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

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I’ve always loved finding new ways to use my talent to give back to others. My sweet black lab is 9 years old and truly my heart and joy, also my children and husband haha. With his old age, I’ve realized how little time we truly have with these loveable selfless animals. I’ve recently collaborated with a local animal clinic and have offered free end of life sessions for all animals. Sadly, I’ve had lots of sessions come from these and that just breaks my heart. The tears have been shed. All have now lost those loved ones and have messaged me telling me how they cherish those sweet memories and how thankful they are. I couldn’t imagine. As hard and as sad as those sessions are, I’m so thankful I can give back and keep those memories alive.

Sarah, 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?

First and foremost, I’m a mother to two beautiful girls who are my light and joy. At a young age I had a stillborn baby boy. My oldest Kinsley, is my rainbow and I’ve always said my youngest Emery is the sunshine. After every storm there’s a rainbow and then comes the sun. I’m married to the love of my life. He’s my rock and support system. He completes me. We have two dogs and a cat. I’ve always had a camera attached to the hip since I was a little girl. My grandpa and uncle were both photographers and would have me pose for them. I cherished that time with them. Sadly they both passed away before I ever hit my teen years, they would’ve loved to see that passion I started to have in photography. When my oldest was a baby, I got my first real professional camera. I wanted to keep every memory and moment to last forever. I quickly learned that I love this gift I have. Friends would ask me to take photos for them and then realized I had quiet the clientele already. I started my business and had lots of learning curves and improvement. I’ve been in business for a few years now and have a steady income. I never truly work a day in my life though. I truly LOVE what I do. I honestly wish my grandpa and uncle were here to see it!
My work is leaned more towards boho style and I love working with families and couples. We will do fun prompts and some posing. Cranky kids, no problem! I will sing their favorite song and be so silly they’ll be laughing. Cranky husband, haha no problem at all for that either. We will do fun prompts like having them whisper in a sexy voice their favorite breakfast food.
I love being able to create my own schedule so I can be able to enjoy my children and husband. I never want to miss a single thing. I’m there for every field trip and every award ceremony.
Being a mom, wife and business owner has been my favorite thing in life. I’m beyond thankful for my friends, family and clients who support me as I continue on.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn is that this is a craft and art. Not everyone will be the perfect client or fit and that’s okay! Every session we learn something new and constantly improve. Always reach for your goals! Don’t compare yourself to others! We all have our own timelines and views on how we see the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had a lot of things in life where I’ve had to “pivot.” I used to be in the dental field, which I absolutely loved! I worked my whole pregnancy with my oldest and planned to come back. I quickly realized that I didn’t want to miss a second with her so I decided to be a stay at home mom. I’m definitely not your typical stay at home type of person, I’m such an extrovert so we made tons of amazing friends who became family. Photography made the time fly and gave extra fun money for the family. Now it’s a full time career and still has the flexibility that I totally needed and wanted compared to my old 9-5 job.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Followthelightphotographytn
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sarahmariephotographytn

Image Credits
Follow the Light Photography