We recently connected with Sahar Shahabi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sahar, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Starting my photography business was a journey that took shape over time, but I can tell you that the process didn’t happen overnight. There were moments of doubt, planning, and a lot of trial and error. It all started with a love for photography that had been growing over many years. I’ve always enjoyed capturing moments—whether it was family gatherings, nights out with my friends, or just everyday life. I’d take photos with my cameras, phone, anything I had, and it always brought me so much joy.

The idea of turning this passion into a business was something that developed over Covid. The first big turning point came when I started considering photography not just as a hobby, but as a business. I started to seriously think about how I could make a living doing something I loved. I asked myself, “What kind of photographer do I want to be?” Should I focus on portraits, weddings, events, or something else entirely? I spent hours researching the different niches in photography. What’s the market demand? Who’s my target audience? I came across an online course called Horizon Found by Nicole Hill and everything changed at that point.

After some thinking, I decided to focus on portrait photography—couples, families, personal branding for entrepreneurs—something that felt personal and creative. Once I had that figured out, the next step was the practical side. My husband was a huge support, he helped me research cameras, lenses and website info. I spent weeks working on my logo with the help of a girlfriend, and designing a simple but professional website. This was a huge learning curve, as I had to learn about web design, SEO, and creating a user-friendly experience. I made sure to highlight my portfolio—some of my best photos—and made it easy for people to contact me. I also set up my social media profiles and started posting regularly, giving potential clients a glimpse of my work.

Looking back, the process wasn’t always smooth, and there were plenty of bumps along the way, but with persistence, passion, and a commitment to learning, I was able to transition from the idea of a photography business to actually running one. Now, years later, I’m still figuring things out, but I feel much more confident in my ability to grow and evolve in this industry. It’s been a challenging and fulfilling journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Sahar, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Sahar and I’m a photographer who believes that photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about creating experiences. When you book a session with me, it’s not just about posing for the camera; it’s about having a great time together. I thrive on making my clients feel comfortable, which allows their true personalities to shine through. When people feel relaxed and at ease, that’s when the magic happens, and I’ve been lucky to build some amazing friendships along the way. Many of my clients turn into friends, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

My journey into photography wasn’t something that happened overnight. I picked up my first camera as a hobby—just to capture family moments or the beauty of the world around me. But over time, I realized that this hobby was something I was truly passionate about. I started to invest more in learning during Covid and the technical aspects of photography such as lighting, composition, editing—and quickly fell in love with the craft. I specialize in portrait photography, which includes family sessions, individual portraits, personal branding shoots, and couples photography. My work is about more than just taking pretty pictures; I focus on capturing the essence of my clients—their joy, their unique personalities, and the real emotions that make them who they are. Whether it’s a milestone moment like an engagement or Generational Family shoot, or something personal like a brand shoot to elevate a business, my goal is to deliver images that feel authentic and meaningful.

A lot of my clients come to me feeling nervous about being in front of the camera, and it’s my job to help them feel at ease. The process is as much about building trust and rapport as it is about taking great photos. I’ve found that when clients are comfortable, they let their guard down and allow me to capture them in a way that’s natural and genuine. Whether it’s a couple who wants to celebrate their love, a family who wants to preserve a moment in time, or a small business owner who needs high-quality images to represent their brand, I help clients feel confident and valued throughout the entire process. Beyond just taking photos, I also aim to provide an experience. My clients often tell me that they feel more like they’re hanging out with a friend than working with a photographer. That’s a big part of what sets me apart—I don’t just want to give you photos, I want to give you a memorable experience that you’ll cherish as much as the final images.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many of them come to me feeling uncertain about the process, but by the end of the session, they often leave saying how fun and easy it was. That’s a huge win for me. I’m also really proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that my photos have helped people celebrate milestones, build their businesses, or create lasting memories with loved ones. To me, photography isn’t just about images; it’s about the emotional impact those images have on people’s lives. If you’re thinking about working with me, I want you to know that my focus is always on making you feel comfortable and confident. You don’t need to be a model or know how to pose—my job is to bring out your natural beauty, and I promise you, we’ll have fun doing it! I’m here to guide you, not just through the shoot but through the entire experience. From planning your session to choosing your favorite images, I’m committed to making sure everything is smooth and enjoyable.
Lastly, I want my clients to know that I’m not just here to take pictures—I’m here to help you create something meaningful.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best sources of new clients for me have been a combination of Facebook mom groups, referrals, and word of mouth. It’s been amazing how much of my business has come from these organic connections.

The Facebook mom groups, in particular, have been a great platform for me to connect with families looking for a photographer who truly understands how to capture the essence of their loved ones. These groups are filled with parents who share recommendations and personal experiences, so when someone posts about needing family photos or portraits, I’ve been fortunate enough to get tagged or reach out directly. It’s been a wonderful way to meet people who value the same relaxed, friendly approach that I offer.

Referrals have also been a huge driver for me. When clients have a positive experience and love their photos, they naturally want to share that with others. I’ve found that when clients feel comfortable and genuinely enjoy the session, they’re more likely to recommend me to their friends and family, which has helped my business grow over time.

Lastly, word of mouth has played a big role in building trust within my community. As I’ve worked with more and more clients, they’ve spread the word about my services, whether through casual conversations or social media posts. When people hear about a photographer who goes the extra mile to make them feel at ease and produces high-quality images, that kind of trust builds a strong reputation, and it’s been instrumental in growing my business.

Ultimately, it’s the personal connections and genuine relationships I’ve formed that have been the most valuable in attracting new clients.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission and goal is to help people feel seen and celebrated. I want to make every client feel comfortable, confident, and valued during our time together. Whether it’s a couple in love, a family making memories, or an entrepreneur showing off their brand, I aim to bring out the best in everyone, capturing their personalities and emotions in a way that feels natural and authentic. I also want my work to be a celebration of connection—whether that’s the connection between loved ones, the connection a person has with their own identity, or the connection between a business and its clients. Photography is a powerful tool to express those bonds, and I strive to create images that evoke not just a memory, but a feeling.

Ultimately, my mission is about making my clients’ moments last forever, but also making sure that when they look back at their photos, they feel the same warmth, joy, and authenticity that was present in the moment I captured. It’s about creating images that feel real—images that will continue to tell their story for years to come. That’s what drives me every time I pick up my camera.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.infinitephotola.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitephoto_la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinitephotola
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahar-shahabi/

Image Credits

my family photo credit: @pamlatteriphoto