Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Toups.
Sarah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been interested in photography since high school but I never really had an opportunity to learn and frankly, I think I was too intimated by the camera to try. So, it wasn’t until my junior year of college when I took the plunge and purchased my first DSLR camera. At the time, spending $600 on a camera seemed ridiculous, but it was a bundle deal so I felt good about my purchase. After hours of YouTube videos, I finally felt confident in using the camera and starting bringing my camera to social events, taking pictures of my friends, and documenting my time left in college. Once I graduated and starting working full time, it took a little bit of a back seat to other priorities, but I still had that desire to hone in on my craft and continue to create. I brought my camera to work events and kept practicing in my free time. In November of 2017, I upgraded to a full-frame camera and bought a couple of new lenses and starting operating under Sarah Toups Photography. Now, I shoot family sessions, senior sessions, special events, and even weddings. When I first bought my camera in college, I never thought it would end up being a business, but I’m loving the opportunities that photography has given me.
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?
Generally, it has been a smooth process for me. Of course, learning something new always has its challenges, but I took my time and wasn’t in a hurry to be an overnight success. It started out as a hobby and my love for photography is what has driven me to learn more and face any challenges that may come my way. I still feel like I am learning and pushing myself to become better every day, but that’s part of the fun for me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sarah Toups Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Right now, I’ve been working with a lot of seniors and families doing portrait sessions, but I have a special passion for and am trying to get more involved with special events and weddings. I love doing portraits because those are images that will be cherished and looked at for years and generations to come, but there’s something about shooting events that really lights a spark within me. I thrive in the candid moments, the energy, the fun, and the in-between moments that are captured during events. I’m actually a full-time event coordinator, and I think having that experience of running an event gives me an advantage over someone who has never been in that position. Even though I am at an event as the photographer, I am able to anticipate needs for the bride and groom or any other major guests or staff. I’m also used to the stress and chaos that ensues throughout an event day. In fact, I love the chaos and it doesn’t impact my work in a negative way at all. I think that’s something that sets me apart and a skill that I hope to use to my advantage as I transition more into an event and wedding photographer.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m of the belief that we create our own luck, meaning we work hard and set ourselves up for success. Once I decided to create a business out of my photography hobby, I have been very intentional with finding ways to market myself, gain more experience, and continue to learn more about this industry to best serve my clients and grow my business. I have watched webinars, learned from mentors, reached out to other local photographers, read countless articles on how to edit and correctly work with lighting, and even worked for free just to gain more experience. This work ethic has carried me through all of my schooling, my jobs, and now through my photography business and I hope it helps me find great success down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahtoupsphotography.com
- Email: sarahtoupsphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahtoupsphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahtoupsphoto
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