We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Deragon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah 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?
Hi, my name is Sarah Deragon, and I’m a self-taught professional portrait photographer living in the Bay Area. My journey into photography started unexpectedly when I met a queer photographer while walking my dog one day. She gave me one of her old cameras, and from there, I dove headfirst into learning everything I could. Picking up that camera reignited my creativity, and after years of burnout in jobs that I never really loved, I took a leap in my mid-30s to launch my own business: Portraits To The People.
My passion in photography has always been capturing the best, most genuine sides of people. I aim to bring out the joy, confidence, and individuality of each person I photograph, whether it’s through not-so-corporate headshots, creative portrait sessions, or custom stock images for small businesses. Using natural light, interesting locations, and humor, I create portraits that feel fresh, authentic, and uniquely you. I love color, texture and take enough time to connect with each person I photograph to let them shine.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I’m dedicated to creating a welcoming space for everyone who steps in front of my lens. Photography is more than a job for me—it’s a way to tell real stories and connect with incredible people. In 2014, I launched The Identity Project with a single image labeled “Queer Femme,” and it immediately resonated with people eager to explore and celebrate their unique gender and sexuality labels. Within a month, over 200 people had applied to participate, and the project quickly gained positive press for pushing back against preconceived notions of LGBTQ identity. I traveled across the U.S. and internationally to capture diverse portraits that reflect how we see ourselves beyond mainstream definitions. Now, for the 10th anniversary, I’m reconnecting with original participants and welcoming new voices, committed to showcasing the vibrant diversity of our LGBTQ communities.
I never pictured myself as a professional photographer; it just wasn’t something I’d considered. But now that I’ve found my purpose, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Each shoot, each client reminds me why I’m here, and I know there’s nothing that could steer me away from this path.
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’ve owned my business, Portraits To The People, for almost 13 years, and this year has been especially exciting. I’ve returned to studio photography in a beautiful natural-light space in Sausalito and devoted a lot of time to teaching and leading photowalks. Sharing my passion for photography and watching others connect with their creativity has been incredibly rewarding. I love teaching others about photography and two of my favorite classes are: Creative Portraiture and iPhoneography, where I guide people to capture unique, authentic images using both traditional cameras and smartphones. In the Creative Portraiture class, we explore how to connect with subjects, how to choose fun backgrounds, how to see light, and create compelling compositions. My iPhoneography classes cover practical tips for shooting and editing, helping students make the most of the device they carry every day. For me, these classes are about showing people that powerful, creative photography is accessible to everyone, no matter their equipment. My goals for 2025 include teaching my Creative Portrait Class and iPhoneography to communities across the US, shooting in the studio as much as possible, leading fun and dynamic photowalks and continuing to build my business. I have a new photo project in mind too, so stay tuned!
Earlier this year, I joined the Positive Images board as Chair this year, and it’s been both fun and challenging to navigate this new role. Positive Images has a long history, providing support, advocacy, and safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in the North Bay since 1990, and now, in this political climate, its mission is more essential than ever. Facing increased threats and challenges, marginalized communities need nonprofits like Positive Images to not only provide resources but also inspire hope and resilience. Being part of this legacy at such a critical time is a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen this vital organization.
What sets my work apart is that it’s not just about how I take a photo—it’s about tapping into my super power – how I’m able to connect with people creating a comfortable, open environment where people feel truly seen and celebrated. From not-so-corporate headshots to vibrant, candid portraits, I aim to capture the unique essence of everyone I work with. As a proud LGBTQ community member, I’m committed to making photography inclusive, joyful, and accessible for all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities in my journey have been tenacity, creativity, and truly loving what I do. Tenacity has been essential for pushing through setbacks and treating every obstacle as a learning opportunity. There is always an opportunity to grow, especially from mistakes. Creativity keeps my work fresh and inspires me to try new things, and I encourage those starting out to embrace experimentation and push their creative limits regularly. Most importantly, loving what I do fuels me on hard days and keeps me excited to meet new clients and explore new ways to approach my work. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to find the aspects of your work that bring you genuine joy, stay open to creative growth, and to keep pushing forward, even when it’s challenging—these qualities have sustained me for over a decade, and they can make a difference in your journey too. I’d also say find a community (either online or in person) that can support you!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are creatives, disruptors, tech folks, entrepreneurs, members of the LGBTQ community, women, QTBIPOC folks, and people of color—anyone who hasn’t experienced the privileges of mainstream society. I love working with people who are redefining the norms in their fields, challenging traditional structures, and bringing fresh perspectives to the world. My clients often have unique stories to tell, and I find so much inspiration in capturing their energy, vision, and authenticity. I want to create a space where they feel truly seen and celebrated, where their individuality shines. For me, an ideal client is someone who values authentic representation, is open to collaboration, and wants their photos to reflect their genuine self and the work they’re passionate about. I see you and I am HERE for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://portraitstothepeople.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahderagon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahderagon/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/portraits-to-the-people-photography-san-francisco?osq=headshots
Image Credits
Photo by Sarah Deragon (ME!)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
