Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Moore.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I began my college career intending to work in the medical field. After working through the first half of an intense surgical technology program, I was left in tears of frustration and anxiety because that was the wrong path. I wanted to know where to go from there. Then my mom mentioned that the photography program at that same college was one of the best in the country and that I could look into that. I’ve always been creative, and I often wonder what I thought when I started on the medical field track, so it immediately struck me as an interesting idea. I loved it and graduated with my associate degree in commercial photography in 2013.
However, I needed to figure out where to go from that point. I soon got hired at KEH, a used camera equipment website. I worked there for 3 years. In 2016, the company went through a major rehaul, and I was laid off. Before this event, I discovered photographer and educator Sue Bryce and niched down my passion for photography into my absolute obsession for portrait photography.
Then I began building my portfolio of styled contemporary portraits and my business. It has been a long journey since then, filled with blood, sweat, and tears. The last 7 years have been dotted with periods of substantial growth, and ones of stagnancy, thanks to my long struggle with depression and everything in-between. I have had many studios, from converted guest rooms and garages to leased warehouse spaces. I currently have a studio space in the cutest art gallery in the West Village of Greenville. I am madly in love with what I do and don’t see that ever-changing.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the last 7 years of building this business, I have learned much about myself. It has been a challenging road. It has been a road riddled with heartache, struggle, triumphs, and incredible growth. I’ve had to learn how to sell my work and set boundaries, which was like having to alter my entire personality. I’m still learning to balance work with raising kids, which has been the most challenging obstacle.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I photograph styled contemporary portraits, typically in my studio. I don’t have a specialty. I primarily photograph women, but I also love photographing men and children. I also love pets. My main objective in this business is to offer excellent service and stunning art for my clients. When someone contacts me, we begin a close relationship, should they book. I leave no detail unexplained and serve as my client’s expert guide from the beginning of the process to final product delivery. My sessions include professional hair and makeup, style and concept consultation, and portrait session with unlimited outfit changes. I want my clients to feel like celebrities, and I want them to walk away with photos of themselves that make them feel beautiful and confident. Some of my clients have told me they had never seen a photo of themselves they liked until they saw the images from their session with me. I also walk my client through display options like beautiful albums and big glorious statement wall pieces. Printing your photos is so important and impactful, and I love creating gorgeous heirloom products that will be passed down for generations to come.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
While this has been a scary and incredibly challenging journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle I’ve met or hard lesson I’ve learned has proven to be necessary time and time again.
Contact Info:
- Website: saraphinaportraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraphinaportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saraphinaportraits/
