Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Volpe.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I would borrow my Mother’s digital camera and have “photo shoots”. I would dress up in my best clothes, do my makeup, and find a way to prop the camera up and use the self-timer to capture myself. When I was nearly finished with high school, I unexpectedly became pregnant. I had planned on going to college to become a surgeon, but with a babygirl on the way I knew that was a dream I would give up. I began doing photography to earn a small income while being a stay at home mom. After my business began to take off, I finally had the courage to leave the unhealthy relationship I was in and I became a single mom. My business began thriving very quickly and I started specializing in wedding photography. I had the privilege of traveling often to capture weddings and I loved every part of it. My very favorite part about being a business owner and photographer was that I was able to be a full-time mom. I would stay up all hours of the night to keep up with editing so that my daughter never had to go to daycare. I will never regret all of the precious moments I have playing with her instead of working a 9-5, no matter how tired I was at times. The amount of love I have been able to capture with my cameras is one of the most rewarding feelings. To be able to capture love on camera is truly a gift that keeps giving for years to come. Even after we are gone, our photos will live on in the memories of those who love us. Being a photographer is truly the most wonderful career I could have ever chosen. I thank God every day for the talent and abilities he gave me. I pray my business continues growing, thriving and creating timeless memories!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth at all. I have closed my photography business on several occasions due to stress, negative situations and lack of consistent income. However, I always come back to it and I am determined to stick with it this time. Owning a business is extremely difficult, especially a one-woman business. It takes a lot of time, effort and resilience to maintain a business and keep clients satisfied. As a photography business owner, you are responsible for more than just photography. You have to do all of your own marketing, accounting, editing, social media managing, and client services. Just like every other career, there are many ups and downs. To succeed, you must never give up no matter what life throws at you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I used to specialize in weddings and elopements, and was always traveling on weekends. However, I have settled down with the most amazing man and we are building a life together. I am now specializing in a variety of photography local to where I live. I do couple sessions, family sessions, engagement sessions, maternity sessions and senior sessions at this time. I do still photograph weddings on occasion, just not full-time. I used to do three to four weddings a month and it was extremely time-consuming. Now that I have a life partner I have the ability to take my business slow and not take on too much. I am really loving to just capture love, whatever kind of love that may be. I do also photograph food for some local restaurants, which has been a really fun way to earn an income and help my community! I believe what sets me apart from other photographers is the style of my editing and composition, as well as my attention to detail. I am most proud of my ability to learn photography, editing and running a business without a college degree. I hope I can inspire other young mothers and girls to follow their dreams regardless of the situations they may be in.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I started this business with big dreams and I have accomplished most of them. I would like to say to all young girls out there- FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! No matter what mistakes you make, no matter what situations are thrown your way- always shoot for the stars! You are so beautiful and capable of anything you set your mind to! No matter what you want to do with your life, do it to the fullest! Never be afraid of what people will think of you. Be confident, be brave, and always follow your heart! Someone very close to me always told me “do what you love and the money will follow”. He was right! You can do anything you want in this life, so be sure to do what you love and the rest will work itself out!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @soulfulshots__
- Facebook: facebook.com/soulfulshotsphotography222
