Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Boller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarah, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
To keep my creativity alive, I’ve made it a priority to take regular days off. In our fast-paced society, especially with the constant buzz of social media, there’s often pressure to always be working on something. But the reality is, we all need rest to truly flourish. By the end of 2023, I was completely burned out, which forced me to reevaluate how I run my business. I realized that I was overworked and just trying to survive. In survival mode, I couldn’t deliver my best work or tap into my creative potential. Photography for me began as a passion—a space to create and dream. Even though it’s now my full-time career, I still need that space to create without the constraints of pressure, expectations, or deadlines. That’s why I’ve committed to taking at least one full day off each week. On these days, I disconnect entirely: no emails, no social media, just time spent doing what I love outside of work. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains or getting lost in a good book at a coffee shop, this intentional time of rest has made it much easier for me to access my creativity and bring my best to my clients.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m SB, a Destination Wedding Photographer. Over a decade ago, I captured my first wedding, and for the past seven years, this has been my full-time job and passion. Weddings hold a special place in my heart because they are not just a celebration of a couple’s love but a gathering of their most cherished friends and family. The interactions, emotions, and connections shared on a wedding day are truly once-in-a-lifetime moments. I am deeply honored each time a couple entrusts me with preserving these memories that will be treasured for generations.
While weddings are now my primary focus, my background in live event photography has greatly influenced my approach. In live events, there’s no opportunity to pause for perfect lighting or to stage a scene—it’s all about anticipating and capturing moments as they happen. I bring this same mindset to weddings, blending my experience in both fields. I’ll guide and direct when necessary, but I believe in letting the day unfold naturally, capturing authentic moments as they happen. My goal is for every photo to transport my couples back to those real, unscripted moments, not just memories of posed shots.
Earlier this year, I took a leap of faith, packed up my car, and moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Los Angeles. Although I travel worldwide for work, I’m excited to now call sunny California my home base.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My relationship with Jesus has been the foundation of my journey, guiding me every step of the way. Without it, I would never have found the courage to leave a secure medical career and pursue my passion as a full-time photographer. I believe that God has blessed me with this gift and has been leading me on this path. I give Him all the glory for where I am today.
Growing up with parents who were business owners, I was exposed early on to the ins and outs of running a business. This experience was invaluable because being a great photographer is one thing, but knowing how to manage a successful business is something entirely different. Many talented photographers struggle to earn what they’re worth because they lack business acumen. Having that foundational knowledge gave me a significant advantage.
For those looking to turn their creative passion into a business, my advice is to learn as much as possible about the business side of things. It’s also crucial to hire professionals for specialized areas, such as accountants for taxes and lawyers for contracts. Lastly, I believe in the power of continuous learning. I approach every new encounter with the belief that everyone has something to teach me, and this mindset has been instrumental in my growth.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself feeling overwhelmed, I step away from my work or whatever’s on my mind and take a walk to pray. My faith in Jesus is the foundation of my life, and when I’m feeling out of sorts, it’s often because I’ve lost focus on what truly matters. Social media can also amplify these feelings, with its endless parade of curated moments that don’t reflect the reality of everyday life. To keep my perspective grounded, I regularly disconnect from social media, allowing myself the space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what’s important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sbphotographs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sb_photographs/
- Other: TikTok: @sb_photographs
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