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Exploring Life & Business with Sara Faulkner of Sara Faulkner Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Faulkner.

Sara Faulkner

Hi Sara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
My love for photography started in my teen years. I was very shy, reserved, and honestly a little awkward. I was more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. I can actually recall a slight obsession with disposable cameras during childhood but of course, that was normal kid stuff. I think all of us 90s kids had and loved those cameras. I got my first real camera, a Nikon when I was 15 years old and was designated the friend group photographer. I was in Air Force JROTC all four years of high school, and due to my camera being a constant in my hand, I became the Public Affairs Officer my Junior or Senior year and was in charge of capturing all the best moments and documenting everything for the newsletter and submissions for the yearbook. That love of photography continued into college. I can still remember my first day at UNC-Pembroke. I was wandering around looking for a classroom, and this lovely girl named Sherry found me looking like a lost puppy. She took me on a tour of the Journalism building and somehow, I ended up signed up for the student newspaper, The Pine Needle. I started out as a staff photographer. I became a writer as well, volunteering for the assignments no one else wanted. I loved it so much that I stuck with it until graduation in 2015 and moved my way up to Managing Editor my senior year. I even changed my major to Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism. I interned with ARRAY Magazine and also was published in a few other magazines and at least once in the Fayetteville Observer. I worked for ARRAY for a while after college and then moved on to full-time jobs because life happens. Bills do not wait for dreams to be achieved, unfortunately. Despite not chasing my journalism dream, I have been able to continue my photography as a side business. I have done a few weddings and events, but my main focus is portraits of models, actors, families, children, maternity, and musicians/bands (mostly country artists). I hope to keep expanding and growing my experience and business! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road to travel. During my final year in college, my academic advisor, Dr. Tony, passed away leaving me lost on how to chase my dream of being a journalist. I had an awesome replacement advisor, but he had a lot on his plate. And so did I. My dad was in and out of the hospital 2014-2015, and I had a newish relationship with the wonderful man who later became my husband in 2017. After graduating, I moved in with Corey (my husband) in Raleigh and tried to get a job at The News & Observer. I am still not sure why that did not pan out, but I also think that was when a lot of newspapers were struggling. A lot of my peers were having the same struggles, some kept chasing, and some moved on like I did. I am super proud of my friends who have been able to make a career out of news/sports reporting. Shout out to LB and John! I took some time off for health reasons, but now I am able to give my time to what I love — photography! 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Sara Faulkner Photography?
Sara Faulkner Photography is a woman-owned small business in North Carolina that specializes in portrait photography. I also love capturing small events, weddings, and live music shows. My husband sometimes acts as my assistant, mainly carrying around equipment and keeping me hydrated. I photograph families, children, maternity, musicians/bands, and a lot of local models and actors. In 2022, I decided to revamp and start fresh, so I discarded most of my old work and began with a blank canvas. I put out a model call last year seeking to work with anyone who wanted to collaborate with me. In the creative space, it is called TFP which is short for trade for photos/portfolio. I highly recommend any up-and-coming photographer or model get to know that concept and utilize it. It will be how you build a portfolio, presence, and brand while practicing and networking. I have made a name for myself in this area working with the models and actors, many from A-List Models. I also participate in events with other photographers and models to practice and learn from one another. I am very big on community over competition. I have really improved my skills and confidence through this. Ask any photographer, and they will tell you two things: 1) Practice, practice, practice. 2) Imposter Syndrome is real and a major confidence killer. I share this all with you because I want to be transparent. I have not always been super confident, and that’s okay. I am human. I still have moments of insecurity, but I also know I am liked, and my work is liked because they ask me to keep coming back. I think my desire to provide a safe comfortable work environment is also a factor. No one deserves to be made to feel unsafe, unattractive, or unvalued. I strive to make everyone feel and know their value, and that goes beyond physical beauty. I tell my clients and models that they are not just beautiful but also wonderful and worthy and fun. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a kid/teen, I was always shy and reserved, rarely approaching other kids. If they approached me, I was happy to talk and be their friend, but I had a lot of anxiety about being accepted and rejected. I was overweight and I can still remember the taunts and jokes that were thrown at me about my weight as early as elementary school. I think this is why I was so much more comfortable behind the camera. I don’t know many people who were bullied for their looks who love being photographed. I have managed to get past my insecurity, and like most of my generation, I love a good selfie and, even more, a pretty portrait (usually featuring my handsome husband). I work with a lot of clients who struggle with similar trauma and insecurity, and I always try to make them feel as comfortable and beautiful as possible. It is almost like it’s my mission in life. 

Aside from photography, I have always loved writing stories, reading books, and collecting plushies. I have a collection of Pusheens that would make some people roll their eyes. Haha. 

Pricing:

  • Portraits $150 per hour (20 edited images, digital gallery)
  • Events $100 per hour
  • Weddings $250 per hour (4 hour minimum)
  • Travel fee may apply depending on location chosen by client
  • Pricing may vary and change. Please see my FB or IG for more info.

Contact Info:


Image Credits
Photography by Megan Nicole
Sara Faulkner Photography

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