Conversations with Sarah Prins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Prins.  

Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, photos have had a way of evoking emotion and capturing authentic stories of not only my life but also those around me. I always thought it would be special to be able to capture those moments for my own family someday. My love for photos started early, and I spent the entirety of my 8th-grade confirmation money on a small, hot pink digital camera which I used to parade around town with my friends. Throughout high school, I admired local photographers and their work. I remember being giddy when my friend’s mom would let us use her DSLR camera to take photos before our high school dances. After high school, I went to college and became an elementary school teacher always thinking that photography might be something I would do for my own family someday. For a long time, it seemed like an unachievable dream to be able to capture those moments for others because, in my mind, so many things stood in the way. During our first year of marriage, my husband bought me my first DSLR camera for my birthday. He encouraged me to explore it as a hobby and was patient being a model during the learning process. Later, he helped me see that I was capable of making photography more than a personal hobby. 

It became a passion for me, and I began taking photos for friends. It was quickly apparent that I fell in love with capturing the authentic joy that people portray in photos with their loved ones. After my husband and I moved to West Michigan, I had the opportunity to take photos at church and learn from other local photographers and creatives. This boosted my confidence and skills to the next level while encouraging me to take a leap of faith and make photography more than a hobby. 

During this time, I also opened an Etsy shop where I sell instant digital downloads of a variety of templates that can be used for special occasions such as weddings, bridal showers, birthdays, and more. With a large family and a creative mind, I was often recruited by family members to create or design things for upcoming life events. This shop blossomed as a result of that need and my search for a creative outlet. 

My husband, Jonathan, and I started our business Prins Photography and Design LLC in December of 2022. We have several weddings, and other sessions booked for 2023 and continue to create content and design unique templates for our Etsy shop. We are dedicated to capturing the significance of life’s most precious moments through authentic photos and thoughtful designs. 

I see each photograph as a precious memory bottled up and saved for all of eternity. In a world where things tend to happen at such a fast pace, photos are a source of remembering a moment in time for what it truly was or is. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with any new adventure, there were obstacles along the way. 

One major challenge that we faced was deciding when to pivot photography and design into a business. After receiving many requests to photograph sessions and weddings and seeing success in our Etsy shop, we decided to transition into an LLC. 

Another challenge that we experienced early on was creating a seamless experience for customers throughout the booking process. Thankfully we make a great team and have been able to work together while using tools such as Honeybook and Corjl to improve upon the client experience. 

Some small business owners may struggle because their focus is either creative or technical. Jonathan and I happen to have opposite strengths, which have been of great benefit to us. This allows me to flourish as an artist while Jonathan specializes in the technical details of the business. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
During the day, I am a third-grade teacher. In the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer, I am a photographer and designer of digital templates. 

My work tells the narrative of my clients while encapsulating their personalities, styles, and passions. Every person has a story to tell, and my goal is to capture that story through editorial-style portraits with authenticity. I love images that evoke emotion and radiate the joy of human connection. I am most proud of incorporating movement into sessions and allowing clients to genuinely have a good time and be themselves. We are known for offering a variety of sessions, including family portraits, engagement and wedding photography, maternity sessions, and senior photos. 

One thing that sets us apart is our ability to connect with clients and evoke genuine emotion through our photos. Another thing that sets us apart is our smooth, consistent, and clear communication with clients. This is done using our top-notch systems and remembering that client experience is everything. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My husband, Jonathan, is normally the risk-taker in both our personal and professional lives. Being a corporate finance professional, he has learned that taking on risk can lead to great reward. Stepping out and starting any business involves some level of risk. Whether it be start-up funds or your reputation, you are putting yourself out there and creating something new for the world. So far, this business has been so rewarding for me. I have been able to capture amazing moments. Whether it be the beauty of an expecting mother, the excitement and anticipation of a newly engaged couple, or the laugh of a young child. No matter what the circumstance, the risk of starting this business has been far outweighed by these moments. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://prinsphotographydesign.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prins.photo.design/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082805242858
• Other: https://prinsphotographydesign.mypixieset.com/links 

Image Credits
Sarah and Jonathan Prins