Meet Sarah Pierce | Lifestyle & Brand Photographer

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

Hi Sarah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking – wow, this is such a fun topic. I think sometimes the word or concept of risk is met with a negative connotation. Even myself – I immediately think about jumping off a cliff into a lake or something “risky.” And to be clear – I am not that girl who is jumping off cliffs – NOT My jam! But throughout my life, risks have become more related to chances – chances to change your life, chances to make an impact. In my personal life – I’ve made risks that I look back now and am so grateful for – moving to Dallas after college, taking a job opportunity that scared me, saying “yes” to that first date with my now husband. And in my business – the biggest risk I think any photographer can take is sharing their work with the world. Each photo is such a reflection of hard work, art, vibes, soul – and to shoot it out into the universe is absolutely terrifying. But when the energy you put out comes back in ten fold – it’s absolute magic. This year especially in my business, I sat down and wrote a “manifest list.” I know that sounds so “woo woo” – but let me tell you – this thing was way more powerful than a list of goals. I’ve manifested almost every single thing on that list by taking small risks and big risks that send out good energy into the ether and then reflect it back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It took me a really long time to say “I’m a photographer” out loud or identify that way. I always felt I didn’t have enough in my portfolio or enough gear or enough this or enough that to brand myself “photographer.” Especially as a photographer who still has a very demanding full-time job in corporate public relations, I always downplayed my skill, my art, my business.

But it finally clicked one day that I’m creating ART! These photos are my one-of-a-kind perspective on this couple or this person. And no one else can do it quite like me. So I pushed myself to leave out the comparison, and instead focus on creating photographs that are timeless, nostalgic, intoxicating and gave you “good vibes.”

That’s why I built my brand of SC Photography around All The Vibes. I want to capture more than moments, I want to capture your sense of humor, your passion, your being – I want to capture your vibe.

You know that 1 or 2 photos of your parents from years ago that you absolutely love? And just the whole image tells a story of who they were at that time, what they liked, what they were thinking. THOSE are the photos I set out to take with my clients. My goal with every photo shoot is to create images that you look back on and say “this photo captures exactly who I am.”

Apart from my images, I focus on making the experience of getting your picture taken FUN and collaborative. Photography doesn’t have to be formal – you can tell me what you’re worried about, exactly what you want the image to feel like, what you’re dreaming of – and we can figure out how to make that happen together. Along with some great music playing and some giggles – our session will feel like a treat and not a chore.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week in DFW – you will NOT be bored, and you will NOT go hungry. I absolutely love living here! Okay let’s plan us a hell-of-a-trip – I’ll outline my ideal day.

Skip breakfast and go to Slow Bone at around 10:30am-11am. It is THE BEST barbecue in town BAR NONE. Get the ribs, jalapeño mac & cheese (which I served at my wedding) and their squash.

Pop over to Trinity Groves to see the skyline because it really is worth the hype.

After that, if you get a little hungry around 3pm – head to Deep Ellum Brewing Co. Dallas Blonde is iconic and their appetizers will set you right.

Walk around Deep Ellum and run into live music EVERY WHERE. Best part about it.

Maybe go home and put on your going out ‘fit – then head over to the Ivy Tavern. This is me and my husband’s absolute favorite bar and where we spent most of our time dating. We could walk to it from where my husband used to live with some of our best friends and the bartenders definitely knew us by name for many years. We had our rehearsal dinner here HA! It was honestly the funnest night of my life. They have really great food (their French fries are my go-to) and the vibes are just THE BEST.

Get a little tipsy at the Ivy – then Uber over back to Adair’s in Deep Ellum. This is THE BEST dive bar in Dallas and always has the best performers and live music. The staff are so kind and cool and you can drink some Lone Stars on draft. If you get hungry – get the slab burger. Might be the best in town.

Get home safe, wash your face and get some sleep. Then, for my Plano friends, go to Eddie’s Diner and get the Baconator Omelette with hashbrowns. It will fix your life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give my parents a shout out – for always showing me love, grace and patience throughout my life. All those little risks that led me to here were not always filled with joy and excitement – they were usually met with anxiety, doubt and fear. But my mom and dad always answered the phone, listened to me freak out, and told me I could do anything. For that – I am forever grateful.

I’d like to give my husband, JP, a shout out – for pushing me to share my work with the world and to stand by it proudly. His relentless optimism and zeal for life always pushes me out of the dark depths of doubt and into possibilities. Thank you for helping me wrangle toddlers at photo shoots, carrying my camera gear and gut-checking my photos when I’m bleary-eyed at midnight editing a session. You are my favorite part of everything.

And lastly – I’d like to shout out each and every person that’s ever allowed me to capture their vibe through photography. I know that getting pictures taken of yourself and family holds so much meaning, anticipation and sometimes anxiety. But every time someone trusts me to photograph them, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and hyper-focused on making their experience fun and memorable. Thank. you for giving me the chance to give you photos you’ll look back on for decades.

Website: https://www.photographybysc.com/

Instagram: @photographybysc_

Other: @photographybysc – Tik Tok