Meet Sarah Atkinson | Natural Light Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Atkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started my photography business in 2005, I had 4 kids and they were all pretty young. I was also working at a charter school part time and running a MLM business. I remember trying to balance being a mom, work, taking photos/editing, community theatre and church. I remember almost feeling a sense of crushing anxiety ALOT. I learned that I needed to change something. I eliminated things that in the long run was taking a lot of my best parts of me, time and energy. I upped my prices with my photography business and began to value myself and my TIME as a creative. That’s when I attracted better clientele. I stopped running the MLM side hustle and gave myself the permission to feel ok about doing that. The biggest one was that I also learned to say no. I had a really hard time feeling guilty if I couldnt help/do things for others. You have to prioritize things that matter the most and when I find that balance, I’m a better wife, mom, friend and photographer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I developed a love for photography once I became a mom. I couldn’t get enough of capturing my kids and when Facebook became popular I was able to share all the photos. That’s when friends started to reach out and asked if I could take their families’ photos. At the time I had a point and shoot and I realized hey, maybe I should do this as a business. That’s when I joined forces with one of my friends from high school and we launched Moments Defined Photography.

When I started, it was the launch of the affordable DSLR cameras. More than ever more photographers were coming out of the woodwork and also a sense of competition was one of my hurdles amongst more experienced photographers. I attended a life changing photography conference called Blink where I learned “Collaboration over Competition”. We all ideally bring something different in our photos. There’s plenty of clients in this market that may connect with your photos and not with mine and vice versa. There’s room for everyone. It sparked a fire within me to connect with like minded photographers as well as other vendors within the community and I’ve had incredible experiences and opportunities to grow as a photographer. I vowed to run my business with kindness, honesty and gratitude with a sense of giving back to others. This is also why I will mentor any budding photographers in anyway that I can.

At Blink we had the opportunity to do “shoot outs” with different industry professionals and I was able to capture author Cyndie Spiegel and her then fiancée Ira at the time. A magazine publication called “Belong Magazine” chose my photo to grace the cover and I was beyond ecstatic. I reflected on who I was as a photographer with very little formal training, mom to 5 kids and here I was being published. It was a dream! This opportunity opened up later a huge spread in a wedding issue with the same magazine and I find that as one of my biggest accomplishments.

What I’m most proud about though is having the ability to give my clients multiple gifts through my photos. I try to make everyone feel confident, comfortable and beautiful. Seeing the joy that comes from a client who sees their own beautiful self and energy is what brings me the most happiness. Connecting with my clients is what make’s me the most fulfilled and bonus… I also get to create something that future generations will be able to look at and have forever.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok this is a funny one but I LOVE history of buildings and the more untouched, decrepit, peeling paint, and potentially hazardous is inspiring to me. Getting a snap shot into what was from long ago is exciting to me. I love driving up to Superior and Globe and exploring the old town. Taking photos, checking out little shops and getting Irene’s Mexican food is a perfect day. On one day trip we met a local business owner who was renovating an old bar/restaurant into an art studio. He took us around and we talked about the history of the area and marveled at custom pieces of art that he created. It was a dream. I also love Jerome Az and visit frequently. We’ve stayed at the Jerome Grand hotel and all of the cute shops make for the best day trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I cant thank my husband Robert enough for the support he has given me from the very beginning. Whether its second shooting to simply assisting me. To helping me research new software and camera equipment. He is my number 1 fan. My kids are also extremly supportive and helpful. Not to leave out my personal cheerleaders who uplift, encourage and assist. I have had the pieces picked up more than I can count from my army of angels.

Website: www.momentsdefinedphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/momentsdefinedphotography/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/momentsdefinedphotography

Image Credits
My Headshot Sarah Potter Photography