Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jankowski
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first fell in love with photography while documenting my children’s everyday moments to share with my husband during his Army deployments. What started as a personal passion quickly grew, as friends began asking me to photograph their families and special events. By 2012, I knew it was time to turn this passion into a business, and I’ve never looked back. I truly have the best job, preserving memories for families to cherish for a lifetime!
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 an Army family, we moved often… sometimes to a new city, sometimes to a new state, and even to a new country. Each move brought its own challenges, not just personally but also professionally. Relocating my studio, working from home when I had to, and rebuilding my client base in an entirely new market was never easy. With an in-person, service-based business like photography, especially in such a saturated industry, starting over meant finding ways to stand out and truly lean into what makes my work unique. More than anything, I’ve learned that success comes from building genuine relationships and creating connections within the community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m the owner and photographer behind Simply Joyful Moments Photography. I have a spacious, naturally lit studio that provides the perfect setting for timeless portraits, and I specialize in both studio and outdoor photography. I offer a variety of sessions, including maternity, milestone, headshot/branding, senior, and family portraits, with newborn photography being my most in-demand service. As cliché as it may sound, I genuinely love helping families preserve their stories, turning fleeting moments into beautiful, tangible memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
I want every family I work with to walk away not only with beautiful images but with an experience they truly loved, one where they felt completely taken care of from start to finish. My sessions are relaxed, easygoing, and designed to be enjoyable for everyone. I follow the kids’ lead, giving them the time and space to get comfortable, which means we capture real, genuine smiles and a stress-free experience for parents. I’ve always loved kids, and getting to photograph them in a way that feels natural and joyful is such a privilege for me.
From the moment clients book, I take care of everything, whether it’s professional hair and makeup, access to my carefully curated client wardrobe, styling assistance for the whole family, or even the final design and installation of your custom wall art. We all have enough on our to-do lists, and my goal is to help my clients check things off, not add more. I want them to know they deserve an effortless, luxury portrait experience, and I’m here to make that happen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily think of things as luck—good or bad—but more as opportunities that show up unexpectedly. I believe it’s less about luck and more about whether you’re ready to pivot or act when something presents itself. Whether it’s meeting a potential client or a networking opportunity, I try to stay open and just jump in, even if it’s not the “perfect” time. Waiting can mean missing out.
As for what some might call bad luck, COVID definitely felt like that in the moment. I had to shut down for over two months with no sessions or income. But instead of sitting in that frustration, I used the time to rethink how I could improve my client experience, refine my offerings, and prepare to hit the ground running when things reopened. That work paid off—2020 ended up being my best year on record at that time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplyjoyfulmoments.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyjoyfulmomentsphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyJoyfulMoments
Image Credits
Lindsey Biza for my headshot
