Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarom Thompson.
Hi Sarom, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as a photographer began long before I ever picked up a professional camera. Ever since I was little, I’ve always been the one who wanted to hold onto moments. It didn’t even start with a camera but with a big old video camcorder. Back then, it was about the size of a small travel suitcase, but I carried it everywhere. I’d follow my family around, recording every laugh, every birthday, every little ordinary moment I didn’t want to forget. As technology improved, I moved on to smaller digital cameras, but what never changed was that feeling of wanting to keep time still. Photography was just a hobby then. I never imagined it would one day become such a big part of my life.
2019 was the year everything changed for me. It was the year I lost my dad. I didn’t know how to grieve. I’ve learned that people grieve in different ways, and for me, keeping busy was how I stayed afloat. I poured myself into my full-time job as a graphic designer, and late at night, when the world got quiet, I’d sit at my computer taking photography classes. I think a part of me was searching for something to hold onto. Slowly, I started offering free sessions to friends and family. No website. No official business. Just me, my camera, and a heart that needed something to create.
When 2020 arrived, it unfolded in a way I never expected. I had just quit my job to become a photographer, not knowing the world was about to shut down. Suddenly, I was jobless, unsure of what to do, and carrying the weight of personal heartbreak. My husband and I experienced two chemical pregnancies that year. Those losses and our infertility broke me in ways I still struggle to put into words. But even in that season, I found light in small places. I landed a remote design job close to home, which gave me the space to keep building behind the scenes. I created a website, posted on social media, and learned how to dream again. By the end of that year, I had my first paying clients. It wasn’t much, but it felt like a spark of hope.
By 2021, life started to feel a little different. Our miracle baby arrived. I still remember feeling both exhausted and more alive than ever. At that point, I was still exploring different types of photography, trying to figure out where I belonged. Weddings, couples, portraits… I tried it all. There were slow seasons when bookings were scarce, and I wondered if my dream was really possible. But something inside me kept saying, “keep going.” I invested in marketing courses, learned to show up for my clients, and little by little, my business began to grow.
After I had my son, something shifted within me. I wanted a way to pause time and hold on to the little smiles, the messy hair, and the slow mornings that make up the best parts of our lives. I realized how meaningful it was to give people a way to hold onto those fleeting moments. That’s when I knew family photography was where my heart belonged. Over the years, I’ve built my business around creating light-filled, timeless imagery that reflects connection and joy. What began as a creative outlet has become a way to serve families and honor the beauty of their stories. I love helping people feel at ease in front of the camera, especially moms, and reminding them that even in the chaos, they are beautiful just as they are, deeply loved and seen.
This journey has been shaped by loss, hope, and so much love. It has led me to build something that is more than a business. It is a piece of my heart.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There are so many challenges that come with being a photographer, but the hardest part has been learning how to manage my business while still being the kind of mom I want to be. Sometimes, while I’m editing photos, my son will come up to me and say, “Mommy, can you play with me?” Those moments break my heart, especially during the busy season when I have to say, “Not right now, kiddo. Mommy has to do some work, okay?” Balancing both roles has stretched me in ways I never expected.
What many people don’t see behind the pretty photos is that being a photographer means wearing a lot of hats. I’m not just the one taking pictures. I’m also the editor, the social media manager, the accountant, the scheduler, the designer, and everything in between. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
I’ve learned to give myself grace, set boundaries, and remind myself that I’m building something meaningful not just for me but for us. Every challenge has shaped the way I approach my work today. And even on the hard days, I hold on to the reason I started: to create something beautiful and to show my son that dreams are worth chasing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My creative journey began as a graphic designer. Photography has always been part of what I do, whether it was shooting products for a project, creating images for my portfolio, or simply picking up my camera to capture something that inspired me. Over time, I realized how much I loved storytelling through imagery, not just design. That love grew into what is now my photography business.
Today, I specialize in light-filled family, maternity, and lifestyle photography. My approach is soft, timeless, and centered on capturing connection and those in-between moments that tell a family’s story in a heartfelt way. I love creating images that feel warm, genuine, natural, and effortless.
What sets me apart is my background in design. It taught me how to see details like light, color, composition, and texture in a very intentional way. That’s something I bring into every session, from how I style a shoot to how I edit each image.
I’m most proud of the way my work makes people feel. One of my clients once said, “You captured all of our personalities so well, and that is one of my favorite things about you as a photographer. You have a gift. I am so happy to have found you. Thank you for these amazing pictures and memories.” That means the world to me because it’s not just about taking a pretty picture; it’s about telling their story in a way that truly feels like them.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love connecting with people in a way that feels easy and genuine. The best way to work with me is to book a session through my website or send me a quick message on Instagram. I photograph families, maternity, and lifestyle sessions, and I also love teaming up with other creatives who want to bring beautiful, light-filled ideas to life.
To support my work, even the little things make a big difference. Sharing my posts, telling friends about me, or simply cheering me on means so much. This business has grown through word of mouth and the kindest clients, and I’m so grateful for every bit of love that comes my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saromphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saromphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saromphotography
- Other: https://g.page/r/CSHURGAu7NiLEAE/review
