Check Out Sarah’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah.

Sarah , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been enamored with photographs. Growing up my parents had boxes and bins of old family photos that I loved going through. I love looking into a world you may have never entered before – staring at a moment frozen in time. My senior year of high school I purchased my first professional camera and really just had fun with it. Taking photos of friends and nature at every chance I got. Now, over a decade later I have upgraded my gear and explore all sorts of photography. This summer I mainly focussed on concerts at Red Rocks and Mission Ballroom and really got to dive into challenging myself in different ways. Grueling physically, mentally and creatively – but definitely worth it. I work closely with the coffee community – photographing both international coffee competitions and local coffee shops. Since this has mainly been a side hustle, I have maintained bartending throughout this journey which has opened up many doors for me. I capture not only multiple downtown bars for menu changes and social media branding, but also bartending competitions hosted by Don Julio. These events are some of my favorite because it really melds my two worlds into one.

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?
This has absolutely been the toughest ride I’ve been on. This is an expensive hobby that is only fueled by love and passion. I question by creative eye daily and get frustrated with myself when I don’t pick up my camera for a few days. Most of my work is done for free – concert photography isn’t a paid gig but is an incredible opportunity. I mean, how many people get the chance to photograph the most well known amphitheater in the world? But that is mainly for the experience and exposure. On the other hand, I enjoy trading with other small businesses. I have traded photo sessions with an incredible local woman who owns Colorado Crown Co. and got a custom handmade cowgirl hat! Astro Coffee Van has trusted me in so many ways – from seasonal branding sessions, to their engagement shoot in the mountains, to a wedding in Italy! So while this journey has not been the most financially sustainable. the connections and friends I have made pays my heart enough to make it worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I really pride myself on being approachable and affordable to other local and small businesses. Life is expensive and starting/running a business on your own or from the ground up is HARD. Creating these connections and supporting other people in similar shoes is very fulfilling to me.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The photography world is wildly over saturated but there is certainly room for all. I think there are so many styles of photography that the direction its heading is ever changing. Art is constantly evolving and being challenged. I focus on more candid styles of photography – concert, competitions and coffee throwdowns. Those events I can only capture in the moment and hope I got the shot! Whereas others who focus on wedding photography, they will have to keep up with the yearly trends and fads that are always changing. So it really is hard to pinpoint exactly where this industry is heading, but its continually evolving and is all driven by social media.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sarah.joy.photography

Image Credits
All images are taken by me. Below are the companies associated with the photos.

Hat photo – Colorado Crown Co.
Both coffee photos – Astro Coffee Van
Photo with 3 cocktails – The Passport Bar
Single cocktail – Pony Up / Don Julio