Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Weir.
Sara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
If I go way back, I started film photography as a kid with disposable cameras and my little brothers! I would even dress up my Barbies and pose them in scenes, Vogue style, and take portraits of them!
But I guess my professional photography life started roughly ten years ago when my husband and I moved to the Caribbean where he attended medical school. As a new wife with really nothing to do, I dove head first into photography and fell in love with learning all I could.
Fast forward several years, a medical career, and a growing family to the pivotal moment when I decided to launch Sara Weir Photography!
I would say my career really moved forward the moment I picked up a film camera again. The process of shooting film brought the life into the work I had been searching for. The consistency, attention to detail, and the creative process fulfilled all my creative desires and I was able to offer the kind of high-quality images and experience for my clients that I had been working towards.
I am now happy to offer a wide range of fine art photography from weddings, to lifestyle, to working with brands to communicate their stories and products and back again to portraiture. All in film and with as much care and love for the process as I have ever had!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I love this question!
Of course not! I often think of a story I have heard about Picasso. He was asked once in a restaurant by an admirer to draw something then and there on a napkin. He obliged. The admirer was thrilled. He handed the napkin to her and said, “There. $12,000 please.” She gawked at him and said, “But that took you 30 seconds!” He replied, “Madam, it took me a lifetime to draw that for you here in 30 seconds.”
That is how this work is. If you want to create something you will work, and you will love and struggle with the work, for a good deal longer than you think before people will take notice.
But it is in creating and working that you learn and prepare yourself for the opportunities when they come. Then it is up to you to make the most of every opportunity that comes before you!
We’d love to hear more about Sara Weir Photography.
I am a portrait photographer. To me, that means it is the most important to capture the essence of someone, as they are at that moment. It is not limited to head shots but is completely inspired by each individual and their story. I find the most joy at capturing this during weddings, lifestyle, and branding sessions.
When I am in the work, I often think of grace and how it can apply to my work visually. I was a ballerina for many years and the power of movement and imagery is very powerful to me. I also descend from a long line of powerful women so feminine strength is another important element in my work – especially my weddings and portraits. I have been told by many others that my work exudes a grace-filled with light and that is why they choose to work with me.
I am most proud of the fact that when my wedding clients see their images they tell me they are really transported back to their wedding day and are able to relive the day through my images. And that I was a calming and reassuring presence that helped them stay present and enjoy their day. To me, there is not a greater compliment.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I will repeat the best advice for networking that I have ever heard. It came from Justin Hackworth. He said, “At every networking event, I think to myself, someone here needs exactly what I have to offer.”
He approaches it from the perspective of serving others rather than from the perspective of who is here to help me. Just absolutely brilliant.
To add to that be genuine, be kind, and give more than you think. Those relationships will be the ones that make your career. Marketing is excellent, but relationships have staying power.
On finding a mentor, I have always invested in those I what I emulate and I have always seen that investment returned and doubled each time. Having some skin in the game changes our mindset and gives us this motivation that we can’t find anywhere else. I definitely recommend reaching out to those you would like to learn from or finding those who offer mentoring and then investing in your education. You won’t regret it!
Contact Info:
- Website: saraweirphotography.com
- Email: saraweirphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @saramweir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saraweirphoto/?fb_dtsg_ag=Adxd0WIwCwEEu0Fcw_C2_wSEgFl7IQSbQBysKPPOru4g9Q%3AAdyOwBpGxxx_0BbeR9aqM0AAa_7RHfYBfofOFnm_AcQlxA
Image Credit:
Jessica Haderlie
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
