Today we’d like to introduce you to Sable Andrews.
Hi Sable, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Sable and I am the owner and photographer of Harpsy Portraiture. We are a professional portrait studio located in Lexington, South Carolina and serving the greater Columbia areas to encompass the whole Midlands. I’d love to tell you a bit about myself and our studio.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved photography. As a child, I would carry around a small, purple camera everywhere I went to take pictures of any and everything. As a teenager, I was the friend who constantly stuck a camera in your face to “capture the moment”.
Eventually, this love of photography would lead me to joining the military as a photojournalist. While enlisted, I was able to further educate myself in digital photography and what it means to tell a story through pictures. Throughout my military career, I continued to learn different aspects of photography.
After my enlistment ended, I studied portrait photography. Up until this time, I had only dabbled in portraits, during my free time. Once I began this type of photography, however, I knew there would be no turning back for me. I absolutely loved the idea of capturing a subject as the sole focus of an image and telling their story through the art of a lens. I apprenticed for a few years as a portrait photographer while completely immersing myself in each aspect of this medium; learning camera settings, lighting, posing, etc. This allowed me to truly understand the basics of portrait photography paving the way for my own creativity to flourish.
About 6 years ago I became interested in newborn photography and decided to delve into this specific style of portrait photography. Realizing how cautious one must be when dealing with newborns and children, I completed numerous courses in newborn photography to ensure I was creating a safe environment during newborn sessions.
Currently, Harpsy Portraiture captures any and all types of studio photography. Our goal is to provide a luxury experience for all of our clients. We endeavor to create gorgeous art families will treasure forever.
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?
As with anything you passionately pursue, there are definitely going to be struggles along the way. As a mother, I wanted to be present and focused while my children were little. I took off quite a few years in order to allow my daughters to grow a bit before delving into my business completely. I felt if I was going to be a portrait studio owner, I wanted to go about it the right way. While I could’ve opened my doors years before I did, taking this time off only pushed me to succeed.
When we officially opened in 2018, I knew it was the perfect time for our business. My goal was to create a successful business with purpose and professionalism. I wanted my clients to know I didn’t rush into anything without proper planning.
My husband/business partner has been with me this whole time. Without his support, Harpsy wouldn’t be where it is now. There were times when I thought we might never succeed, and his positivity continued to push us to reach our goals. I wouldn’t be the business owner I am today without his partnership and guidance.
Now, our studio is thriving. While COVID threw a curveball at us in the last couple years, we’re continuing to create and capture beautiful images our clients love and deserve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am obsessed with portrait photography. Every session type provides me with the opportunity to be creative and unique. While I know many photographers prefer location or natural light photography, I absolutely love studio photography. The ability to control and manipulate lighting sets you apart from others no matter if they, too, are studio photographers. I love collecting props, backdrops, posing pieces, and other studio equipment to lend a unique quality to each photo I capture. When a client has a special request, I love pushing myself to find a creative way to showcase their idea.
While we specialize in newborn, maternity, and family photography, we also enjoy pushing ourselves during our boudoir sessions and business imagery. I feel as long as you give each client your absolute best, you’ll be successful. If clients are secure in the knowledge, you genuinely care about their session, they’ll be happy. I take the most pride in knowing that the photos I capture will be a treasured memento someone with cherish beyond this life.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice would be to not sell yourself short. We’re in a field where the market is saturated with inexpensive photographers. If you’ve put in the time to educate yourself, built your business, and aim to create beautiful images, you deserve to be compensated for all of your hard work. Just because one person prices themselves to not make a profit doesn’t mean you should in order to compete with them. I wholeheartedly believe there is a photographer for everyone. However, if you don’t account for all of your costs, you’ll be finished before you even begin.
Contact Info:
- Email: harpsy@harpsyportraiture.com
- Website: https://www.harpsyportraiture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpsyportraiture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harpsyportraiture
- Other: harpsyboudoir.com
Image Credits
Harpsy Portraiture
