We were lucky to catch up with Sarai Lange recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarai, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
The best thing I’ve experienced as a client—and something I love to offer my own clients—is simply being present with them. Giving someone your full attention feels like a lost art these days, but it’s so important. Making people feel special and valued is a big part of my business and something I take to heart.
I really don’t like thinking of my business as just a money transaction (even though I know that’s part of it). To me, the transaction is simply the result of the experience my clients have with me. Whether it’s a family session where parents feel frustrated with their kids or a wedding where the couple is stressed, I want my clients to feel understood and supported. I’m there for them, fully present, no matter what.
Sarai, 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 love when people ask this question! Photography has always been special to me. Even as a little girl, I loved looking through old albums. My parents had specific albums for each of us kids, but after moving several times, my album got lost. I ended up without pictures of myself as a child, and honestly, that has haunted me ever since. Back then, it wasn’t like today, where we can store everything on a phone or in the cloud. Those pictures were irreplaceable.
Fast forward a few years, I got married. We didn’t hire a professional photographer because we were young and naive. At the time, it didn’t feel that important—we just wanted to save money. Now, 15 years later, I wish we had made a different decision. I deeply understand what it feels like to miss out on those special memories and not have photos to look back on.
After graduating from school, I got a job as a newborn photographer in a hospital in Washington, D.C. It was the hardest job I’ve ever had—not because of the babies, but because of the emotional pressure. I captured joyful moments with new moms and their babies, but I also documented heartbreaking goodbyes, whether due to adoption or infant loss. The weight of those moments was overwhelming, but it shaped how I see photography.
Those experiences, along with my own loss of childhood photos, gave me a deep understanding of the value of preserving memories. Photography is so much more than pictures—it’s about capturing the beauty and meaning of life’s moments. That’s why I do what I do. I want families and couples to have those photos to treasure, year after year, and never feel the regret of missing out.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve always been a photographer, but I’ve embraced it in different seasons of my life. Pivoting has been an essential part of that journey. I believe knowing when something isn’t working and when it’s time to make a change is so important—not just in business, but in life. As a mother of four, my priorities have shifted over the years, and my life has gone through many changes. But it’s been beautiful to see how I can still pursue what I love, just in new and different ways.
The key is having a core group of people who support you and help guide you through those changes—people who encourage you to make decisions that benefit both you and those you love. Life is short and so beautiful, so choose what’s best for you and your loved ones. Trust that you’ll be okay!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
BUILD. A. COMMUNITY!
I’ll be honest—I can’t stand social media. The only reason I’m on it is because I have to, ha! But I do love people, and I love having a real community. Networking in person is just different. Even though it doesn’t come naturally to me as a shy person, it’s so much more personal. It allows people to truly get to know who you are, not just what you do, and I believe that’s the best way to build a solid reputation.
Start with the people around you—coworkers, people at church, friends of friends. Be kind, consistent, reliable, and true to yourself. Most importantly, be you! That’s what will make the connections meaningful and lasting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarailangephotography.com
- Instagram: @sarailangephotography
- Facebook: @sarailangephotos
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarai-lange-photography/
Image Credits
Sarai Lange Photography