We recently connected with Sarah Metcalf and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I have always had a passion for photography. When my boys were little, I bought my first “nice” camera and began dabbling in photography. I would practice with my own family, and that grew into more. Soon, I started photographing other families, taking senior portraits, and even shot some small weddings. I always wanted to be a photographer full time, but I could never justify the risk, the pay, and the lack of insurance for our family, so I kept plugging along teaching. I ached to be home with my boys more, while following this love of photography.

Toward the end of the 2023 school year, I was really feeling drawn to following this dream and take the risk. Our oldest son was going to be a senior in high school and would be graduating the spring of 2024. No, my boys weren’t “babies” anymore, but I never felt more pushed to savor the moment. After years of discussing how to turn this dream into reality, my husband and I decided I would take a year off from teaching and go “all in”.

I was able to spend a year focused on my family, my mental and physical health, and my “new” business. I began building my brand, my website, my portfolio and my client base. It was a TON of work and worth every second I poured into it! The risk was definitely worth the reward, and though I have returned to teaching, for the time being, I am proud of myself and what I was able to accomplish in such a short time.

Sarah, 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 am a wife, a mother, and lover of JESUS. My husband and I have been married for twenty years (in April), and we have three amazing sons…Mason [19], Maddox [15] and Marshall [13].

I am currently in my 19th year of teaching. I began in a 5th grade classroom…made a giant leap to kindergarten, and I have done everything in between. The last eleven years have been spent teaching k-5 art, and ART is definitely where my heart lies. There’s just something about watching children create and explore that I cannot put into words. It’s a truly rewarding experience watching students grow and develop their artistic abilities.

As much as I love teaching, I have always wanted to pursue photography, and after years of it being a “side hustle”, in 2023 I took a leap of faith and dove head first into building Sarah Metcalf Photography. So, here I am…a wife, mother, lover of Jesus, teacher, and now…a professional photographer.

My focus is on lifestyle photography, capturing real-life moments and emotions in my clients’ lives. Whether it’s a family portrait, engagement photo, or senior session, I specialize in creating beautiful, authentic images that my clients will treasure for a lifetime. I truly believe that photography has the power to capture the beauty in everyday moments, and I feel honored to be able to share that with others through my work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I think so often, young adults are expected to decide what they want to do, follow through with schooling, get a job and continue on until retirement, but often so much can change. Since the age I can remember, I wanted to become a teacher. I worked towards that goal and reached it. Thought I love teaching very much…I began itching for something else.

Since my boys were little, I was inspired by other “stay at home” mommas/business owners. I would meet women who cleaned homes, made jewelry or were photographers…all while having the gift of being home with their children. I knew this is something I wanted for myself. It was such a tough battle…wanting to continue teaching, but having a deep desire to be home more.

I realized that if I wanted to explore photography…I would have to do it on my own and find the time. For years, I would dabble taking photos of my immediate family, my extended family and then even friends along the way. I would explore with all the various camera settings and try editing software to teach myself what to do. I knew next to nothing, so everything was a bit overwhelming and often made me feel inadequate.

I will never forget shooting a small wedding, when the caterer approached me asking me all kinds of questions about my camera, the f-stop, what editing software I used, etc. I felt absolutely mortified, because I honestly didn’t know most of what he was referring to. I wanted to crawl into a ball of humiliation. Then, I realized…it doesn’t matter what I know…it matters what I create.

I have had to learn (and if I am honest, I am still learning) if people see my work, appreciate it for what it is…what I offer, then it doesn’t matter what I KNOW. I want my clients to love what I capture…what I create in telling the story through the images.

It had taken a lot of resilience to learn this craft on my own and to fully trust in my abilities.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest pivot professionally would be going back to teaching. I am learning my pivot is in the balance of it all.

I am often an “all or nothing” kind of girl, so it can be difficult for me to teach AND do photography, but I am finding I CAN have both. I have learned to choose my best “yes” at school and when to say “no”. I have learned I can CHOOSE how many photography sessions I book, and I don’t have to do it all. By doing this, I feel I can give the best of me to my students AND my clients without feeling utterly exhausted for my family.

I refuse to give the “best” of me to work and the “rest” of me to my family. Learning to balance my business decisions has helped me give the best I can to my family first and enjoy the rewards of my teaching and photography second.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahmetcalfphotography.com
• Instagram: sarah_metcalfphotography