We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Yates. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah 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?
During my upbringing, my parents fostered a nurturing environment that instilled in me a commitment to diligence. This invaluable guidance enabled me to successfully juggle academia, athletics, and the arts, all while nurturing meaningful relationships and cherishing quality time with loved ones. As I ventured into college, I carried with me this invaluable work ethic, resulting in an exceptional academic record and the cultivation of truly extraordinary friendships.
When the time came for me to make the decision of leaving my corporate job to pursue a full-time career in photography, I understood the importance of maintaining that same mindset. In my first week as an entrepreneur, I took time and articulated the values that held significance in my life: work, friendship, faith, and family. My intention was not solely to find a means of balancing these elements but to live a truly integrated life, where each aspect harmoniously coexisted. By integrating my core values into every facet of my life, I discovered that when I engage in work, I wholeheartedly devote myself to the task at hand without distractions, and when I’m with my family, it’s all about the laughter and connection — not checking my work emails
For me, it all boils down to striving diligently, so I can wholeheartedly savor every single minute of this precious life I lead.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Sarah Yates Photo, my utmost focus is on creating timeless moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. I firmly believe that a wedding is greater than the sum of its parts, and as a photographer, I humbly recognize that I am just one part of the wedding day. Rather than overshadowing the couple, I find joy in standing alongside them, offering support and assistance throughout their special day. My primary goal is to ensure that my couple feels cared for and celebrated, ultimately experiencing the best day ever.
With utmost sincerity and respect, I undertake the responsibility of documenting their wedding day in a way that preserves its authenticity and beauty. I understand the significance of being unobtrusive, allowing genuine emotions and interactions to unfold naturally. However, I also know when to step in, energizing the bridal party with excitement and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of pure joy.
As I document days like this, I am moving toward the coastal market. Whether it be in Laguna or Amalfi, I’m thrilled to be documenting romantic coastal wedding days.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a wedding photographer involves much more than simply capturing images and editing them. It requires certain key elements that can set one apart on their photography journey.
First and foremost, understanding how light works with your camera is crucial. Familiarize yourself with all the camera settings and how they affect the lighting conditions. Mastering light is essential because it is the most significant variable when photographing a wedding. Knowing the appropriate settings for different situations is just the beginning; you should also comprehend how light will appear in post-processing, such as in Lightroom.
Next, pay attention to how different textures and colors translate not only in light but also during the editing process. Achieving a perfect balance straight out of the camera is essential, especially when dealing with greens, yellows, and skin tones. The way you shoot and handle light during the actual photography impacts the final look of your edited images significantly.
Lastly, don’t neglect the legal and logistical aspects of running a photography business. Obtain the necessary permits, business licenses, and meet your tax obligations. Having insurance coverage, ensuring image backups in multiple locations, and having solid contracts in place might not be as exciting as the actual shooting, but they are essential steps that will ultimately benefit you in the long run.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
When pursuing a passion or a career, it’s imperative to harness and go all out in leveraging your strengths. Recognizing and capitalizing on your unique talents and abilities can lead to success. Embracing your strengths enables you to excel in your chosen field and stand out from the competition.
However, it’s essential to approach this with a well-rounded perspective. While focusing on your strengths, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge and address any weaknesses that might hinder your progress. Ignoring or neglecting weaknesses can potentially become obstacles that prevent you from reaching your full potential. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to improve in areas where you might be lacking.
In cases where certain tasks or responsibilities fall outside your strengths or expertise, there is no shame in seeking assistance. Outsourcing tasks that you are not as proficient in can be a strategic move to ensure that these areas do not impede your ability to pursue what you love most. For instance, once you have all the necessary legal aspects of your business in order, you can explore outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping or administrative work, which will allow you to dedicate more time to honing your skills in shooting and editing.
By striking a balance between leveraging your strengths and addressing weaknesses, you create a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. Embrace what you excel in, and at the same time, be proactive in improving areas that require development. Additionally, recognize the value of delegating tasks that are not in your wheelhouse, freeing you up to focus on perfecting your craft and delivering outstanding results.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahyatesphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahyatesphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahyatesphoto
