International Women’s Day

I was caught a bit off guard (as per usual, these days) by the celebration of International Women’s Day. I have so much to say and so little time to say it before this day is done! But I can’t not say anything, so here we go (better late than never).

My journey to wholeness has been long. I know, I know. Not as long as some, but long enough. And I don’t say “wholeness” to imply that I am complete. There will always be room for growth and I struggle every single day with that all-too-familiar and horrid inner critic who works so hard to keep me small. By “wholeness,” I mean that I am at least able to acknowledge the beautiful work-in-progress that I am, and always will be. I’ll continue to strive each day to embrace my imperfections as willingly as I accept them in others; to understand that my stories, experiences, emotions, perspectives, and my words have power; and to keep exploring ways to share my voice with the world.

As a photographer (hold on while I silence that inner critic), I recognize the amazing opportunity I have to build up, to work with, to empower, and to guide. To learn about people’s ambitions and joys and explore ways to share all of these things with the world. I don’t take any of this for granted. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn’t get started on this journey sooner — but I am here now and our time is precious, so let’s just keep moving forward. ❤

To celebrate, I just want to share a few of my favorite things with you. I’m not sure how I missed this song, but I just heard it recently for the first time and it is basically everything…

And here are a few quotes from some of my favorite women!

“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”

Brené Brown

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Maya Angelou

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

Madeleine Albright

And last, but not least…

“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

Imogen Cunningham

Kiss 2020 Goodbye with a New Look!

I don’t need to make a list. We all know that 2020 has been ROUGH — in ways that we never could have imagined when we greeted it with open arms just nine months ago.

And yet, there is a calm in me. I find that I am worrying less about what is expected and focusing on simply doing the best I can. When things get hard, I acknowledge it with as much grace as possible (sometimes none) and then double down on gratitude. I’m also making space for JOY by spending intentional time with the people, projects, and experiences that are most important to me. It’s a work in progress.

Speaking of JOY…

Photography is one of those things that brings me great joy. While I haven’t been able to take as many pictures as I had planned this year, I was finally able to upload, organize, and share some of my work from the past 1-2 years on my website. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Now that things are cooling down a bit out there, I am planning to set up some photo sessions — safely distanced and masked, of course. I realize that things are still uncertain, especially in the performing arts, but the need for a strong online presence with quality images has never been greater and I would LOVE to help you greet 2021 with a brand new set of images for your website, blog, podcast, social media, etc.

Everyone needs something different, so I’ve put together a few options here.

A few are basically standard headshot packages, but the top one is a bit more involved as it includes some consultation and planning work and additional photos.

Helping people explore their personal brand and figure out creative solutions to whatever problems they are facing is work that I am SUPER passionate about and want to do more of, so if you’re intrigued but feeling unsure, please reach out. I am always happy to help. Find me on FB, IG, or contact me.

Until then — just keep being your beautiful self!

~Sarah

P. S. I’ve also been exploring some ways I can contribute to the positive and important changes I want to see during my one wild and precious life. To follow me on this journey, subscribe to my mailing list! And always feel free to share your ideas with me.

The Journey Begins

It’s been three decades since photography first stole my heart. There have been many distractions along the way, but I’m finally finding my way back to it and I just have to say that my heart is SO FULL!

I recently had my first portrait session with a dear friend and colleague who had been avoiding new headshots for a while. As a camera-shy person myself, I understood her hesitation and made it my goal to help her feel as comfortable and natural as possible.

In the end, she left me with some very helpful constructive feedback and a beautiful tribute that still brings tears to me eyes. Thank you, Jennifer, for being my guinea pig!

“Sarah made me feel at ease during the photo session with her magnetic sense of humor. She was able to evoke a genuine smile, and, along with her attention to detail, provided me with my most treasured headshots. Sarah guided me through the whole process, from recommendations for attire to poses, and I sincerely appreciate the quick turnaround time.”

Jennifer Diaz, Executive Director, Society for Music Theory