We recently connected with Sadie Murbarger and have shared our conversation below.

Sadie, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

A few years ago, wedding photography felt more transactional—couples hired a photographer to document their day, and that was that. But now, something deeper is happening. The newer generations don’t just want a photographer; they want an artist, a collaborator, a kindred spirit who will shape their story with them.

I see it in the way couples reach out. They don’t ask, “Are you available on this date?” first—they ask, “We love the way you see the world. Would you want to be part of ours for a day?”

One of my recent couples, artists themselves, said hiring me felt like picking a creative partner rather than a vendor. Their wedding wasn’t just a checklist of moments to capture—it was a visual conversation between us. The way they moved, the places they chose, even the textures of their outfits—all of it interacted with the way I shoot, the way I see light, the way I tell a story. The final images weren’t just about them; they were about us, the way our styles collided to create something neither of us could have made alone.

This shift is exhilarating because it makes wedding photography feel more alive, more intentional. The concern? It demands more from photographers. It’s not just about technical skill anymore; it’s about resonance, about knowing who you are and how your artistry shapes the work. But the opportunity? It’s the chance to create work that is truer, richer, and more meaningful—not just for the couple but for the photographer too.

Sadie, 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 bought my first camera off Facebook Marketplace in 2020, but long before that, I was making my friends pose for iPhone photos and editing them in Lightroom like they were magazine spreads. It started as an obsession with how light moves, how a moment can feel bigger than itself when framed just right. When I booked my first couple’s session, I knew—this wasn’t just a hobby, this was it. A few months later, I shot my first wedding, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

Now, I primarily photograph weddings, but my schedule is also filled with couples, families, and senior sessions. No matter what I’m shooting, my artistry remains the same: cinematic, immersive, and emotionally rich. My work isn’t just about documenting what happened; it’s about making people feel something when they look back—like they’re stepping into a scene from their favorite indie film. I use movement, layering, and architecture to bring images to life, always looking for ways to make each frame feel dynamic and intentional.

When I moved to St. Louis in the fall of 2021, I had to relearn my business—discovering the local market, finding the venues that excited me, and attracting the right clients. Now, I get to work with couples who trust my vision, who want their love stories captured in a way that feels both raw and artful. That’s what I’m most proud of: that my clients don’t just hire me for my skills—they hire me for my perspective, for the way I see them and their story.

If I had to sum it up? I’m not just here to take pictures. I’m here to create something that feels like it could hang in a gallery and still make you cry because it’s yours.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One book that’s really stuck with me is The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. It’s not a traditional business book, but that’s exactly why I love it. Instead of telling you how to “succeed,” it talks about creativity as something you nurture—by paying attention, staying open, and trusting your instincts.

As a photographer, that really resonates with me. My job isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about noticing, feeling the energy in a moment, and creating something real. The best shots happen when I’m not overthinking, just letting things unfold and responding in the moment.

It’s also shaped how I run my business. There’s so much pressure to follow trends or do things a certain way, but Rubin’s book is a reminder that you don’t have to chase what everyone else is doing. The best work (and honestly, the best clients) come when you stay true to your own style and process. It’s about making space for creativity, not forcing it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about constantly managing uncertainty. There’s no step-by-step manual for building a creative career. No set path. It’s a mix of experimenting, trusting your gut, failing, adapting, and hoping the right people resonate with what you’re doing. That level of uncertainty can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting.

There’s also this idea that creatives just wait for inspiration to strike, but honestly? Most of the time, creativity is about showing up even when you don’t feel inspired. It’s learning to create through self-doubt, not after it’s gone.

And then there’s the business side. People see the fun, artistic parts, but they don’t always realize that being a creative entrepreneur means wearing so many hats—marketing, finances, client management, social media, all of it. It’s not just “doing what you love” all day; it’s balancing the art with the work that keeps it sustainable.

But despite all of that, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The challenges make the wins feel even better, and at the end of the day, getting to create for a living is something I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sadiemurbargerphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadiemurbarger/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadie.murbarger/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-murbarger-34b73b139/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sadiemurbarger
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sadiemurbarger

Image Credits

All Images are credited to Sadie Murbarger Photography