Conversations with Sarah Chou

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Chou.

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello there! It all started with a little camera (canon 20d) that was given to me by a sweet and wise friend of mine. I used to love being on the other side of the camera for pageants and small modeling gigs but once I flipped sides, I never wanted to go back. I had just finished school for Polysomnography when I realized that being a mom and working nights was going to be extra challenging. I had a purple, dark basement that I painted while pregnant with my first child and I borrowed some studio lights and so my photography journey began! I started practicing photography on friends and quickly learned that this was my jam! I loved making families smile (I am one of ten kids so I have had lots of practice) and an extra excuse to hold someone else’s baby! I started with a handful of sessions a month, and now it’s a weird day if I don’t have at least five sessions a day!

I love photography because it allowed me to be there with my children whenever I wanted to be, keep things interesting (I mean, one day someone accidentally forgot to pack pants during a family session so we had to photograph just upper bodies ha), and to just have fun everyday! I have to pinch myself on the daily because I cannot believe the jobs I am hired to do and the emails that I get in return with people gushing over their sweet newborn’s photos etc.! I have gone from exploring all avenues of photography to realizing my place is where I am comfortable most which is with family photography. While my work hours have changed as I have learned to manage my business better to be more there for my growing kiddos, my passion for photography remains the same almost ten years later. Each and every client that walks through my studio doors (I now have a GIANT double dream studio complete with a lifestyle space and a studio space) is a new challenge and a new chance for me to meet someone new, to capture who they are during that photo session, and to put it into a story for years to come. Photography isn’t just some hobby or a job for me; it’s a way of living. I have met so many new clients that are even now my best friends. I am so thankful to be able to work for myself and enjoy everyday doing it and I hope to inspire other moms or people, in general, to follow their hearts even if it means many late nights editing or capturing 80 crying kids meeting Santa for their first time. 🙂 Hugs!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! When I started photography, I didn’t want to take out a business loan, etc. and I wanted to be there for my newborn. So I would care for our daughter during the day and wait for my husband to return home from work and then I run to the basement studio and get to work. I was sleep-deprived beyond all doubt but it was so worth it! Of course, after I was done shooting any clients, it would be time for me to get my newborn to sleep but we all know newborns don’t stay asleep! I would run downstairs to edit in between her sleeping and then before I knew it, it was morning again and it would repeat. I took on any and every job that came my way, even if it meant pumping milk in the bathrooms during weddings, etc. I remember swollen feet and ankles and my baby crying from teething or whatever else was bothering her. While I knew it would pay off, I wanted to give up so many times!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for my newborn and child photography. I am not even sure that there is another studio in our area that sees more children for studio portraits! We are most proud of our ability to keep newborn babies asleep and get tons of poses in a short amount of time. My studio manager helps shhhh the babies while I pose and shoot and she does a fantastic job at it too!

What matters most to you?
My family. I would do anything to be there for their first swimming lessons, their first recital; I want to be there for it all! Photography allows me to set my own schedule, be my own boss, and take unlimited vacations to get my head clear! When I get back from a trip, I am inspired to get back to work!

Pricing:

• 500.00 Newborn session with digital images
• 300 Children session with digital images
• 185.00 Mini session with digital images
• 750.00 Newborn with family session with digital images
• 375.00 Cake smash with digital images

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.marie-photography.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/marie.photographs