Meet Sarah Miller of Whitmore Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Miller

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for photography and animals. I have been photographing my dogs since I was in elementary school. When I graduated high school, my parents asked me what I would like as my celebratory gift for completing that milestone, and I asked for a camera.

When it was time to pick a major for school, I had greatly wanted to pick photography, but was worried that it wouldn’t be as stable. After changing majors more than a few times, I ended up with a Bachelors of Business Administration and Management from Walsh College.

I still didn’t know what I wanted to do and in working with the career counselor, they recommended I try Human Resources. I followed that path and have now been in the HR world for nearly 10 years. But in the time I was not at work, I was taking pictures, whether it was landscapes or animals or people, I was always taking photographs.

For years I never lost the bug that I wanted to be a professional photographer, and had seen how rewarding it can be to start your own business in the example of my parents and the company they started in 2008.

It was November of 2023 that I took the plunge and decided to form my company, West Oak Photography, which I named after my boys, Westley and Oakley. I was photographing anything and everything I could. I was able to photograph dogs, maternity, newborn, cake smash, family, solo, real estate and get paid doing it, it was so thrilling!!

As I continued to learn and grow and figure out what I wanted my niche to be, it became very clear to me that pets were the niche I wanted to dive into. Animals have always been such a huge part of my life and I know that they are for others as well. I also know that not everyone has heard of or considered pet photography, and I love the challenge that that entails.

Too many times I hear about families that never had a photo with their pet, and after the pet is gone, they wish they had just one photograph. It has been my joy and pleasure to help capture these memories for my clients, whether its the cute and fun studio portraits or the emotional and moving outdoor sessions, I have loved every minute of this experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, there are always challenges to starting a business and learning the ins and outs. Plus balancing my full-time job with running a growing business has been demanding. It requires careful time management and dedication.

Educating clients about the value of professional pet photography has been a unique challenge. Many people are used to taking their own photos with smartphones, so it’s been rewarding to show them the difference a professional photographer can make. It’s about capturing the unique bond between pets and their owners and creating lasting memories.

Having to make the hard decisions, like giving up my studio space so that I can focus on outdoor sessions, was a very hard decision. I love the studio space but know that I can always reopen that door in the future.

Despite these challenges, I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and make a positive impact on people’s lives, one paw print at a time.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional pet photographer specializing in capturing the beautiful bond between humans and their pets, as well as the unique personalities of each animal I photograph. I’m passionate about creating timeless images that celebrate the bond between humans and their companions.

What sets me apart is my patient and empathetic approach. I take the time to build trust with each pet, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable photo session. Whether it’s a playful puppy or a calm senior, I strive to create images that will be cherished for years to come.

I’m most proud of the beautiful artwork I create and the memories that they encapsulate. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and happiness my work brings to my clients knowing that they will be able to cherish these photographs for the rest of their lives.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is providing an exceptional experience for my clients. I strive to create a stress-free and enjoyable environment for both pets and their owners. I’m dedicated to capturing their unique personalities and creating beautiful, timeless artwork that they will cherish for years to come. I also value the strong relationships I build with my clients, and I’m proud of the positive impact my work has on their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westoakphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westoakpetphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestOakPetPhotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/west-oak-pet-photography-whitmore-lake

Image Credits
West Oak Photography