Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Vitel.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My earliest photography memory traces back to childhood. I had my disposable camera and printed a photo of my bestie on our porch swing. I taped it into my notebook and labeled it, “girl on swing.” You could say that was the beginning of my photography career.
No but actually… my photography career started on the opposite side of the lens, as a model. At the end of high school I started modeling for local photographers in Chicago and did that freelance for several years through the middle of college.
Stephens is a women’s college and liberal arts school in the middle of Missouri. In January of 2015, I showed up, ready for a new adventure. As a student at Stephens I finally had access to real camera equipment that I started using for school projects.
Summer of 2015 I moved to Honolulu, Hawaii for 2 months where I worked as marketing and social media intern for San Lorenzo Bikinis. I bought a $500 camera before I went, which I’ve used to build my career. On Oahu I was constantly styling and shooting with our brand ambassadors on the beaches and absolutely fell in love.
Once returning, I began working with local boutiques in Missouri and became lead photographer for Stephens Life Magazine. My first paid client was my junior year of college while I was home on Summer break. It was a portrait shoot that I booked on Thumbtack.
Fast forward to my life today… 3 years later. I moved to Atlanta and attended as many networking events as I could to meet potential clients and fellow creatives. Facebook has been an incredible tool that I’ve booked many shoots from, but it never beats making face to face connections.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building my business has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve rebranded several times, many times lacking creative inspiration because I was so overwhelmed. You learn a lot as you go. I didn’t have somebody there walking me through how things were supposed to go, so I learned as I went. One specific struggle was knowing what my time and work were worth. I struggled and felt bad charging rates I couldn’t myself afford. After putting hours upon hours of work into shoots however, and seeing almost no return on investment, I slowly became frustrated. That was a breakthrough point for me… when I finally started charging what I knew my time and talent were worth.
Please tell us about Sarah Vitel Photography.
I am a fashion and creative portrait photographer. I work with many brands and small business owners. I specialize in both editorial and lifestyle fashion photography and also absolutely love getting an engagement or family session in when I can. I’m most proud of my editing style and vision and that I serve funky, free-spirited girl bosses.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are way too many childhood memories for me to pick just one. However, I will say camping in Wisconsin at my neighbor’s campground was always a highlight. Also, spending time with my grandparents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahellenvitel.com
- Phone: 630-945-8347
- Email: sarahellenvitel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahvitelphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahvitelphoto/
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