Soft Ember Photography

Sometimes I get so focused on where I want my photography to be that I forget to look at how far I’ve come.

Six months ago I was still second-guessing myself.

Questioning my editing.
Questioning my pricing.
Questioning whether I was good enough.

Today, I’m still learning. Still growing. Still making mistakes.

But I’m also braver.

I’m trying new locations.
Learning new lighting techniques.
Creating resources for my clients.
Building a business I once only called a hobby.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once.

It happens one session, one lesson, one uncomfortable step at a time.

And if I’m lucky, six months from now I’ll look back at today’s version of myself and be proud of how much I’ve grown again.

1. “Sorry, my kids won’t sit still.”

Please don’t apologize.

Some of the most meaningful storytelling images happen when children are simply being themselves—exploring, asking questions, collecting treasures, or running past my camera. They’re not supposed to perform—they’re supposed to be kids.

2. Perfectly posed families.

We’ll get everyone looking at the camera when we can, but the moments that tell your story best are often the in-between ones—the way your child reaches for your hand, how you pull them close, or the laughter that happens naturally.

3. The pressure to have everything figured out.

What to wear? Choose outfits that feel comfortable, coordinate rather than match exactly, and reflect your family’s style. Neutral and earthy tones photograph beautifully, and soft textures add depth and movement to your images. Avoid large logos, busy patterns, or neon colors that can be distracting. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and like yourself.

Where to stand, what to do with your hands—you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll guide you every step of the way while creating space for genuine connection and real moments to unfold.

4. Stressing over the little things.

Windy hair.
Dirty shoes.
Toddler meltdowns.
A baby who only wants to be held.

These things aren’t ruining your session.

They’re often part of the story you’ll want to remember years from now.

5. Waiting for the “perfect” time.

The perfect season.
The perfect body.
The perfect schedule.

Life doesn’t pause until everything feels perfect, and neither should your memories.

What I do love capturing?

Big feelings.
Messy moments.
Bare feet.
Tight hugs.
Belly laughs.

The honest, beautiful moments that tell your family’s story. 🤍

If you can’t afford a photographer, I suppose I’d also accept:

• A stocked fridge after a busy week
• A fully paid hydro bill
• A grocery run that doesn’t make me cry at checkout
• Rent magically paying itself
• Coffee for editing days
• An uninterrupted nap with a baby on my chest
• Laundry that folds itself
• More hours in the day

But honestly…

The greatest gift this business has given me isn’t money.

It’s the ability to watch my babies grow.

To be home for the milestones.
To build something of my own.
To turn a dream I’ve carried for 17 years into a business.
To spend less time commuting and more time making memories with my family.

Every session booked, every referral, every share, and every kind word helps make that possible.

And for that, I’ll never stop being grateful.

For years, I called it “just a hobby.”

I downplayed the late nights learning, the thousands of photos taken, the mistakes, the growth, and the love I had for this craft.

It took me 16 years to build a photography business.
It took me 17 years to finally feel comfortable calling myself a photographer.

If you’re in a season where you’re still building, still learning, or still finding the courage to own what you do, keep going.

You might be closer than you think. 🤎

— Sarah
Soft Ember Photography. .