Rising Stars: Meet Sarah Harmon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Harmon. 

Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I knew I had a love for photography. As a teenager, I was the friend that would always bring the camera around to take pictures. I never took photography classes but I just knew I loved capturing special moments. In 2018, I bought my first professional camera and started shooting landscapes. Nature was my escape and my peace, and adding my camera was that much better. One year later, I lost my father to cancer and my whole world turned upside down. I became in an even more broken place than I had been in my life, and was also separating from my marriage. It was a heavy time. In September of 2020, I had a family member ask me to take portraits of their family. I was hesitant but pushed myself to do it anyway. That photo session was when I created Wonder bug Photography. I had no idea the other gift that I had of capturing those special moments for people. After booking a few more sessions and going through life, I still felt something missing. I knew I needed more. That missing element in my life was God. In February of 2022, I was made new and allowed God to heal all of my broken and grant me the gift of salvation. However, two days after I said my Yes, I lost my full-time job. Everything I knew that kept me secure was taken away. I knew that I would face adversity in my walk, but I did not know how soon it would come. I have been challenged and put outside of so many of my comfort zones. What I ended up realizing is that this was God’s time for me to be able to grow and flourish and use the fire he instilled in me. I knew that this was going to be the time for my voice to come out. Since March 2022, my photography business continues to grow, and additionally, God led me to start an online business. I am nowhere near being successful as I am only just starting out but I am hopeful and excited for the future and what my businesses have offered. Even more, I am excited to share what my fire and my voice have to offer. 

Alright, 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?
It has not been an easy road. When I first started out it was easy just going with the flow and taking pictures but as I got into the business, I realized how much I did not know. I had to educate myself being a total beginner and still am educating myself. My biggest obstacle now is working on social media. I feel that it is very important to be successful for your business, however, I am lacking in the education to use it efficiently. The obstacle for my online business is that I am brand new to an online business. Which leads to being challenged. I have never backed down from any challenge in any life, including where I am at in my walk. I have learned that when God puts me in an uncomfortable situation it is for me to grow and learn and I stay obedient. It is easy to get let down when people cancel sessions or don’t respond to the marketing, but I always tell myself that the people come when it is time. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer and an online business owner. My brand is Wonder Bug which includes Wonder Bug Photography and Wonder Bug Boutique. As a photographer, I feel what sets me apart from others is that I like to shoot naturally. I don’t like to over-pose and make my clients feel uncomfortable. I go with the flow of things and build a relationship with them before we start shooting and capture the natural moments that happen in between. 

With Wonder Bug Boutique, I feel what sets me apart from others is that it is a Christian-based boutique and all of the items are handmade by me. I love being able to be creative and showcase artwork that glorifies God at the same time. I am most proud that with both businesses I have been able to teach myself everything and consistent of gaining more knowledge when I need it. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of the apps I use most often is You Version which is the Bible App. There I am able to read daily devotionals, and daily verses, and get inspiration. I like to complete Bible reading plans that aim to help me run my businesses according to how God wants me to. I am not much of a book reader, but when I do read books I read history books, true crime, or How-To books. 

Pricing:

• Sessions with me typically cost $125
• Boutique items range from $6-$16.99
• Special Events such as Weddings/Elopements start at $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/wonderbugboutique
• Instagram: instagram.com/wonderbugphotography
• Facebook: @wonderbug14