Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Beirne
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Since I can remember I have always held a camera. From film in the 80’s and 90’s, disposable cameras at every wedding I attended, to buying my first digital (5 megapixel’s!) in 2006. I went to college and became an art educator in 2004. I went on to teach art for grades K-8 for 14 years, seven of those years in Charlotte, NC, and the other half back in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. During all of those years, I would take on little jobs here and there as a photographer.
I decided to leave teaching after my daughter was born in the Spring of 2018. While in the beautiful cloud of motherhood, along with (what I realized later was) undiagnosed postpartum depression, I felt lost. Even though I made the decision, my career and everything I worked toward for so long was suddenly stripped from me. I was in the middle of an identity crisis! I realized in order to be the best mom I could be, that meant I also needed to fill my cup in other ways. So that fall, I opened my LLC and slowly started to build up my clientele, trying all different types of photography.
As I was networking and starting to meet new people, I started to realize the growth of small businesses in the area, and that they were starting to market on social media platforms. It then clicked that there was a need for businesses to have better photography, and more in a way that connected to them to their community and clients. That is when I fell in love with personal brand photography, and I’ve been photographing in this niche ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are so many struggles for small business owners! It honestly is like a roller coaster. You have your really high moments, and sometimes you slip down the really steep hill. While there are struggles, I like to call them stepping stones. Each time there is a struggle is an opportunity to learn from it. You also have the opportunity to make different or new decisions to get past it, and learn from your mistakes. There have been struggles of not acquiring clients, not being able to pay the business bills or making late payments, questioning and feeling sad about making the decision to leave my career that I spent so many years in.
The biggest and most challenging of all obstacles? Imposter syndrome and the comparison game. Ohh these can get ya! This is the biggest rollercoaster of all. It comes and goes in different phases of your business, especially if you experience growth. I learned that it helps to say these words out loud to yourself -or even write them down so you see them every day- there is room for everyone, and you know exactly what you are doing! Words like this help me to get through this kind of struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
For a long time, I felt pressured to narrow my photography style. There are many trends in the industry, with some photographers specializing in just one subject and others capturing everything. I didn’t want to fit into either category—but I also wanted my website to clearly communicate what I do.
After my first year in business, I focused on establishing myself as the go-to photographer for families and branding photography in my area. Over time, that became my niche, and now when people see my work, they instantly recognize what I do and who I serve.
What sets me apart from other photographers in my area is the effort I put into truly getting to know my clients. For my branding clients especially, I take the time to understand what makes them unique in their industry. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where my clients feel completely at ease—almost as if I’m not even there with a camera. When they’re able to open up and enjoy the experience, we capture stunning, authentic images that connect with their audience.
With my background in teaching various art disciplines, I bring a deep understanding of light, composition, and subject matter to my photography. This artistic foundation allows me to adapt my approach to each session, ensuring every image is thoughtfully composed and authentically captured. In post-processing, I customize edits to suit each client while maintaining a true-to-life aesthetic. My focus is on capturing reality—keeping colors and moods natural unless the scene itself lends to a creative interpretation. I think this is what I am most proud of in the “artist” realm of the photography business.
As a business owner, I am most proud of my connection and relationship with my clients. I have been able to build many long-term relationships with most of my clients, many of whom I still create for.
I have many amazing services for families and branding photography. The best way to find out what those are, is to contact me through my website. I love connecting and talking with people about their photography visions or dreams and how I can help that come to life. Cleveland families and businesses- I’m here for you!!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
As a business owner, what I value most is the genuine connection I build with my clients. Photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about understanding each client’s unique story, vision, and personality. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with many of my clients, some of whom I’ve worked with from the very start of their journeys. Whether it’s a growing family, a thriving business, or a personal milestone, I take pride in being a trusted photographer who continues to create for them time and time again. I truly think this is what is most important to my success as a photographer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahbeirnephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbeirnephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahBeirnePhotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-beirne-photography2005/
