We recently connected with Sarah Burnette and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I truly found my purpose after I unexpectedly lost my dad in June of 2021. At the time I was pursuing a different career that I thought I would be happy with. Who is now my boyfriend pointed out that when I got off work that my days were only, ” okay” or “it was horrible” he stated that the career I thought I wanted wasn’t truly something I would be happy with. He continued by asking, ” What about photography? Have you thought about doing that for a living?” The thought had crossed my mind a time or two but since it wasn’t a standard job I dismissed it. Later in the fall of 2021 I decided I was going to go at the beginning of 2022. I learned within that year that my why pointed back to losing my dad. I really started niching down to where I found the most joy. The answer was shooting weddings. The more weddings I shot I found that the precious moments and memories I hold on to from my dad are very parallel to the moments that unfold on wedding days. Weddings are filled with the closets family and friends that you love most, moments that you will cherish for years to come and look back on. I understand the importance of these moments and how significant they are. It plays a big roll in my approach and how I shoot.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Nashville native born and raised. My business is based out of Nashville, TN. I only travel within the state unless it’s a close drive. I shoot a hybrid of both digital and film formats. I like to describe my work as heartfelt, timeless, and intentional. I yearn to create art that pulls on your heart and I truly try to have a different point of view to ensure my clients wedding galleries actually look like their wedding and not like someone who got married 6 months ago.
Shooting weddings is what truly sets my heart on fire. I like to pin myself as an “observer.” I truly love watching moments unfold as naturally as possible. I’ve learned it gives my clients room to feel more like themselves and I find they often forget I’m there which allows for more candid moments. I like to say that I’m not a “posey-wosey photographer” meaning I’m not going to pose you or make something staged or fake. I truly value those candid documentary style moments that are emotive- moments that pull on your heart and immerse you back into the day and how that particular moment felt. I truly value feeling of a photo over the aesthetic. While I do think there is a time or place for aesthetic when you’re looking at your photos later its not the aesthetic you care about its the people and the moment that is happening. Once it happens it wont happen again. The authenticity of that moment is priceless especially on wedding days. Documenting my clients in their truest and candid form that remains true to who they are and their love is my highest priority. I value the in-between moments of wedding days when people forge that a camera is involved. I value true moments where clients are being them vs putting on a “front” because they know a camera lady is there. Being fake or putting on a show is doing a disservice to yourself instead of allowing space for you to be you and enjoy the day as it unfolds. These candid moments are so pure and they are significant.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think three important qualities to have are a mentor, a good community/support system, and confidence/belief in yourself.
I was very blessed and a mentor/friend happen to fall in my lap last year. Having a mentor is very important. They have walked your walk and understand the key building blocks you need to succeed. They will help you avoid as many bumps in the road. They are an outside perspective that should be able to fill those little gaps that you as an artists or business owner may not see that result in overall success. Most importantly, a mentor is someone who genueily cares about you and your business and wants you to succeed. Mentors truly make learning and understanding things easier so you can focus on continuing to grow,
A good community and support system is also vital. We as artists can’t always do this ourselves. Other creatives/artists are experiences the same lows and highs that you go through. Having someone who gets it is important when you’re going through a creative rut and your not sure how to get out of it. Leaning on that community and often in community it can also be a business opportunity. If you need a second shooter, a referral or associate shooter. Within that community your able to trust them with your clients and know that they will provide good work.
I know it may be easier said than done and imposter syndrome at times can get the best of you that is normal as everyone as an artists has to tackle it. Believing in yourself and being confident in who you are and what resignates with you is essential to your overall brand, reason why, and approach. If you aren’t confident in your abilities, skills and work then who will? Being confident and believing in yourself and your why is a key building block to a good foundation. When you are confident in who you are other will see it and they will be attracted to that. Your people come with time but you have to first believe and be confident in yourself.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Ashley Holstein, another local Nashville photographer, gave my my first chance second shooting a wedding. I told her i needed training as I was a rookie when it came to second shooting let alone wedding photography but she trust my skills and my artistic eye. Over time our friendship grew and she holds a vast knowledge of business, photography, and being an artist became a friend and is my mentor. She has continually encouraged, supported, and educated me that has propelled by business and has influenced who I am as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahburnettephoto.com/
- Instagram: @sarahburnettephoto
- Other: Pinterest: @sarahburnettephoto TikTok: @sarahburnettephoto
Image Credits
photo credit: Sarah Burnette Photo
