Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Fentiman.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first picked up a film camera in high school, not with a business plan in mind, but simply because I loved it. Photography started as a creative outlet — something that allowed me to capture moments in a way that felt meaningful and personal.
Around 2009, I decided to take it a step further and began working part-time. At that point, most of my clients were people I already knew. It was small, comfortable, and built on trust — which, looking back, gave me the space to grow without pressure.
In 2014, after giving birth to my twin boys, I chose to put photography on hold. That season of life required my full attention, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.
By 2016, I felt ready to return — and this time, things began to grow organically. Word-of-mouth referrals, repeat clients, and genuine connections became the foundation of my business. I never rushed the process; I allowed it to evolve naturally, and that steady growth has shaped the heart of what I do today.
Now, with years of experience behind me and incredible encouragement from my clients, I’m stepping into a new chapter. This year, I plan to be more intentional about marketing and sharing my work more broadly. What started as a high school hobby has grown into something deeply fulfilling — and I’m excited to see where this next phase takes me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many creatives, I’ve wrestled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome — even when clients were praising my work. There were seasons where I questioned whether I was truly “ready” to grow, despite the encouragement around me.
Balancing family life and business has also been a constant learning curve. After having my twins, my priorities shifted, and finding that rhythm between home and work took time and intention.
But those challenges have shaped me. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in myself — sometimes even before I fully feel it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I specialize in marketing and branding photography, family sessions, high school seniors, and youth sports individual and team photos. While I once photographed weddings, I made the intentional decision to step away during this season of life to protect time with my family. That choice allowed me to focus more deeply on the work that aligns best with both my creativity and my priorities.
My branding sessions are designed to showcase not just the business, but the people behind it — capturing personality, purpose, and story in a way that feels both authentic and strategic. With families, I create relaxed, natural sessions that feel less like a formal shoot and more like friends spending time together. I want the kids — and yes, even the dads — to genuinely enjoy the experience.
For high school seniors, it’s about confidence and celebration. I want them to walk away with images they’re excited to share — photos that truly reflect who they are during this meaningful, transitional season of life. And with youth sports, I love capturing both the individuality of each athlete and the pride and camaraderie of the team.
What I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve built. Many of my clients become friends, and that trust is visible in the images we create together. I genuinely care about the people in front of my camera, and I believe that connection is what sets my work apart.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building and sharing my art and creative vision more intentionally. I’m especially looking forward to working with more businesses on their branding and marketing, meeting new families and high school seniors, and continuing to build out individual and team photography for area youth sports programs. Capturing those athletes — both as individuals and as teams — is something I’m passionate about growing in the years ahead.
The human connection is what fuels me — both personally and professionally. The relationships I build through my work are just as impactful for me as the images are for my clients. It’s a mutual exchange of trust, energy, and creativity.
As for big changes, it’s really about growth — stepping more confidently into the next phase of my business, expanding my reach, and continuing to develop the youth sports side of my work alongside my branding and portrait sessions. I’m ready for that evolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahphotographykc.com
- Instagram: @sarah.photographykc
- Facebook: Sarah Photography KC
