Meet Sarah Stover

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Stover.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I guess my story begins with a storybook. From the time I was in the womb, my mother would read to me. Before I could read, I memorized all of the stories my mom would read to me at night, down to the page turn. When I was two years old and “reading” one of my favorite storybooks, flipping the pages at precisely the right moment, my dad thought I was a baby genius… then, he realized the book was upside down, and I just had it memorized. When I did learn to read, I would stay up for hours, getting lost in a good book. My favorite thing as a child was to dress up, play make-believe, and tell stories. As I got older, I discovered that photography allowed me to continue telling stories in a different way. A photo has the power to capture a moment, a mood, a feeling, a personality, all in one click. I enjoy photography not only because the photo itself tells a story, but the transaction between subject and photographer grants me access to so many stories that I would otherwise never know, by connecting me with different people, places, and things.

Please tell us about your art.
Most of the photos I take are of people, so I would consider myself primarily a portrait photographer. I love taking pictures of people, quite simply, because I love people. I love looking at people, talking to people, meeting new people, spending time with people, etc. I feel very lucky to have encountered so many incredible people as a result of taking photos. I don’t really have a method… I am that person that’s always taking photos at the event or making you pull over on the side of the road to catch that road sign, or road kill, or sunset, or whatever. I hope that my photos always give something to someone — I want them to be taken back in time, to that moment, or to look at themselves and feel confident in that moment, whether it be a couple on their wedding day, and that instant when their eyes meet for the first time, or a woman in a boudoir shoot, who’s absolutely feeling herself and loving her body, or a two year old’s birthday, and the look of wonder in their eyes as they blow out the candles. I hope that my work reflects life in a way that makes you want to remember it, as cheesy as that sounds.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I think that being an artist can be lonely because it is such a personal thing. To make art is to inherently open yourself up to vulnerability. Because the nature of my art is so subject geared, I feel like my art is what actually distracts me from being alone with my thoughts or myself. Taking photos of other people allows me to meet so many interesting and amazing people who I would have otherwise not had the chance to get to know, and I have developed some really beautiful and meaningful relationships as a result of my photography. That being said, my advice for those looking to connect with other artists would be this — be bold, go out, and reach out! Be vocal. Sometimes, you may be surprised at how many people are feeling what you’re feeling, or wanting to collaborate or connect, but don’t know where to find you. Atlanta is bursting with talented creatives, and almost everyone I know within the art community is warm, open, and willing to connect, support, and lean on fellow artists. It is important to stay connected within the community. Elizabeth Jarret, of Dear Bear Wolf, posts a calendar of weekly happenings within the ATL art world (and ATL in general) every Sunday — this is a great resource if you’re looking for ways to get connected, brush shoulders with other artists, or just looking for something fun to do! You can find the calendar on their website, and she usually posts it on their insta story (@deerbearwolf).

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’m absolutely the worst at updating my website, but you can look at an ancient portfolio by visiting – www.sarahstover.org.

I’m also not very active on Facebook or Instagram, but I have a handle on both platforms–

IG: @sarahstoverphoto
FB: www.facebook.com/sarahstoverphotos

You can support my work by telling me that you love my photos OR you can HIRE ME to take some pics at your wedding, party, home, work, or of your dog, cat, baby, face, artwork, etc. I’m super laid back, and I will make you look and feel like a movie star.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarahstover.org
• Email: sstoverphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahstoverphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahStoverPhotos/

Image Credit:
Ashley White

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.