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

Sarajane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Finding my way to photography as a career has been a winding road certainly! I was gifted my very first camera in 2003, and I was immediately hooked. My camera became an outlet; it was a way for me to hold onto these tiny snippets of how I see the world. I was incredibly private about my camera and my photos for several years until starting college in 2007. While I majored in social work and intended to go into either counseling or community programs professionally, I took a handful of photography courses each year. Around this time, I began to show my work, explore other kinds of cameras and camera equipment and I got my first DSLR camera body.

After graduating with my degree in Social Work, I moved through a few careers that included family services, emergency child care services, and a resource center for women reentering the work force. I then changed course a bit and began working as an early educator. I knew that I loved building relationships with the communities around me and working with families, but I still didn’t feel like I had found a career that fit perfectly. While working in rewarding and demanding careers, I lost any free time for my hobbies… including photography.

Around this same time, I began downsizing my belongings. I decided that since I hadn’t picked up my camera in a few years, I would take it out for one last adventure and sell my equipment. I packed my camera bag, when to our local botanical gardens, and immediately felt my passion reignite! That weekend, I decided to dip my toes back into portrait and nature photography. It only took six months for me to decide that the way I wanted to connect with my community and keep a relationship with the families at my school was by being a full time family and lifestyle photographer! Now, my entire brand centers around a consent based approach where I can meet my clients where they are in their lives, give their children the chance to lead the session, and make sure that respect and open communication are prioritized.

I have loved this journey for the last 19 years and those that I’ve gotten to know and love along the way, and knowing that even more adventures are ahead is amazing!

Sarajane, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Sarajane, and I’m a portrait photographer in Saint Louis! Candid and relaxed are the name of the game in my sessions. I became a photographer after loving photography as a hobby, working in human services and early education professionally, and realizing that I wanted to take my professional people skills elsewhere by becoming a full time photographer! I work primarily in family and small business branding photography. I give my clients all of the support, encouragement, and resources that I have to make sure that they know that their comfort in session is far more important than a perfect pose. When it’s time to deliver photos, I want them to see the truest version of themselves and love what they see!

This past year, I’ve really leaned into custom photo printing and now I offer everything from framed prints to handmade tile photo coasters to photo boxes to flip through. My print and product shop launched on my website this year, and several of my products are now available with local retailers!

The journey that brought me to photography also taught me the importance of consent, autonomy, respect, and knowing that my daily experience is always different than that of the people I work with. I believe that it isn’t just my job to deliver photos that my clients love. It’s my job to honor who you are and your life experiences, and to hold space for you in those ways. Social justice, activism, staying informed, and knowing the privileges that I have are pillars in my brand.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As simple as this one sounds, word of mouth has been my best source for new clients! I really prioritize building relationships with people both in person and on social media, and making sure that they are people that I really love saying yes to! I’ve learned the importance of trusting my gut when it comes to who is a good fit for me as a client, and if I’m a good fit for them as a photographer as both parties deserve to have that in a working relationship. Because all of my clients are such a great fit, they generally are sharing my name with other people who are a good fit!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s very much my belief that the core of being a portrait photographer is creating an environment where your clients trust you with something that can feel really vulnerable; having their photo taken. It’s a struggle for almost everyone I know (myself included) to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I never take for granted that my clients are trusting me with something that can feel really uncomfortable. They aren’t just photos; they are how generations will tell stories about their family, they are how business owners will show the world what their brand looks like and feels like; and that is absolutely the most rewarding aspect of being a creative to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarajaneherrmannphotography.com
• Instagram: @sarajaneherrmannphotography
• Facebook: Sarajane Herrmann Photography

Image Credits
All images are credited to Sarajane Herrmann Photography