Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Schrenker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I wish that I would have started my business sooner, and if I am being honest, the thing that was holding me back the most, was myself. I never truly believed that I would be capable of being a successful photographer, let alone running my own business. Photography was more of a hobby for me, a creative outlet that I used to capture the smallest of moments, to big life changes. I started picking up my camera and learning more about the art of photography when covid hit the world. I was at the time living in a small rural area in Tennessee, and was searching for something to bring me a little joy in the midst of that heavy season. I dusted off my starter camera, and at the time could not even find where my battery charger was because it had been so long since I used it. I then simply just started asking people that I knew if they would allow me to take their photos, and thankfully I had amazing friends and an amazing support system, that encouraged me and allowed me to use them as my guinea pigs. I look bag at some of those images and cringe a little bit, but I am also so incredibly proud of them. I finally took the risk, and it was all so incredibly worth it. One of my favorite sayings is, “Everyone was a beginner at some point, now its your turn.” No one picks up a talent or an art form over night. It takes practice, and determination to be able to teach yourself a skill. But to anyone reading, I promise you, it is worth it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sarah Schrenker and I am 27 years old, currently located in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. For me personally, my love for photography began when I served on a mission trip in 2014, and was blessed by the work we did in Kenya. I served with a non-profit called Gethsemane Garden Christian Centre, located on Mfangano Island, in Lake Victoria, Kenya. I had the opportunity to work with orphans who had lost their family members due to HIV and AIDS. Working in the community brought be an abundance of joy, and serving the kids filled a part of my heart that I will always carry with me. One of the projects I worked on when serving in the community was photographing the students that were still in need of sponsors for their schooling and meals. The images before were low lit, and grainy, and the children were showing no expression; they looked broken and hollow. Once meeting the children though you got to see their beautiful smiles, and the joy across their faces, and we knew that this was the version of the children that deserved to be shared with the world. For families in the states to be able to look at the students, and feel a connection with them, and to truly see each child and the goodness they bring into this world. I also captured images of the children in their day to day, and the most rewarding was when each child had the opportunity to see themselves, some even for the first time in their life. That trip is what began my “why”. To understand what the story is behind what they are wanting to share, and how to tell it. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and personally, I will never be able to properly put into words how much that experience meant to me.

I am a traveling photographer, and currently most of my work consists of family sessions, engagements, and weddings. I am also working to constantly expand my craft and learn new avenues. I am truly eager to make my way back into the non-profit sector to share the impactful stories and amazing work that organizations are doing, however until I am able to secure another opportunity, I am continuing to branch out and learn new avenues. Doing so I am also staying inspired by other photographers and creators that are currently doing the work that I consider, the dream. I believe it is aways good to have those you look up to, but never forget the magic that you also bring.

I have had the chance to practice and learn about editorial photography, and and working on making my way into marketing materials as well. I am not a photographer that necessarily has a specific “niche” when it comes to my craft. I am someone that believes if someone can come up with the idea, then I can find a way to execute it. From learning how to photograph sports and workout classes, to marketing materials for an esthetician, salon headshots and marketing materials for social media, and building modeling and editorial portfolios; I want to learn it all. I love to travel and hope that my photography will be able to take me across the world, whatever opportunity that may come my way. I am in a state of constant learning, and it excites me. I joke that I am a jack of all trades, but I would never declare myself to be a master of any, but I sure do enjoy the process of learning and molding the work I do create.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I believe the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been creating real relationships out of the work I do. Building genuine relationships and fostering interest in the lives of those I am able to serve is what I believe helps my business grow. I have had the opportunity to photograph families, that began as a simple couples session; and walking through the different phases of life with my clients. From couples, to engagements, to weddings, to creating a family. Building relationships with the clients fosters a community where clients feel safe with me and my work, and share me with others when they are looking for someone. There is trust within that, and I never want to break the trust of those that hire me and allow me to be a part of their lives, no matter how big or how small. In my personal opinion, you cannot build a firm foundation for your business, without creating a lasting foundation with the clients you serve.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I believe that people are brought into your life for specific reasons and seasons within our life. I will never be able to put into words the impact my mentor had on me and my business. Kendra, @kendraashtonphotography on instagram, runs remarkable programs to support and encourage business owners. She brings light to your business and creates hope in moments of doubt, and I would not be where I am today without her. I faced a lot of battles when determining if creating a business was worth it; from LLC paperwork, understanding taxes, and spending money upfront for a dream I did not know would even last. However, my biggest battle when it came to my business was myself, and Kendra encouraged me, and believed in me, and fought for me when I felt like my dream was not worth fighting for. She is a gift to this earth, and I could not encourage others enough to find yourself a mentor to guide you. Kendra stood by my side and the programs she offers you can completely change your business for the better. She breathes life and freedom into your business, and I would not be here without her today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahannephotographyllc.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannephotography__
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahanne.schrenker.photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahschrenker

Image Credits

photographed by: Sarah Anne Photography LLC