Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Eaves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
When I was in middle school, I saw my older sister leave the world before my very eyes. It was an experience that I wish upon no one else, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I am who I am because of her. And from that moment on, at just 11 years old, I promised to work as hard as I could, do the best I could, and live my life for her because she could no longer do that. Everything I did, all the work I put into my art and passions, was for her. What happened to her short life was tragic, but I am here today because of her. I appreciate and love life because of her. She is my guardian angel and motivation for life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a portrait and fashion photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia, and I am incredibly passionate about capturing moments that evoke emotion and tell stories. What excites me most about photography is its ability to freeze a fleeting moment in time, creating a lasting memory that can be cherished forever. It’s a profound feeling to witness how a single photograph can hold so much meaning and evoke such powerful emotions.
One aspect of my work that I find particularly thrilling is organizing large collaborative photoshoots. Bringing together talented individuals from various creative backgrounds allows us to pool our skills and perspectives to create something truly extraordinary. These collaborative efforts result in photoshoots that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, as each contributor brings their unique vision and expertise to the table.
Ultimately, my primary focus and goal as a photographer are twofold: to create work that brings me joy and fulfillment, and to help others realize their creative visions. Whether I’m capturing intimate portraits or conceptual fashion shoots, my aim is to imbue each photograph with authenticity and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on both myself and those who view my work.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I’ve found that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful: time management, organization, and self-care.
Firstly, effective time management has been crucial. Regardless of how strong your work ethic is, without proper time management, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and susceptible to burnout. My advice for those starting out is to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and use tools like calendars or to-do lists to stay organized and focused.
Secondly, organization has played a significant role in my journey. Keeping track of tasks, resources, and deadlines has helped declutter my mind and reduce stress. Developing organizational skills early on can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. I recommend finding a system that works for you, whether it’s digital or physical, and sticking to it consistently.
Lastly, self-care has been the most impactful aspect of my journey. It’s essential to prioritize your well-being to prevent burnout and maintain long-term health and happiness. This includes physical, mental, and emotional self-care practices. Whether it’s exercising, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies, carving out time for self-care is vital. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for sustainable success and fulfillment.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
One particular challenge I recently faced was overcoming a significant bout of burnout and artist’s block. As I worked on my senior capstone project at SCAD, I found myself overwhelmed and uninspired during the initial stages of the class. Coming off a period of intense work and pressure, I felt immense pressure to outdo my previous achievements and create something groundbreaking for this pivotal portfolio project.
For weeks, I struggled with self-doubt and perfectionism, convinced that my work wasn’t good enough to share with my class. The pressure I felt was entirely self-imposed, yet it stifled my creativity and joy for photography. It took a candid conversation with my professor, some tears, and deep reflection to realize that I was approaching the project from the wrong perspective.
I came to understand that I didn’t need to exceed my past accomplishments or meet unrealistic expectations. Instead, I needed to release myself from the constraints I had placed on my creativity and rediscover the joy of photography. By allowing myself the freedom to experiment and have fun with my shoots, I was able to reignite my passion and break out of my creative rut.
My advice to anyone facing a similar challenge of mental block or burnout is to pause, take a moment to breathe, and lean on the support of friends, family, and mentors. Reflect on your journey and remember the reasons why you started in the first place. Sometimes, stepping back and reconnecting with your passion is the most effective way to overcome obstacles and find your way forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saraheaves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahandcamera
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkeaves/
Image Credits
Image of myself – credits to Patrick Rogers
