We are so excited to be featuring Sarah Hill of Sarah-Beth Photography this week! She is an A-MAZ-ING photographer, scroll down and see for yourself!
Hi there! I’m Sarah. I’m a 30 year old momma to three amazing kiddos, Ethan, Harper, and Maddox. In my free time (which is kind of a joke!), I enjoy curling up with a great novel and cup of coffee, dinners out with friends and live music. Favorite things? Coffee. Scentsy. Sweatpants. Toms. I’m a major hugger, so watch out if you run into me!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer? Becoming a photographer was actually a “fluke.” I’m a registered nurse and have been for eight years! So, that’s my “day job.” About three years ago, our p&s camera broke, and I had to buy a new one. I decided to go with a dslr and settled on a Nikon d60 with a kit lens, it cost me around $350. I really just purchased the camera for our family, but ended up realizing I really loved the challenge of learning to shoot in manual, shooting friends and family, and it just snowballed from there! I realized I would love to make it a career, and I have just been blessed to do just that these past two years.
When and how did you start out in photography? Bought my first dslr in 2010, I’m self taught, started my business in 2011! 🙂
How would you describe your style? I’m a sun worshipper. If I had my way, I’d shoot during golden sunset light only! So I’d describe my style as heartfelt and romantic, bright and colorful, and as lifestyle as possible..
What’s in your gear bag? Nikon d700, 50 1.4g, 85 1.8g, 35 1.8g (as you can tell, I’m a prime girl!), and a 60mm 2.8g macro.
One lens you can’t live without? My 50, definitely!
How did know when the right time to start charging was? When I felt comfortable enough shooting in manual, and getting consistent results in-camera.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now? Most of my sessions were free in the beginning, because I was learning. When I did start charging, I believe it was around $100 for session and CD. Now my sessions start at $500.
How did you market yourself when you started out? I really didn’t. I started a facebook page for exposure, a blog for showcasing my work, and most of my clients, even now, are referrals/word of mouth. I still don’t market myself in any way. I enjoy the organic nature of how my clients find me. I’m not big on google searching myself or putting myself out there that much. I’m lucky, the right clients seem to find me!
We are going to play a game… name the first person that comes to mind when you think of… Write down the first person, no cheating!!
- ·Newborn photographer: Rachel Vanoven (one of my best friends for the past four years, so that one’s easy!)
- ·Wedding photographer: Kristen Weaver
- ·Lifestyle photographer: Wildflowers Photography
- ·Most inspiration person: first that came to mind? My children!
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? Nope! Self-taught. Lots of trial and error! I am lucky to have friends in the business that did help me with troubleshooting here and there. But mostly, just learning by shooting!
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business? Learning to say no when needbe, and going with my gut. Once I got those two things down, it’s been gravy. 🙂
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out? My best advice for newbies is to NOT look at other photographers’ work during your portfolio building stage. I know that’s hard, but don’t do it! Find your own style by looking inward, not outward. Shoot where you want, when you want. Shoot what makes you happy. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Don’t look at other blogs, flicker, pinterest or facebook for inspiration. Find it where you are. It’ll make you more true to yourself, it won’t get you discouraged, and you’ll be happier. Trust me!
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be? I’m lucky enough to have two careers I love! I’d still be a nurse, absolutely.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far? That I am who I am, and I have a right to run my business the way I want. My style is mine, my business is mine. It’s very freeing to realize that and to own it! I just keep shooting to make myself and my clients happy, and I’m blessed enough to make money while doing so!
What are your thoughts on pricing, flash, lifestyle photography, props? Price yourself where you think you’re worth. Period. Don’t listen to what anyone else says or does. Don’t be afraid to raise your prices if you work reflects it. Flash? Never used it, don’t really care to. Natural light gives me just the look I want. LIfestyle photography? Easy favorite. I’d shoot lifestyle exclusively if the demand was there! Props? Timing and location is everything. I’m very minimalistic with newborns, and props usually consist of maybe a diaper cover, headband or simple hat. I’m not one for props with newborn sessions. For styled or themed sessions? The right wardrobe and props make the shoot! 🙂
Sarah-Beth Photography | Facebook| Mentoring
Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to post them in the comment section below!