Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Yates.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I picked up a camera in 2018 and started to learn how to use it. Within a few weeks, I was taking friends out to practice photographing them and learning how to edit. By the end of 2018, I had a few paying customers—I was so thankful! As I continued to hone my craft, I started posting on social media more and by spring 2019, I quit my full-time job to pursue photography. Fast forward to 2020, I was ready to dive into my first big wedding season, but that was quickly cut short for obvious reasons. During that time, I continued to refine my work, client experience, brand, and every detail of my business. 2021 has been the most insane year yet, but it’s been absolutely incredible! From 30+ weddings to starting my photography education company with fellow photographer Morgan Elizabeth Photo, The Candid Community, it’s been a wild year. And I am so so thankful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a photography business 2020 was a struggle in itself, but I think that’s an obvious answer. Besides the obvious, my biggest struggle has been defining my brand. I knew that I wanted to go into the wedding industry and it was decently easy for me to find my editing style, but for some reason, figuring out my brand was so hard for me! I’ve worked with several amazing branding experts, copywriters, and designers and have finally felt so confident in my brand.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I said before, I’m a wedding and elopement photographer. I specialize in all weddings in Southern California and across the nation. I have a goal to shoot one wedding in every state (I’m 5/50 right now with three new states next year!) I absolutely LOVE making moments last a lifetime. These are images that the couple and their family will cherish forever, so it’s my job to photograph big moments, small moments, and everything in between. I highly value making all of my couples feel comfortable and confident in their skin—these photographs are for THEM, not for Instagram or Pinterest. I just love my job so dang much!
What’s next?
Hmm, sneaky that you ask! 2022 is the year of up-leveling my client experience and BOY, I don’t think my couples are ready for what’s to come! They invest so much in me, so it’s my goal to give them way more than just incredible photographs—they deserve a whole experience.
As far as my education goes, The Candid Community is launching some FUN and BIG things this year. I can’t say too much, but follow @thecandidcommunity to stay tuned.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahyatesphoto.com
- Instagram: @sarahyatesphoto
