Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Douglas.
Sasha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My husband bought me my first DSLR camera when I was pregnant for my first child. I didn’t even take it out of the box. That is, until my daughter was born, and I laid eyes on her sweet face. Then I couldn’t put that same camera down. I wanted to remember each and every detail–milestone–of her existence. I would never show those pictures, because they are awful. But my passion for all things photography began. I googled and YouTubed until there was nothing left. Then I turned to online trainings. Slowly I learned the ins and outs of all the technicals, but still my favorite was capturing those real moments of our life together. Over time, I eventually started photographing people other than my two kids, and after many attempts with props and cues and crazy head swaps I found myself completely burned out (although the power of photoshop is something extraordinaire). I finally decided to take a long break and went back to simply capturing my kids, unpoised, doing what they do–in pretty light, of course. It was during this time I realized my greatest passion in photography, which was capturing families not as some perfectly posed creatures with pearly white smiles, but instead as they really were–beautiful, loud, messy, a bit crazy and a lot good. Moments over poses, authenticity over perfection. I’m not the photographer for everyone, but when I meet those people who feel like I do, something magical happens.
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?
I am lucky that my husband provides enough for us that we do not have to depend on my income. At the same time, however, I am learning not to devalue myself or my work. I read this article once that said women entrepreneurs have a harder time than men at really believing in our worth. For a number of reasons, I am sure, but it really challenged me in the way I viewed myself. I believe that each day I am becoming more and more like the woman I want to be, and more importantly, like the woman I want to show my daughter she can become.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Life Now Photography – what should we know?
Life Now Photography is an on-site location portrait company. Most shoots are done at the beach a pretty field, or in the client’s own home. I shoot anywhere from maternity to grandparents and all that comes in between. My main focus is families and I love to capture all the sweet joy that it entails. We all know that life is hard and life with kids even harder. There are plenty of tantrums and fights and toddlers winning battles, but at the end of the day, as parents, we seem to only remember the good. And that is what I make it my goal to deliver. I think that being a mom gives me the patience and understanding to not let anything faze me during a session. I try my hardest to make my families feel as relaxed as possible during our shoot and for to leave their time with me smiling. I want them to not only have a pretty picture, but a great memory attached to it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being real. I hear a lot from returning clients that the reason they use me again and again is because they feel like they can just be themselves when were together. To me, this is the biggest compliment I can receive.
Pricing:
- $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifenowphotography.com/
- Phone: 949-299-6003
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifenowphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifenowphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/life-now-photography-irvine-2
Image Credit:
Life Now Photography
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