Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Atkinson
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?
When I was a child, I was very creative. I loved to make paintings, drawings, pottery, anything artsy, really. I attended art camp one year and absolutely loved it. Anything that involved arts and crafts would quickly spark my interest.
As a teenager and adult, my time became more focused on school and work, so I lost my free time to be creative. This broke me. My creativity is something I’ve always held close to my heart – without it I am left unfulfilled.
I have always had an interest in photography, and up until a few years ago it was left unexplored. Back in 2022, I decided to finally dive into my interest and purchase a professional camera. I bought a fairly inexpensive one, just in case I did not enjoy it, I wouldn’t have too much invested in it. However, this fear of mine was quickly dismantled. After just a few months of playing around with this camera, I decided the one that I purchased was too elementary for my liking and needs. I upgraded to a Canon camera, and have stuck with this brand ever since.
In January of 2023, I had a very difficult conversation with my boss at a legal office where I worked. It was my first day back after the holidays. I was fired due to my lack of ‘attention to detail’. In the moment, I felt determined to prove him wrong. Looking back on that conversation, I definitely have. I thank God for closing that door for me. Working in an office had me miserable. My creativity was not fostered in that environment.
Just a month later, God opened another door for me. I began working for a photography company at my local hospital on the Mother-baby unit. God gave me the miraculous opportunity to photograph newborns that were only 1-2 days old. I also got to photograph many families as part of that process. Immediately I fell in love with the content of the job. After working there, I knew I wanted to pursue photography a lot more seriously.
In October of 2023, I started working for a portrait studio here in my hometown. It was here that I was trusted with the task of photographing hundreds of families and individuals during very important milestones of their lives. I got to photograph numerous special occasions – engagements, maternity, newborns, graduations, birthdays, holidays, headshots, etc.. Within a year of working at the studio, I was promoted to assistant manager of 2 studio locations. This position gave me a lot of responsibility, but also the opportunity to continue creating, as well as the chance to empower others in my profession. This was just what I needed!
I still work at both portrait studios and I really enjoy what I do. Photography outside of work is still a large hobby of mine. This past year, I photographed my first wedding! I also got invited to photograph New York Fashion Week, which I am beyond excited about!
For anyone considering picking up a camera, and taking their photography up a notch, I highly recommend it! Learning photography has not been easy, it takes a brave, patient individual with a willingness to learn. Photography has truly been a transformative journey for me. Doing this has given me a profound sense of purpose. Pursuing your passion is NEVER a wasted effort! I will always be endlessly grateful for all of the opportunities this art has given me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Learning how to shoot in manual mode on a camera was incredibly difficult at first! This is the complete opposite of shooting with a camera in full auto mode. Essentially, in manual mode, you are manipulation 3 things constantly – shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. All of these settings work with each other to create a proper exposure. The process of learning how to shoot in manual was filled with trial and error. To my surprise, I was able to do a lot of practicing in order to master manual.
Posing – OMG posing! Learning how to pose someone in a comfortable and ideal-looking way can be incredibly difficult. Not only are you working with a complete stranger (in most of my experience), but you’ve been trusted with getting them good results. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t know the person you are interacting with. Thankfully, I’ve been told by many people in my personal life that I am someone they can be comfortable around. I’ve also picked up on this at work, with having clients tell me they feel comfortable around me very quickly, despite not knowing me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait and nature photographer. I mainly specialize in portraits of people. I am known for photographing newborns, maternity, headshots, graduation, engagements, you name it, I probably do it!
I am most proud of my photos! I have 20,000 images saved in my Adobe Lightroom (editing software) that I have taken in my personal time, outside of the studio, over the last 3 years.
What sets me apart from others? My willingness to work with almost anybody. I believe I get this trait from working in a studio where you don’t really have a choice. I also think my art and editing style is different as well. I like to keep my photos crisp, with lots of clarity and detail. However I also enjoy creating images that have a vintage, film-like feel.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was quiet and shy, not extroverted in the slightest. It took a lot for me to get comfortable around new people.
My interests as a child were drawing, painting, playing video games, and some sports.
Pricing:
- 30 minute session – $65, 10-15 edited images
- 1 hour session – $115, 25-50 edited images
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahatkinsonphotography60.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portraitsby_sarah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15dMab9NNC/
