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

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have always been passionate about photography, but it has remained a hobby for me. Coming out of college with a major in Economics and a minor in photography, I thought my best career path would involve a desk and a lot of paperwork. I lacked role models and other creatives that could show me more possibilities within the photography field. After applying for a handful of jobs in the finance and economics industries, I ultimately decided it was time to follow this creative path that I enjoy so much. At 22 I figured that taking the chance would be worth it. I stumbled across cruise ship photography on a job website and thought it would be a great opportunity to not only travel and learn about shooting in a professional setting, but I could use it as a stepping stone to further my photography career. And that is exactly what I’m doing right now. I have already met so many likeminded people and have been able to network my way into future opportunities. Putting myself out there and taking a chance with my photography may indeed pay off.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I studied photography in college, but didn’t get into paid work until after I graduated. I always enjoyed street photography, mostly from traveling and shooting as I wander and explore new places. I would describe my work as more abstract, macro, and minimalistic. I try to shoot normal things in ways that people don’t typically see. I am still very much up and coming, as I have only been shooting professionally for a little over a year. I think that staying true to what I like to shoot has helped me immensely. I aim to avoid being heavily influenced by other work, and try to only use my own past projects to better my future ones. I am constantly challenging myself and shooting wherever I go. I have struggled plenty with confidence in my own work, and can fall into the trap of trying to please others with my work, but I find that reverting back to my style and shooting for myself only makes my photographs better.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’ll start by saying that I think the most beautiful thing about pursuing a creative passion is that the end goal is purely personal. I create for myself more than anyone else. My goal or mission is to be the best photographer I can be, and that doesn’t look like any specific thing. The goal is to be able to create enough that allows me to make a living and continue to enjoy the work that I make. Working purely for myself and having others buy into that is a dream for anyone in a creative field.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are several photography books that have inspired my works. The best example would be a book of collections shot by Vivian Maier. Throughout the mid 1900’s, Vivian shot street photographs on her Rolleiflex camera. She was also very private with her work, having never developed most of her film rolls, leaving them to be found decades later. The emotions and unique style she was able to capture has heavily inspired my own street photography. ‘On Photography’ by Susan Sontag is another incredibly inspiring photography book for me. Susan takes a philosophical approach to photography and its generational effect on societies. She details its historical importance in shaping how we see the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: sarahhelms.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: @sarahhelmsphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlhelms

Image Credits
Sarah Helms