on because of quality, or because of fear?

Who you might delegate to

• Editor / culling service: for galleries and sessions shot before leave
• Virtual assistant (VA): inbox checks, client questions, scheduling
• Associate or second photographer: sessions you can't move (with client consent)
• Album designer: designs from client selections
• Partner or family member: only for small, clearly defined jobs. They'll have a newborn too.

How to hand over a task well

1. Choose the person and a backup person.
2. Write the SOP (use the templates below; they're mostly done for you).
3. Share access through a password manager. Never put passwords in Notion.