It’s been a hot minute since I posted about Photography and not my personal life. I thought I’d take this chance to re-introduce what I do on a business lever here at Sarah Jackman Photography. Don’t get me wrong, I will constantly be posting personal stuff because I think it is important to get to know each other, to have a connection, and so that you can trust that I’m the right photographer for you!
First let me say, I know there are hundreds of photographers around here that are more than eager to take your business. Truth is, I’m not exempt. I'm not a whole lot different in that we do need to make money to keep in business. The bottom line is that while most photographers love what they do, they also need an income from it and its hard to compete with soooo many other people fighting for the same dream.
Next, this dream chasing biz is tough! I don’t care what dream you are chasing, it wont be a stroll through the park on a sunny day…at least not every day. It takes a lot of second guessing, a lot of hours of unnoticed work, a few tears, a lot of hard work and tons of good luck to really achieve some of the best dreams. Continuing to push through, continuing to change your strategy, and continuing to change how you see your dream is all part of the journey and it can be long and tiring.
Now, to get to the part about little ole me!!!! I am Sarah Jackman. I have been running Sarah Jackman Photography for roughly 5 years! I did take last year off to re-evaluate and check my dream vision a little bit but I am back and more eager than ever to watch my dream come true as I watch your High School Seniors take those first steps into adulthood. Here is where I am different that most local photographers. I’m excited to provide you with beautiful works or art and albums that you can cherish for years to come as life brings new gifts and challenges to your/you Seniors. I don’t have a dream of selling you a bunch of digital images that will most often sit in a file on your computer never to been seen again. Sadly, I know this to be true more often than not.
While I do offer sessions for other clientele, I love my Senior clients and let me tell you why. This is not much unlike a wedding. Hopefully, this is a once in a life time experience. As a senior you are getting you wings! The emotions that are running through each senior as they are trying to find their own path is invigorating! I get to take part in documenting this very special moment when they are about to cross such a HUGE bridge in their life. I get to see young men express such bravery and vulnerability as they talk about what their plans are, and I get to capture those expressions. I get to see young women excited to walk into that strange new world with confidence but still knowing that moms advice is right there waiting if they get stuck. All of these emotions I get to put into images that will last as they hand those feelings down to their future seniors.
This is more than just a way to make a dollar. This is creating a story that can be re-told through out the years as my clients go through the album they purchased years ago. This is their story that they are writing and they are each so different and perfect for them. This is a once in a life time opportunity to tell their own story as a single young adult ready to take their next steps
I am not priced for every client. That’s actually intentional. I am priced so that I can have fewer clients but that I can really focus on the clients who trust me to tell their story. I want the story of my clients to be told on the wall and coffee tables of the homes they grew up in, or are moving on to. I don’t want a calendar full of clients, I want time in my calendar for the right clients who really value what this moment means in the life of their senior. This is a new chapter and it is HUGE! it should be celebrated and documented.
Different people value things differently and you know what? That is ok. For a long time I felt like i couldn’t compete in this business because what many other photographers are doing, wasn’t what I saw in my dream I was chasing. So, rather that compete, I’m playing by my own rules. I’m offering something different and scary but something I believe in, and find value in. I offer a full service boutique.
Great, but what in the world does that all mean? Let me break it down. Once we have booked a session, we will meet just prior to your session to discuss what “products” you are wanting. Products is just a fancy word for stuff. What kind of stuff do you want, maybe you want a 20x30 canvas of your baby all grown up hanging on your wall. Possibly you want an album of the variety of pictures taken to send to Grandma because she is too far away to attend the graduation. Throwing a grad party and need some large prints or a sign in book that will greet your guests? The point is, there are lots of options that make your senior session more than just shoot and get a digital folder full of pictures. We will talk about what you want filling your home, and then we are off for the fun part….taking those amazing pictures! Once that is completed, I will spend some time editing them and we will meet once again to view your gallery and you will choose your package and purchase your images. All the hard stuff is done and now the beautiful reward when I deliver your breathtaking products you are then able to display for all to see.
I really do love what I do. I love the look on peoples faces as I present them with their art. If I’m not the right photographer for you, that’s ok. I get it. However, if it sounds like I might be someone who can help you with your dream senior session. I would love to talk with you. Comment here, reach out to me via facebook or instagram or email. I am eager and willing to help create some lasting portraits of your special senior