We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah McClure. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were to start over today I would do everything in my power to educate myself on the best way to make my business legal and profitable! In my first year as a photographer I didn’t really know what I was doing when it came to finances or booking new clients, I was really faking it until I made it. I would have clients sign a physical contract in person, accept cash, and show up and do just about anything they asked me to.

If I were to start over now I would prioritize my education and try to work with others to find the best business practices. I would start by setting boundaries with clients and making sure I stick to them. (i.e. I answer emails during set business hours and not at midnight on a Friday.)

I would ensure I had the correct financial and planning tools in place to set myself up for success when it comes to keep clients, their packages, and wedding details in order.

When I started my business there were not many resources to look into to understand how to start and run a successful photography business. Now there are so many courses and workshops available that anyone can learn how to be successful, and I think that’s amazing!

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?

Let me introduce myself, I’m Sarah!
I’m a goofy and sarcastically charged photographer based in Utah and I’m the goofy gal people hire to be be their sidekick and third wheel on their biggest adventure yet, their wedding day! I put my heart and soul into capturing unique and authentic love, not something posed. I document a couples personality and tell the story of their relationship! I love to spend my time with clients laughing until we cry, exploring a gorgeous location, and prompting them to snuggle the crap out of their best pal.

I consider myself a professional, but I am also not going to be a fake version of myself. Clients are well aware of the girl they’re hiring and the personality I bring to the table. I am their right-hand woman the day of their wedding and I remind them that. I have multiple couples that I have remained close with after shooting their wedding or elopement because we simply get along that well!

I am not the type of person to say yes to shooting a wedding just for the money. That doesn’t benefit me as a creative and that doesn’t benefit them as wedding investment. Before booking a client I make sure that we hop on a FaceTime call and discuss what they’re looking for, know that they understand my style, and ensure that we vibe!

I don’t want my clients to ever second guess the investment they’ve made and who they’re hired to shoot their wedding. The photos are the one tangible thing they get to keep from their wedding, and it should be something that has a wonderful memory around it, not tainted by a bad experience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started on social media it was not easy to “go viral”. I built my brand by interacting with others and showing up as my authentic self. I still think those are two of the most important pieces to building a brand.

Yes, there are tactical things you can implement now like a consistent posting schedule, making sure you’re using trending audio and following what’s hot, but being authentic and engaging will get you so much further than putting on a front and not being yourself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is when a client is absolutely blown away by the results of their photos. Anytime someone tells me what I’ve created for them illicits an emotion for them, I know I’ve done what I set out to do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahmcclurephoto.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahmcclurephoto

Image Credits

Sarah McClure Photo