Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Vanderveer.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Everyone loves a good origin story – and although mine isn’t flashy, there’s a quiet sort of beauty in finding yourself through art, and eventually discovering your purpose.
My first clue was when I took my older sister high school grad photos on my mom’s iPhone5 when I was 15. I’ll never forget the “artistic” shorts I got of her reading an old book in a field surrounded by chicken – I still can’t help smiling when I think about it. I got my first camera for Christmas that year and dove into all the online education I could find!
Fast forward a few years and you’ll find me with a 9-month-old baby and already in my first trimester with my second. In between reheating the same cup of tea for the fifth time in one afternoon, I had the opportunity to photograph other mamas and hear their stories of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. This sparked something in me, and I slowly fell in love with motherhood photography.
Now I work with moms and babies all over DFW for Maternity, Newborn, and Breastfeeding portraits. Recently my best friend joined the team and working together is so much fun! My husband works full-time and also cares for our two kiddos when he’s home – he’s such a blessing to me and a huge part of my success.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s no secret that entrepreneurship is hard, and motherhood is hard, and life is hard – and all three have brought about major roadblocks.
From personal things like losing my dad and having very difficult pregnancies (I was in a wheelchair for my third trimester with my second baby due to frequent dislocations and chronic pain), to crazy world events like the pandemic, it’s been a wild ride.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and breastfeeding portraits! I’m here to provide a photography experience that cuts through the overwhelm, so you never forget the wonder and joy of welcoming your newest little.
I’m known for my light, bright, and classic style, and I love capturing that special sweetness that only lasts for a short time. Watching my own babies change every day keeps me passionate and coming alongside other mamas to create artwork for them fills my heart.
I offer some amazing all-inclusive packages, and an entirely in-home experience for newborns so you can spend the morning of your session at home in your slippers and PJs!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t be afraid to invest. Education is just that – and investment in yourself and your future – and the most valuable education isn’t free!
Although I really believe in putting your money where your dreams are, I’ve also been helped so much along the way by kind people who are a few steps ahead of me. I love being a part of Facebook groups, hosting and attending local meet-ups, and reaching out to my peers on Instagram.
My biggest piece of advice is this – if you can’t find the opportunities you are hoping for, build them yourself whether that means starting a meet-up in your area, or going out of your comfort zone to talk to new people at church. You can create the networking that you would like to be a part of!
Pricing:
- Maternity and Breastfeeding Packages start at $550
- Newborn Packages start at $750
Contact Info:
- Website: sarahleanaphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sarahleana
- Facebook: facebook.com/sarahleanaphotography
Image Credits
Sarah Vanderveer
