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

Hi Sarah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I spent so many years of my life hating myself. I hated the way I looked, I hated the way I acted. I hated everything about myself. I was teased relentlessly throughout primary school, and struggled to ever get past the way so many people made me feel. I always saw myself as less than. I was never going to be good enough, pretty enough, or skinny enough, and that was all I thought about.

Photography completely changed my life. I have worked with people all over the spectrum in terms of body type, gender, style, personalities, and it made me realize that my internal issues were truly so minimal on a scale of the rest of my life. I realized I could turn something ordinary, into something magical. I have had so many amazing clients, who have let me run wild with my imagination, and it has really turned my life around.

I saw how beautiful I made others feel, and I slowly started to see the beauty in myself, and in what I was doing for people. This has continued to push me more and more as time has gone on. My creative career has been an amazing outlet for every feeling of happiness, or sadness; anger or depression. I have the opportunity to help others see the beauty in themselves, and that is the sole reason my career has flourished the way it has.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is ever-changing. I do not limit myself to one style, and I push myself to find new ideas to make a vision come to life. I’m currently in the works of several different themed editorial shoots, and I am so excited to make that happen. I work with an amazing team of models, and my HMUA, Jennifer Sorgi, never fails to make my visions a remarkable reality. This journey has not been easy. I’ve had times where I wanted to give up photography completely because things weren’t going the way I envisioned them to go. I’ve come so close to giving up everything I have worked so hard for, because I let my emotions get in the way. There have been so many amazing people along the way who have helped me push past that, and continue to thrive.

My brand is a direct representative of me and who I am. I am strong, I am wild, I am FREE. I am weird, I am loving, I am obsessed with the spookier things in life. And that is OKAY. It is okay to be different, and to love yourself for that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my absolute favorite spots to photoshoots is the W G Jones State Forest. This place is MAGICAL. The trees are perfectly aligned, they are tall, and you can do absolutely any style here. I love to take all my favorite people here to see the magic the way I feel it. Right up the road is one of my favorite spots to eat after a photoshoot! Woodson’s Bar & Grill has hosted so many fun memories. They have such unique food, a really fun laid back atmosphere, and an outdoor patio where you can bring your furry friends!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the most influential people in my career has been my good friend, Katie Ali, with Aura Photography! Katie, you have been such an incredible mentor to me, and have taught me almost everything I know about photography. You have always set aside competition, and turned it into partnership. You share your favorite locations to photograph, you share all your tricks and tips, and you open your studio space to me with ease. You are such an incredible friend and I am so thankful to have you as an ally on my journey!

I also have to give a special thank you to my partner, Kimberly. You have always supported me through everything I do, from my big dreams to my small ones. You never fail to make me feel like I’m the best at what I do, because you see me that way. You are such an amazing support system and I am so thankful to have you.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedrootsphotoco

Image Credits
Katie Ali with Aura Photography (personal photo)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.