Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lynn Smith.
Sarah Lynn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I guess you could say it all started when I was pregnant with my son. He is already almost 2-years old now! Back then, I was working full-time as a graphic designer and writer. I loved the creative side of the business world, so I was happy writing and designing website content, videography and marketing materials for large corporations. When I got pregnant, I was put in a position where I would need to accept a job about an hour away, without traffic! It just wasn’t the best timing, so instead I opted to stay at home for a while and raise my son. It was a hard decision for someone like myself. My career was going the way I wanted it to, for the most part, I was moving on up. Only 5 years prior, I’d graduated from college where I was a dual major in both Early Childhood Education and Mass Communication, so the idea of not utilizing at least one degree seemed unfathomable. Oh well, I figured I could always go back to work – even if I had to start all over again. I began filling my newfound spare time browsing and saving ideas from Pinterest for my maternity photos, newborn photos and future family photos. It became an obsession. When my son was born my husband got me a nice camera similar to the ones I used as a graphic designer, because I was clearly in need of 1) a hobby, and 2) a better camera than the one on my phone. Next thing you know, my family and friends started calling and asking me to take their pictures, too “like the ones posted on Facebook of your son.” I quickly noticed that my years studying Early Childhood Education were coming in handy as well. I knew how to get both babies and little kids to listen to me and smile at the camera, which was a huge plus! I think between that, being a new mom, and a retired marketing specialist, I had a leg up in starting my business. In just a few months, I was no longer bored at home, I was overwhelmed with photos to edit! My husband was actually the one who saw it becoming more, and said I needed to charge people for my time. It was hard for me to see it at first, because I loved doing it so much, but he was right. It had become a “jobby” now. So, I finally put my old graphic design skills to use and made a Facebook page, Instagram, website, business cards and flyers for the neighborhood. Before I knew it or ever expected it, strangers were actually calling and e-mailing me to take their photos! That was a little over a year ago.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I have faced is time management. I had to learn how to utilize the bits of quiet time I have to give all my clients equal photo editing time while maintaining a quick turnaround. As a stay-at-home mom, I finally had to accept the fact that my son needed to go to a Mother’s Day Out Program two days a week. That made all the difference! Next fall, he will go for three days a week, because the business has grown so much already. By spring of 2018, he may need to go five days a week, and it took me a minute to realize that’s not a bad thing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Adventures In Photography TX story. Tell us more about the business.
Adventures in Photography is a studio and outdoor photography business based North of Houston in the Spring/Woodlands area. Right now, I am still finding my niche. So far, it looks like Outdoor Family Photography takes the number one spot on my resume. However, I’ve found myself specializing in Lifestyle and In-Studio Newborn Photography as well. I’m breaking into the Wedding Photography business with three bookings already! I’m excited to see how things go as I continue to grow and learn what niche is right for me, or if I should continue on this broad path.
What I am most proud of as a company is how quickly things have developed over the last year. I think I came in knowing what costumers wanted, because I was one and I still think like one.
What sets me apart from the others is my past as a teacher and graphic designer. I have a great understanding of the child’s cognitive mind and that has really helped me get children to smile or laugh so I can capture those photos that every mother dreams of. When you pair that with my design skills / eye, I have a different perspective than most photographers who can get lost in a “moody” photo, when what the parent/person really wants is an attractive photo they love of themselves or their loved ones.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Bad luck played a huge role in why I started my business to begin with. I guess it was a good thing after all!
Pricing:
- I have a special right now until August on 30-Minute Summer Mini Sessions with 10 Photos – only $150!
- One Hour Family Session with 20-25+ Photos – $250
- Maternity Session with 20 Photos – $250
- Newborn In-Studio Sessions with 20 Photos – $300
- Newborn In-Home Lifestyle Sessions with 30+ Photos – $425
- Maternity and Newborn Combo Packages starting at $500
- Cake Smash – First Birthday Sessions with 25+ Photos – $325
- Two Hour Engagement Sessions with 30 Photos- $300
- Wedding Photography Packages starting at $1000
- Bridal Photography Session with 25 Photos- $250
- Headshots in studio or outdoor, 10 Photos – $150
- Senior Portraits with 20 Photos and 3 Outfits – $350
Contact Info:
- Address: Spring, Texas
- Website: www.adventuresinphotographytx.com
- Email: adventuresinphotographytx@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/adventuresinphotographytx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/adventuresinphotographytx
Image Credit:
Adventures In Photography TX
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
