Meet Sabrina Gebhardt | Photographer & Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Gebhardt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I started my business over 11 years ago, I was a mom to two kids under 5 and was a passionate new entrepreneur. I was always striving for balance. And I felt like I was always failing.

Someone always needed me. My to-do list never got shorter. There were never enough hours in the day. My kids weren’t getting the best version of me. Neither were my clients. It truly felt like I was spinning my wheels.

Over the years, I have come to learn that balance is a myth. There is absolutely nothing wrong with aiming for it. But we have to have the clear understanding that reaching it doesn’t actually exist. It is a bar that is constantly raised. A status that is unattainable.

One of the the most eye-opening lessons I have enjoyed on this topic over the years is the Four Burners Theory (you can google it). In this theory, the author explains how when we are trying to run four burners (of a stovetop) at the same time, the heat capacity goes down because they are competing against each other. But if you simply turn one burner off, the other three perform stronger.

The same rule applies to our life. If we are trying to be the best at the four areas of our life (work, health, family and friends) at the same time, all four categories suffer. We never feel balanced. We never feel successful in any of the areas. On the other hand, if we know that we are heading into an intense season in one area, we can turn “off” another burner to see more success. And of course, after that deadline or goal is met, the burners can change again.

This lesson has been so valuable to me over the years as a reminder that I can’t be everything to everyone all the time. It is okay, and even healthy, to let other areas go when I am working hard. I am human and I can only do so much. I need to value times of hustle and times of rest. Times of work and times of play.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a lifestyle newborn and family photographer of more than 11 years and I also teach other photographers. As a photographer, I think what sets me apart from others is how much experience I have. Many photographers don’t make it this far in business because being a “successful photographer” is about so much more than taking pretty photos. I learned what it takes to survive as a photographer through a LOT of struggle, mistakes and hard work over the years.

What I hope the world learns about my business is that photos can, and should be, fun. They are the single most important physical thing in your home and they are the only thing that lasts when you are gone. Photos are a literal legacy being left for your children and future generations. They matter.

Every time I am welcomed into a clients home, I am completely honored that they have chosen me to tell their stories. I treat no two sessions exactly alike because every family is different. And it is so important to me that your images are a representation of your family in this current season of life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first stop would definitely be Joe T Garcia’s. It is a Fort Worth institution and very special to me personally. (my wedding rehearsal dinner was there!)

During her visit, we would definitely do some retail therapy in Clearfork, University Park Village and on the bricks of Camp Bowie.

For a relaxing afternoon, we would take a morning walk along the trinity river, stop at Ascension coffee and then have a massage at Woodhouse Day spa followed by a pedicure at Park Place nail salon.

Other restaurants we would check out during her visit would include Flower Child, Press Cafe, Blue Sushi and Maria’s Mexican Kitchen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am a huge believer in continuing education. There is never a time in your business when you will reach the point where you don’t need it anymore. I have always invested in mentoring, workshops, conferences and masterminds because I know there is huge value in community.

In the photography community I have so many education resources that I could share because of how they have impacted me and my business. The Reset Conference, Pinkletoes Photography and Colie James Photography to mention a few. I also lean on local industry friends because there is so much to be learned when you prioritize community over competition. Some of those women include (and definitely are not limited to) Reverie Photo Co, Shannon Lange Photography, Mallory Shelton Photography, Amy Hogan Photography, Kristen Howell Photography, Kristee Walker Photography, Haylee Roebuck Photography, Allison Krogness Photography, Nikki Caviness Photography and Erica Grandin Photography.

Website: www.sabrinagebhardt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabrinagphoto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg6C4f0vtbInlPI-QSrgHOw

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography/