q + a | Sarah Ainsworth Photography of houston, tx
Now that you’ve seen the rebrand for Sarah Ainsworth Photography, I’d like to share a Q&A I had with her after her projects wrapped up. Learn about how she got started, where she dreams of working, and what she thought of the [re]branding process below!
Introduce us to your business!
Hi I'm Sarah with Sarah Ainsworth Photography! I have been shooting weddings and portraits for 10+ years! I’m located in Cypress, TX and serve the Greater Houston area! We’ve photographed at many of Houston’s finest venues. Everything in nature from Catholic churches, Downtown ballrooms, all inclusive venues, backyards, beaches, chapels, barns, and country clubs!
When did you decide you wanted to be a professional photographer? At what point did you decide to start your own business?
I’ve always been the one behind the camera, even as a kid you’d often see me with a disposable camera at a family outing which resulted in a trip to Walgreens for a one hour print job and then a trip to Hobby Lobby for stickers for my scrapbook! One of my first jobs when I started college was for a local portrait studio where I did mostly editing and in-person sales. One day I was handed the camera to shoot a senior session. I was so nervous but had the incredible support and encouragement from my bosses (still dear friends today!) and just went for it! That senior client spent over $1,000 on prints from the photos I took and I felt like I had conquered the world. I was so proud of myself and that gave me the courage to step out on my own and later start my own business a couple years down the road. So many incredible local clients saw the budding talent I had and took a chance on me long before I had the business side of things figured out. And here I am 10 years later!
How would you describe your photography style?
I would describe my style as timeless, modern and relaxed. I love clean, crisp quality. I believe creativity alone doesn’t make a great photographer. A great photographer must also be technically savvy and a people person. So much of the final product comes down to how a photographer made a client feel in the moment and I make it my goal to create an environment that is relaxed and easy-going. Making friends with light is another photographers key to success. I try to understand light and follow it to get the best possible final product. Amazing light isn’t always just there so I have spent many years learning how to create it when it’s not there and work around light that isn’t as favorable. That’s one of the parts of my job I love so much - the challenge in the constant changing elements and circumstances I am placed in. It keeps me on my toes and striving to find new and better solutions as I shoot.
What's the best part and what's the hardest part about running your own business?
The best part of running my own business is I get to create my own schedule! It’s taken me many years to figure out that I don’t have to say yes to everything. If fact, I am so much better off if I don’t say yes to everything. Life is for living! And I’ve found I live life to the fullest when I have a good work / life balance. I have two little girls and the time home with them keeps me centered and reminded of what is most important to me in life. On the flip side, the time away doing the thing I feel God has gifted me with fuels my creative drive and fills a part of me that nothing else can!
Where do you dream of photographing a wedding/event one day?
I love all things shabby chic and antique! An old plantation home with white columns, gardens and mossy trees sounds the dreamiest to me.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone that is comfortable in their own skin and doesn’t take themselves too seriously. My favorite engagement sessions are couples that have a natural chemistry and don’t pay too much mind about being photographed. They just enjoy being with each other and that translates so effortlessly on camera. I love working with a bride that sees something go not exactly as planned and doesn’t get in too much of a tiffy about it. My ideal client trusts me to capture them and is able to relax knowing that I will deliver more than what they could ever anticipate.
At what point did you realize you were ready for a rebrand (and a new website)?
Gosh, I’ve been ready for a rebrand for 3 years plus! Well...kids… that about sums that up, lol! I’ve been doing this whole wedding photography thing for 10 years so a new logo was a necessity. When you go from about 20 years old to 30 years old - the look you’re going for changes! I needed something more refined, mature, and polished. Once I got the new logo, the ball was already rolling so I thought, why not do the whole site too?!
Do you have any advice for creatives thinking about a rebrand?
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, right? That is what this whole experience with Akula Kreative has been for me! When I tried to tackle the rebrand/ new website all solo, it was just an elephant… and I just couldn’t take a bite at it! Too much for my brain to handle. Nikki did an amazing job prompting me with little bites along the way. Little bits of homework here and there, and it was never too overwhelming. Before I knew it, the whole thing was done! I couldn't believe it! If you are debating whether or not to rebrand, do it! There is no better time than now. Don’t be like me and wait three years! There are clients to be gained right now with a new polished and professional look. Nikki is a gem and you’ll be lucky to have her perspective and talent!
Ok, I have to interject here…when you read “How do you eat an elephant?” did anyone think of Shel Silverstein’s poem, “Melinda Mae”? You know, the girl who sat down at a table to eat a whale? No? Just me? OK. Well, spoiler alert :: she eats the whole whale, but it takes her a lifetime. ;)
Did anything about the branding process or website design process surprise you?
I tend to be a control freak when it comes to my business and want to do everything myself. What I realized was, when I placed all these things in another professionals very competent hands (aka Nikki), I found that she had a much smarter, faster, more efficient, professional way of doing things. And that is in all regards - visually, technically, practically and economically. She really listens to what you want, communicates her strategy so well and delivers an incredible product in a timely manner.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Sarah! If I could write a big fat A+ in red Sharpie on all of your branding homework, I would. (Your teachers must have loved you, because you went above and beyond.) But seriously, thank you for trusting us with your rebrand and website and we look forward to keeping in touch!
