Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah McAllister.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started working as a photographer at a boudoir Studio in early 2012. It was a very intimate environment where our clients put a lot of trust in us as their photographers to make them feel comfortable and catch them in their best light. After photographing over 600 women in my time there, I’d maxed out my energy and hit the income ceiling so I decided to take the leap and build my own photo business in late 2015.
Over these past 2.5 years, I’ve been able to grow my skill set and continue to develop my style. I continue to specialize in portraits, but I photograph pretty much everything. This past year, I’ve worked with local brands and creatives shooting lookbooks and creating content for their social media and websites. My heart still remains with making everyone I photograph look and feel beautiful, powerful, confident and sensuous, hence my business name The Empress.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road and I don’t want to sugar coat it for anyone out there looking to get into the photography business. The market is highly oversaturated. I love the element of adventure and creativity that comes with having my own thing: creating my own website, branding, building a personal portfolio and finding my own style and specialties.
I love the freedom of not following anyone’s schedule and getting to keep most of the income that comes in when I book shoots. But it’s tough out there, and it’s not easy by any means to find consistent, reliable paying work. I think people see success and beautiful images on social media and just assume that we’re getting paid and thriving. It’s hard to show the grit and the struggle that goes on behind the scenes as an entrepreneur without coming across as whiny or incapable.
Visual forward media is driving our society, so it’s not a surprise that everyone wants to try their hand at creating it. It just becomes somewhat of a wild jungle out there when there are so many people doing it. I believe what makes me stand out is the personable interaction I have with my clients, my desire to give them what they envision, and the quality of the work I do.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I want to give a huge shout out to some local female entrepreneurs who have come together as a support system for me and have even become dear, loyal friends. Audrey at The Daisy Hoard and I met on a shoot. She’s my ride or die and always has my back with some intelligent or comedic advice; we’re always trying to cook up something new together creatively.
Daja Hartman who is a local makeup artist but is currently traveling the country in her van. Adrienne and Julia at Little Black Diamond. Brandi at La Loupe Vintage. Natalie Fanning for her tireless well of belief in me. Savannah Lindley who is an incredible photographer and just inspires me with her raw, angelic energy.
And so many other growing and budding creatives who legitimately want to see each other succeed and not just hashtag #girlgang for looks or likes.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sarah@theempresssd.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theempress_sd
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
