How This County Durham Photographer Is Inspiring and Supporting Others
Sarah Johnson found a sense of purpose in photography after facing challenging times in her life
Sarah lives with her husband and golden retrievers in County Durham. ‘I fell into a career in recruitment when I left university and continued working in a corporate industry for over a decade,’ she says. ‘It wasn’t until personal challenges including a difficult journey through early menopause at only 30 years old led me to discover my passion for photography.’
After a series of doctor’s visits, Sarah was diagnosed with early menopause and despite medical interventions, including failed IVF attempts, having a family naturally wasn’t going to be an option for Sarah and her husband. He bought her a camera as a Christmas present, which opened her eyes to a whole new world and ignited her creativity. Photography became a daily activity for Sarah and she began photographing her local area, dogs and her family.
‘Facing early menopause and the accompanying emotional challenges of not being able to have a family of my own was a pivotal moment for me,’ she says. ‘I felt very stuck in time while everyone around us were moving into a new chapter, I felt stuck and not sure how to transition through to my next chapter.
‘Photography really did help me to see things a different way, allowing me to express and process my emotions through the lens. It helped me to take my mind to another place and see beauty in the everyday as I practised different techniques, providing a sense of purpose and joy during the most challenging times.’
Sarah says her journey from passion to profession was a natural progression, but one she didn’t ever plan for. ‘As I shared my work, the response was overwhelmingly positive, encouraging me to take the leap into professional photography,’ she explains. ‘Starting with small projects capturing families and pets, my portfolio and confidence grew, leading to the establishment of a business that focuses on empowering women through visual storytelling.
‘Nearly eight years later, my business not only sustains me but also inspires and supports the community around me. I still pinch myself that the work I get to carry out every day is due to something I created at a time when I longed to create something else. I really do feel that everything happens for a reason and I am so proud that in those dark moments, I threw myself into learning, being creative and working through these darker times.’
Sarah now offers workshops and courses designed to empower others through photography. ‘These include mobile photography courses for those wishing to improve their skills for pleasure or business, and mindfulness photography to allow others looking for a way to process situations the space in their mind to do so,’ she adds. ‘My talks often focus on personal growth and empowerment through creative expression, drawing on my own experiences to inspire others. Each offering is crafted to help individuals find their voice and vision through the art of photography.
‘I also love surrounding myself with other women in business where we can mastermind in sessions to help and support each other, and I love sharing what I have learnt with coaches and courses with others to help them to grow their business too.’
This journey hasn’t come without challenges. ‘Entrepreneurship brings its own set of challenges, from managing the uncertainties of income to balancing creative integrity with business demands,’ Sarah says. ‘You never know what is around the corner and you really need to put your seatbelt on tight for the rollercoaster of self-employment. Ensuring you have a supportive network of others doing similar things to you is so key to help to keep pushing you forward when you think about giving up. So many businesses had to close their doors during the pandemic and it was at this time I launched my online courses and talks.
‘The most significant challenge has been stepping out from behind the camera to share my personal journey publicly. This was initially daunting but has become a powerful tool for connection and inspiration, allowing me to lead by example in authenticity and resilience.’
Sarah is enjoying the opportunity to witness and guide transformation in her clients. ‘The joy I get from these moments are my proudest,’ she says. ‘Working mainly with women in business – so many of us lack self-confidence, myself included, and working with them right through my planning and brainstorming sessions is where we work on that transforming magic. Following their shoots, they say it’s like meeting a friend for a coffee, taking a walk and having a chat, and that they love the photographs I produce for them.
‘Photography has not just been a career for me; it’s truly changed me and my own confidence, and I love being able to make others feel this way in their images or from one of my workshops too.’
Sarah’s advice for those looking to get into photography is to let your passion guide you. ‘Focus on developing your eye and technique, not just acquiring the newest equipment,’ she adds. ‘Engage with the community, seek feedback, and embrace continuous learning. Remember, photography is not just about capturing images but capturing moments and emotions. Embrace it as a journey of personal and artistic growth, and you will find not only success but also deep personal contentment.’
Find out more at sarahjohnsonphotography.co.uk.
