Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Dockery.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Photography is something I have been surrounded by for my entire life. Growing up, my mother was a professional photographer. She had her own business, “Precious Memories.” I watched her learn and watched her become successful. As a kid, I did not realize how much this would impact my life. My dad has taught me from a young age how to enjoy the outdoors, nature and wildlife. We are avid outdoorsmen; we love nature, wildlife, mountains, you name it outdoors and we love it. The influence of both of my parents led me to my admiration for photography.
I have always enjoyed playing with cameras and taking fun photos but never considered it as a career or job. My obsession with photography began my freshman year of college. I was chosen to study abroad in South Africa for a month. This was a trip of a lifetime and something I will never forget. I was able to see sights that most of my friends and family never will see. Although, through my photos, I was able to tell a story of the life in Africa to share with my people. I fell in love with being able to capture moments that not everyone could enjoy.
In 2015, I started my blog, “DareToAim,” as a way to share stories and my photography with others. Quickly after starting this blog, my photography took over and left little time for writing. I loved telling stories about my photos rather than just telling stories without context.
About a year later, I took the plunge into photographing people. YIKES, this truly intimidated me. I am a fairly outgoing person, but I had only photographed wildlife and nature up to this point. Steely Southard, my best friend, encouraged me to take portraits of her to give it a try. I was very hesitant, but kind of intrigued so I went with it. At first, I felt so awkward, but by the end of her session, I decided I never wanted to stop. Seeing the photographs on the computer was mind-blowing to me because I didn’t know I was capable of making a human look decent with a camera and the right settings.
From traveling across west Texas photographing state parks for Texas Parks and Wildlife to studio photography at Texas A&M, I took around six photography classes in college and learned from some of the best photographers. I would specifically like to thank Tobin Redwine for always encouraging me to keep pushing toward my goals. He is a professor at Texas A&M, I had the pleasure of taking two photography classes with him, one on campus and one study away. I knew a lot about photography before taking his class, but he is who helped me display the passion I have for the art into my work. His photography class is what pushed me to make this art my life.
Another year and a bunch of portrait sessions later, I took the bold leap of faith into photographing weddings. It was an experience like no other, I absolutely fell in love with it. I had heard horror stories of photographers hating weddings, how much stress came with them and how overwhelming they can be. Although, photographing people had never felt so natural to me until I started photographing weddings. The feeling of capturing moments that will last for generations to come is the most amazing feeling.
As for now, I am working full time while also doing photography full time on the side. Photography is a passion like I have never felt before and I know it will be part of my life for many years to come. I am so thankful for the friends and family who have encouraged me to follow my dreams and become the best of my abilities, but I hope I will always push myself to the next big thing and continue to grow as a photographer.
Great, 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?
As a 23-year-old, who works full-time, works hard to build a successful business, meeting with clients, striving to improve my art, working to stay healthy and find time for social activities gets tough. I miss out on doing a lot of things people my age do because I am working to build myself into my dream self. It gets hard seeing others success come what appears to be easy, but I just have to remind myself over and over “one day it will all be worth it.” Somedays I want to quit, somedays I want to scream, I never feel like there are enough hours in the day… but at the end of the day, it always feels worth it. My advice to others is to keep pushing when things get hard because that is when you need to work the hardest.
I’ve had so many photographers tell me I won’t be successful if I do weddings, nature and portrait photography. “People won’t take you seriously if you do so much..” For half a second I believed them… I thought these people are industry experts and know way more than I do. While yes, they do know more and have experienced more. I see it differently. This is me. This conglomeration of totally different things is what makes DareToAim Photo. This is what I founded this company based on… capturing scenes at the moment that not everyone has seen or may never see, to create an artifact that can last for eternity.
As different as each branch is, it is what makes my tiny business unique. I have a passion for nature, wildlife, and love, so why not make the most of each passion. I don’t see why I should limit myself when I see opportunities in each area. The comments have inspired me to never give up on the reason I started, but instead, take it and capitalize on what makes me unique. Just because someone else is successful doing things one way, doesn’t mean you won’t be successful doing things your way. Never forget why you started or lose sight of your passion.
Another roadblock I nearly had was being offered a job with an amazing company, great benefits, in a town I would LOVE to live in, and offered a heck of a lot more money than I make now. Everything seemed positive about this position.
But you know what? This job said if I were hired, I would have to completely shut down my small business. I would no longer be able to have sessions, accept payment of any sort or promote my services. I would have to cancel every session I have booked, including weddings, who some people have had booked for over a year. I would have to take down my website, delete my social media accounts, all of this would be gone.
I have worked day and night for almost three years to grow as a photographer. I have invested countless hours of learning, money, and I have put my heart and soul into this passion. I may not be the best photographer, but I am 100% dedicated to being the best of my personal abilities and keeping my passion alive.
I refuse to give up. I had to make a choice to quit my dreams or go to the “perfect job.” A life without photography sounds far from perfect. I feel no amount of money is worth me giving up what I’ve worked so hard for.
Shortly after I turned down this job, I was offered a job in Dallas who supports my dreams, that I know is exactly where I need to be. I am so excited to start my new adventure a company that is supportive of my dreams, helping me grow professionally and personally, and appreciates what I’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Everything happens for a reason if something doesn’t feel right. Wait. God has a plan. Above all, don’t give up on what makes you happy.
Please tell us about DareToAim | Photographic Art.
I am a photographer who specializes in nature, portraits, and weddings. As different as each branch is, it is what makes my tiny business unique. My photography style is natural and authentic. I am a natural light photographer who focuses on capturing true colors and true emotions. One of my main goals as a photographer is to highlight other’s personalities within the frame of my camera and tell a story.
Another goal I have as a photographer is to create photos for you to one day look back on and remember that time in your life. Memories fade, but photographs can last as long as you keep them. I want to capture moments my clients can cherish forever.
Who have you been inspired by?
The biggest inspiration in my life is my mom, Susan Dockery. Without her, my love for photography would have never begun. She helped me get started, helped me with business sides of things and helped me get my feet on the ground with taking in clients. She pushes me daily to be the best I can be and to never give up even when things seem impossible. She is my second shooter for most weddings. She is my professional dress fluffer and a rock star assistant. I don’t know what I would do without her and I know I wouldn’t be where I am I am today without her love and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daretoaimphoto.com/
- Phone: 903-654-8360
- Email: sarahelese@daretoaimphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daretoaimphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DareToAimPhoto/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/daretoaimphoto
Image Credit:
All by @DareToAimPhoto
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