Sarah Maverick | Photographer & Mentor

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

Hi Sarah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Showing authentic connection and remaining true to the story I am telling.

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.
I am a birth and newborn photographer in Dallas, Texas, My work focuses on documenting the maternal bond. I am most proud of staying true to the story as it is and proving that there is insurmountable beauty in the everyday and seemingly mundane moments and art in everything we do. I believe I have gotten to where I am professionally today by falling in love with my clients and doing my best to tell their story the same way they would tell it themselves. And maintaining a level of care that far surpasses a quick photo shoot. They are part of my heart and soul forever. It has not been easy. Ha! I don’t think most things that are amazing ever are. I think the biggest challenge for me, and truth be told probably for most small business owners, is learning how to balance your business and your personal life. It is so hard to set boundaries when you are a creative person by nature and you also are responsible for doing everything by yourself. I think part of my success in maintaining has been having a loving and understanding family that supports me through anything, amazing assistants and mentors that lift me up and make me look very good with their amazing talent and ability, and the best clients anyone could hope for. Probably the biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to stay extremely open with other humans. The more open you are, the more you will get the same back. And vulnerability is what makes the type of art I do work. Also asking for help when I need it. It is not always the easiest thing for me to do personally, but is imperative in my success. There are several key people that have my back at all times and that I would not be as successful without. I am not a high turnover mass shooting photographer. I aim to provide an experience that is not only wonderful but that is also emotional and intimate. I want my customer to have a connection to their photos that is about more than pretty. It is about their humanity. Beautiful and imperfect and flawed and amazing. I will not be the photographer for everyone and I am OK with that. Not everyone wants their story told like that and I understand that. I provide radical reality in an artistic and beautiful way. That is more important to me than pretty.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I think we would have to head to The Rustic for a little brunch and music. After that walk off our meal and grab our cameras and head to Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens We would need to get a nap in there for sure! And book a beautiful dinner at Reunion Tower. After that head to my favorite dive bar- Tavern on Main Street in Richardson to karaoke the night away!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Unraveled Academy is a photography education platform and community that is actually so much more than that. They are such a source of inspiration and honesty and love. It is extremely rare in this particular line of work, and very much appreciated. I always head there when I need centering or to refocus. I know there I can exhale.