Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Sonntag.
Paige, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I never saw myself as an artist. Rather someone who was searching right out of my teens for what I was “meant” to do. I made it through my twenties with a handful of miscellaneous college courses and a long list of dead-end jobs that didn’t bring me joy.
My first experience with professional photography was after meeting the love of my life and finding the perfect photographer to document our engagement and wedding. After an incredible experience and receiving images I would forever treasure I became obsessed with photography. I spent hours scrolling Instagram, blown away by the creativity some people possess without thinking I would ever pick up a camera myself.
At 28 and with a year of marriage behind us, I decided I need to find a real career. I enrolled in a local Respiratory Therapy program, and after two years of the hardest work I’d ever encountered, I graduated as valedictorian of my class. We welcomed my first son a month after I graduated as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and I suddenly needed to document this incredible chapter in our lives. That Christmas four years ago my husband surprised me with my very first camera.
I used my new camera to capture all of his monthly milestones, our first vacation as a family of three, and moments I never wanted to forget. I poured all of my free time into watching YouTube videos on how to shoot in manual mode. I scoured the internet for free resources, soaking up everything I could get my hands on. It wasn’t long before my close friends were asking me to bring my camera to functions or asking me to photograph their families. I’ll never forget my childhood friend urging and encouraging me to start a business, telling me I had a talent that I should tap into.
I picked a business name, created a Facebook profile, and jumped in. I didn’t know much, but I knew I had to start somewhere. After several months and acquiring my first paying clients I applied to be an associate photographer for Luke & Cat Photography, An incredibly talented photographer duo who brought me on with the little knowledge I had under my belt, mentoring me in their craft and teaching me to photograph high-end weddings and portrait sessions.
After a little over a year of being an associate photographer, we prepared to welcome our second son and I decided to step back from photography. I wanted to have the opportunity to focus primarily on being a mother and wife, knowing that the first few months with a new baby fly by so quickly and I wanted to be one hundred percent there for all of it. I spent the next year at home with my two sons, feeling incredibly blessed for the opportunity.
It wasn’t long before I knew I needed to pick up my camera again. But this time, my interests had shifted. I had a newfound love and admiration for motherhood and family photography and knew this is where I wanted my focus to be. I took the first steps to starting my own business in September 2021 and after months of dedication, support from my family and celebrating accomplishments while learning from mistakes, I am full of pride for this business I have created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The most challenging part of owning my own photography business is juggling work while staying at home with my two boys, aged 1 and 4. Having little one’s at home means, I am working when they are sleeping, as I generally always have someone climbing into my lap, asking for snacks or needing my full attention and care.
Last Fall I realized that boundaries would have to be set after an incredibly busy season. I was left with minimal time to watch my own children enjoy the holidays and I was rushing through events so I could get to my laptop to work and meet deadlines and serve clients that I am so dedicated to. In the last several months I have accepted that this is a special season in my life and that these years go by too quickly, so I have decreased the amount of sessions I schedule so that I’m able to be “Mama” first.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a photographer, my focus is on family, motherhood, maternity and lifestyle newborn sessions. I strive to provide my clients with galleries that display genuine interactions and connections as I give prompts that require action over posing.
As a new photographer I would try my hardest to imitate an image I’d seen online but ultimately would often be disappointed with the outcome as I felt like the connection between my clients was missing or lacking. Over the last year I’ve learned that it’s not the pose that you awkwardly force people into that makes an image, rather its allowing them to interact naturally while guiding them in a way that creates an impactful image.
Something else I’ve come to embrace in my work and sets me apart is movement. I believe movement can create a tangible emotion in a photograph. I often tell my clients that I am not the photographer who will choose a location that has the least amount of wind so ensure every hair stays in place, but rather I will ask them to run towards me or turn towards the wind, facing it and allowing it to create motion in their hair and clothing.
My client experience is also incredibly important to me as I value them and after receiving their final gallery want them to be over the moon and return for me to document more of their moments. I work closely with my clients to ensure that I am able to capture their vision and tune in to what’s the most important to them. Because ultimately, my connection with my clients and gaining their trust is the most important part of my job to ensure I am able to tell their story authentically.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
When speaking with my clients after their session, most are surprised at how relaxed, fun, and easy-going our session time together was. I believe that as someone who’s been in customer service most of their working life, I have the ability to read my clients and customize our time together to what they need and are comfortable with. I also believe that by opening up and being myself, I often am able to quickly gain trust, allowing clients to relax, let their guard down, and genuinely have a lovely evening with their loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paigesonntagphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigesonntagphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaigeSonntagPhotography
