Story & Lesson Highlights with Sasha Douglas of Newport Beach

We recently had the chance to connect with Sasha Douglas and have shared our conversation below.

Sasha, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Life threw me it’s hardest last year when I suddenly became a single mom to my five children who are now 14, 12, 5, 3, and 10 months old. It was a year I never wish to repeat, but it left me no choice than to do a lot of things I was afraid of. Through it I realized I am a lot stronger than I ever imagined, and am able to do things I never thought were possible. I used to be a stay at home mom who had this fun little side hustle of photography. It is now my only source of bringing in income for these children. I won’t say that I’m not still afraid, but here I am, doing it afraid.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a photographer, a single mom to five kids, and this business has truly become a family affair. Most days, you’ll find me shooting alongside my oldest daughter, who helps by playing with the baby while I work. Back home, my son is usually hanging out with the little girls, likely dishing out his secret stash of candy.

I specialize in family, maternity, and senior, photography, and I’m especially known for my sunset beach sessions. I started over 11 years ago as a simple mom with a camera, but maybe to the degree the kids thought it was an extension of my arm for a while there. On a whim, I decided to give my kids a break and try to start taking photos of other people. I wasn’t very good, but I had the drive and passion, and that whim then turned into the business it is today.

My work is rooted in connection, movement, laughter, and love, and my goal is to create images that show my clients just how beautiful they really are.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Motherhood has been the most defining experience of my life. Raising five children as a single mom has completely reshaped how I see time, connection, and what truly matters. Life is full, loud, imperfect, and fleeting, and being immersed in that every day has taught me to value presence over perfection.

Navigating motherhood on my own has also given me resilience, patience, and a deep sense of empathy. I understand how quickly seasons pass, how unpredictable life can be, and how meaningful it is to preserve moments that feel real. That perspective shapes both how I live and how I photograph others.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are a lot stronger than you think are, and capable of so much more than you can imagine. Believe in yourself. Life is hard, but you got this, one day at a time.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Over the past year, I’ve been deeply impacted by the kindness of people I barely knew who showed up for my family in ways that deeply moved me. They weren’t powerful or famous—just everyday men and women who stepped in quietly, without recognition or expectation.

Their compassion, generosity, and willingness to help reminded me of the goodness that exists in the world. Those are the people I admire most today—the ones who lead with character, empathy, and humanity rather than status or influence.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who lived with integrity and led with love. That I showed up for my family wholeheartedly and treated the people around me with kindness, honesty, and respect.

More than anything, I hope it’s said that I cared deeply about my children, my community, and the moments we share with one another. If my life and my work reflected love, consistency, and compassion, then that would be the legacy I’d be proud to leave behind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lifenowphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifenowphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifenowphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/life-now-photography-irvine-2