Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah French.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Nest Photo Studio opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina about 10 years ago, and interestingly, my story with the studio started as a client. When my son was born, I became a member and quickly fell in love with what Nest offers.
We operate a little differently than a traditional photography studio. We’re membership-based, almost like a gym model. Many of our families join when they have newborns and stay with us for years. We get to capture their entire journey—from newborn sessions to family photos, Easter and Santa sessions, and even graduation. While we absolutely welcome one-time clients, our members receive special perks and pricing, which creates a really loyal and connected community.
Before owning Nest, I spent nearly 20 years as a TV news anchor and reporter. When I stepped away from the industry a little over a year ago, the timing aligned perfectly as the previous owner of Nest was ready to pass the torch. I acquired the studio, and it has truly become such a fulfilling and creative outlet for me.
With my background in storytelling and media, I’ve been able to expand and elevate what Nest offers. In addition to family photography, we now work with businesses and brands, providing corporate headshots, branding photography, and content creation. We’ve partnered with companies like Mary Kay and Diamonds Direct, including producing their annual Mother’s Day campaign.
Through my media company, Sarah French Media Group, we’ve also added videography services, along with social media strategy and website support. Today, Nest is not just a photography studio—it’s a full creative space where families and businesses can come to tell their story and bring their vision to life.
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?
From the outside, owning your own business can look very flexible and freeing—especially coming from a fast-paced TV news career where I was waking up at 2 a.m. and working many holidays. In news, I would go in, anchor, and then my shift was done. With business ownership, it’s very different. It’s truly 24/7. You’re always thinking about your clients, your team, your growth, and you’re often handling things during nights, weekends, and even vacations.
There has definitely been a learning curve stepping into the role of a small business owner—managing operations, making decisions, and wearing so many different hats. That can be stressful at times, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
What makes it all worth it is the flexibility and the purpose behind it. I can set my own schedule, be present for my kids, and build something that aligns with my life and my values. I’m not missing the moments that matter most anymore, and that has been such a gift.
So while it hasn’t been without challenges, every step has helped me grow—not just as a business owner, but as a person—and I truly love what I get to do every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nest Photo Studio is a full-service photography and creative studio based in Charlotte, North Carolina, designed to serve both families and businesses in a meaningful, elevated way.
At our core, we specialize in timeless, light-filled photography for families—capturing everything from newborns to milestone moments, seasonal sessions like Easter and Christmas, and full family portraits. Newborn photography is a true specialty of ours, thanks to my business partner, Ashley McKinney, a mother of seven, who brings an incredible level of experience, patience, and care to every session. That expertise allows us to create a calm, safe, and beautiful experience for both babies and parents during such a special season of life.
What makes Nest unique is our membership model. Many of our clients join when their children are born and stay with us for years, allowing us to document their story as it unfolds. It creates a deeper relationship and a more personal experience than a typical one-time photo session.
In addition to family photography, we’ve grown into a creative hub for businesses and brands. We offer corporate headshots, branding photography, and content creation, working with companies like Mary Kay and Diamonds Direct on campaigns and marketing assets. Through Sarah French Media Group, we also provide videography, social media strategy, and creative direction—so clients can come to us for a full, cohesive media experience.
What really sets us apart is the combination of storytelling and strategy. With my background in television news, I bring a trained eye for authentic moments, strong visuals, and messaging that connects. We don’t just take photos—we help people and brands tell their story in a way that feels natural, elevated, and impactful.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Nest isn’t just a studio—it’s a place families return to year after year, and a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow. There’s a warmth, consistency, and level of care here that people can feel the moment they walk in.
I want readers to know that whether you’re a parent wanting to preserve fleeting moments or a business looking to elevate your brand, Nest is designed to make the process easy, beautiful, and meaningful.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Charlotte is that it truly offers the best of both worlds. I grew up in a small town, so I really appreciate the charm and sense of community in the areas surrounding Charlotte—it feels like home to me. At the same time, you’re just a quick drive into Uptown where you have access to everything a big city offers, from professional sports to Broadway shows and incredible restaurants.
Another thing I love is the location. You’re just a few hours from both the mountains and the beach, which makes it so easy to get away and experience something completely different depending on the season or your mood.
There’s really not much I don’t like—it’s a growing city, so with that comes a little more traffic and busyness than it used to have, but that growth also brings opportunity, energy, and so many great things for families and businesses.
Overall, it’s a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and build a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nestphotostudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestphotostudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NestPhotoStudioCLT
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nest-photo-studio/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NestPhotoStudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nest-photo-studio-charlotte-2?osq=nest+photo+studio&override_cta=Get+pricing
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nest+Photo+Studio/@35.0389898,-80.7936611,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x885427cce3faf645:0xada5c3d56b00b16d!8m2!3d35.0389898!4d-80.7936611!16s%2Fg%2F11g6yq0m5m?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
