Sara Kirkendall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sara, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Our family absolutely loves camping in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota! On our last day, I woke up bright and early to take my paddleboard out on the stunning Pactola Reservoir. It was such a delightful surprise to find I had the entire lake to myself, enveloped in a serene atmosphere. Standing tall on my board, I paddled out to the middle and soaked in the magic of this happy place. The sun was gracefully rising over the trees, and I could hear the cheerful birds greeting the day. The gentle waves beneath me felt like a warm hug. In these precious moments, I find my balance and serenity, knowing that once I return home, life’s busy rhythm will resume. I breathed in the peaceful energy all around me, feeling the sun’s warmth and the soothing embrace of the water.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What makes Life in Portraits unique is the way I combine artistry with experience. Every session is more than just a photo shoot—it’s a relaxed, thoughtful process designed to bring out the heart of your family’s story. From planning the perfect location to guiding you with posing and styling, I make sure the experience feels easy, enjoyable, and genuine. With nearly 20 years behind the camera, I deliver portraits that are not only beautiful, but also deeply personal—images that reflect your family, not just a moment in time.
My goal as a photographer is to walk alongside families through every stage of their story. From the first sweet moments of welcoming a newborn, to childhood milestones, to the proud celebration of graduation—we travel this journey together. Each session becomes a chapter in your family’s visual legacy, creating a collection of portraits that reflect how your story has grown and unfolded over the years.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have always been an artist. As a child, I saw the world through a creative lens, though I didn’t know how that vision could ever become a livelihood. What I did know was that the corporate world, with its boxes and expectations, would drain my creativity and dull my spirit. When I finally struck out on my own, I quickly learned that being an artist-entrepreneur meant wearing many hats—marketing, bookkeeping, networking—things that pushed me far outside my introverted comfort zone. Sessions don’t just appear; they come from hard work, persistence, and showing up again and again. And yes, there are days when taxes make me want to throw in the towel. But the balance between my business hat and my creative heart, though sometimes a swinging pendulum, is what allows me to do what I was meant to do: create art, tell stories, and capture the beauty of life in portraits.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: your journey won’t look like anyone else’s. It won’t mirror your friends’ paths or the stories you’ve seen in movies. Your relationships will be uniquely your own, your path will twist and turn in ways you can’t predict, and through it all, your family’s support will be steadfast. Let go of expectations and preconceived notions—embrace each day for what it is, and find the beauty in your own unfolding story.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe so. What you see is what you get—my face is uncovered, my hair is wild, and my style is comfortably Colorado casual. I don’t hide behind a polished façade because authenticity matters to me, both in life and in the art I create. I’m a passionate friend and a steadfast family member, and that same heart carries over into the way I show up for my clients.
When I’m photographing families, I’m not just an observer—I’m walking this parenthood journey right alongside them. I know the chaos of busy schedules, the sweetness of milestones, and the bittersweet ache of how fast it all goes. I encourage my clients to tell me what’s going on in their lives, because those real stories are what shape the portraits we make together. And when things feel overwhelming, I’m always ready to find the humor, to share a laugh, and to remind parents that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That time is short. We move through our days assuming there will always be another tomorrow, another season, another chance. But the truth is, none of us know when our time will be up. Death doesn’t wait for us to be ready—it can come suddenly, at any moment.
That understanding changes the way I see life and the way I photograph it. I know that a family portrait isn’t just a picture—it can become a final memory, a treasured reminder of love, connection, and presence. It’s why I believe so strongly in capturing life as it is right now, not waiting for “someday.” Because someday isn’t promised. What we have is today, and that is worth remembering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifeinportraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeinportraitsphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeinportraitsphotography
Image Credits
Business headshot taken by Shannon McTighe
All portraits owned and copyrighted by Sara Kirkendall and Life in Portraits
