Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sarah N. Jackson.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
When thinking back on how Sarah Nicole Photo began, the story changes.
Sometimes, I think it began when my husband Shaun gave me my first DSLR for Christmas in 2017. Sometimes I think it started when my high school best friend, Michelle, had a small courthouse wedding and I did the photos. That was in 2012.
Perhaps it goes back further to my childhood. The 80s! I loved taking photos and having my photo taken. I was known to be the one in the family who loved cameras and photos and was photogenic. It’s hard to pinpoint where it really started because it seems photography has always been a part of me.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
There have been a few different challenges. First, I learned how competitive and harsh the photography industry can be. I was taken aback by a couple of photo business owners in my region who wrote hurtful private messages to me, saying my work was garbage and my prices were too low. There was a social media post in a local mom’s group made by one of them complaining about my photo business. There ended up being 80 comments on this post, some even threatening my life.
It was a little traumatic, but after talking with my husband about it, he helped me realize they were wrong about me. Thank goodness the next thing I learned was how WONDERFUL the photographer community can be if you find the right people. Through workshops and social media, I have found some great relationships. It can be a supportive and inclusive community, and I have found joy in furthering that idea. Whenever a “younger” photographer asks my advice, I happily guide and encourage them.
There have been technical struggles and bookkeeping struggles, but those are boring, and no one wants to hear about them. My biggest struggle has been within myself. It is easy to lose confidence when you don’t get picked for the job. Or when you have a few slow months in a row. Have I lost my creativity? Am I even good at this? Imposter syndrome gets the best of me a lot.
I remind myself there are people who do not love my work, but there are many people who LOOOOVE my work, and they keep coming back. They are the only people I need to be concerned with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love for my work to be timeless, organic, and joyful. A wedding, headshots, family portraits – it all needs to scream those three things to satisfy me. So, let’s just say I am doing a family portrait session. We will do a little bit of posing- stand here and smile!
However, that tends to look stale off-brand Cheerios if it is a family photo. I really like to get interactions and reactions. The kids are cracking up! Mom giving Dad “the look”. Dad looking at Mom’s butt. I would consider these to be the Crown Jewels of family portraits. You only get to see it as a photographer if you’ve created the right environment for great portraits.
That is where I pride myself. Prior to my photo business, I was a food server for 18 years. Being the liaison between humans and their food can be really tricky. You have to be able to handle any personality. You must be good at reading the room. You must know what to say to diffuse an awkward moment. I have found I am able to really adapt to any situation and connect with any person.
This allows me to meet a group of strangers, get key information, and use it to create a personal photography experience for them. All in about 30 minutes. It is a highly specialized skill set that I am proud to have.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
You will also hear people say the photography market is over-saturated. My advice is to go for it anyhow if it is something you want to do.
Yes, it is competitive, but you will learn that the more important factor is that there are many different styles of photography. Find your style and own it. That is the key! You do not want to be everything. You want to be particular so that people who love your style can find you.
For example, dark and moody is super popular, but it is not my vibe. I have learned to refer clients who want dark and moody photos. My style is brighter and more colorful, and my clients love it. It’s okay to not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Pricing:
- – Weddings start at $2800
- – Elopements start at $750
- – 30 Minute Portrait Session $350
- – 45 Minute Portrait Session $450
- – 60 Minute Portrait Session $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahnicolephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.nicole.photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.nicole.photog?mibextid=LQQJ4d
