Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Barkley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I can remember I have been both a storyteller, and a photographer. My first camera was a hand-me-down from my brother, which was an orange Ninja Turtle camera that said, “Cowabunga, smile!” every time I released the shutter. I was writing about anything that I could think up, both real and fictional- I loved those blank hardcover books they used to make you buy from the store for elementary school projects, and I would make up stories and draw them out. I also took photos class, and was the photographer for the Yearbook Club in high school which made me love photography even more. I attended Northern Illinois University pursuing a degree in English, and fell in love with my creative non-fiction courses. Photography remained a hobby of mine until I applied for a job at a local hospital photographing newborns in a non-traditional way. I received tons of professional training, and began taking art courses at NIU as well. I began to fall in love with capturing these amazing, fleeting moments for clients, that I soon branched off to start my own business. My business was founded on the love that I had for creative non-fiction storytelling, and the love that I had to capture the moments around me.
Many people also ask me where the name “Feather Print” derived from, and I remember the exact moment that it came to me. I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, with my laptop in front of me. I was browsing my recent photographs, and choosing the images that I wanted to showcase in my portfolio. I came across a photo that I wanted to edit, and began using an editing technique called “feathering”. I realized that the word “feather” meant much more to me than I realized, and immediately started jotting down my interpretation of the word. Simply put, the word “feather” encompassed my love for nature/natural elements, and the word “print” encompassed my obsession with printing photographs and memories… which was a pretty big deal during the digital shift. On a bigger scale, Feather Print is about seeing the world differently, looking for inspiration in everything, and creating and holding onto amazing moments to create your legacy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! I think that every successful entrepreneur will tell you that they’ve faced adversity, and owning a business that thrives on creativity brings its own challenges. I want to preface this section by stating that I am a pretty open book. I think that by opening up, and telling my story I can cultivate hope, or inspiration for someone. Even if just one person can relate or draw hope or inspiration from my story, then I’ve accomplished something.
In the beginning of my career as a professional photographer, I didn’t really have a plan. I had no business experience, and wasn’t about to switch my major 2 years before graduation. So, I just went for it. I formed my LLC, built a website, and took photos. I started off with the mindset that I was a college student, fortunate enough to make money doing something that I enjoyed. My business took off about a year after graduation, and I was able to quit my job as a real estate marketing assistant to pursue it full time. I faced growing pains because I was scheduling, marketing, corresponding, shooting, editing, blogging, etc. all on my own. I had to kiss much of my social life goodbye, and became working day and night on this dream of mine. Now, I work harder to balance my schedule, and while I don’t have a full-time assistant, I have an amazing team of people that I can delegate tasks to. I also force myself to keep up with education to feed my creative and entrepreneur lifestyle, so I attend workshops, classes, lectures, and I also listen to podcasts, and watch online courses/webinars.
I also have to say, that sometimes being a young entrepreneur can be extremely isolating. Like I said before, I kissed my social life goodbye. My business took off at a time when all of my friends were out frequenting bars, moving to the city, and traveling the world before they found their careers. I stayed in the suburbs and pushed myself to create a business that I was proud of. I had my close circle of friends that I saw every once in a while, but thankfully texted with often. In the beginning years, I was networking with several professionals, and even friends, that I found to be pessimistic, competitive, and drama-fueled. My heart knew that wasn’t the environment for me, and those were not relationships that I wanted to maintain, so I shifted my perspective. I began searching for new groups, networks, and workshops to meet new and inspiring people, and reached into the lives of some people I had lost touch with. I now have a strong group of friends and professionals that I feel wonderful about, and who push and inspire me to aim higher.
During my most successful year, I just kept booking contracts for the following year without thinking of creating downtime for myself. When that next year rolled around, I ended up getting really burned out, and found myself in a depressive state. I couldn’t find the motivation that I used to have to work, and communicate with clients like I used to. It took a toll on my business, and my life. Thankfully, like I said before, I am an open book. I let people know that I was struggling, and talked to friends, family, and went to a therapist to help me through the rough patch. Less than a year later, my motivation was back and I was on to creating even more meaningful work and strengthening my hindered relationships.
The journey that lead me to where I am today was never easy, and I know where I am heading won’t be either. Thankfully the failures and struggles pushed me to change my outlook, and dive deeper into my own heart to do what was right for me, and I’ll never look back.
Feather Print Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Feather Print was founded by me, Sarah Barkley in 2009, and in 2010 I photographed my first wedding on my own. I am a photographer, and specialize in wedding, couple, and family photography. I am known for “lifestyle photography”, which is a documentary style, blended with posed images to create a story. I also tend to photograph in a way that is light, airy, and warm. My studio is in Lakeside Arts Park in Crystal Lake, which is attached to The Dole Mansion. I am so fortunate to be able to photograph in a building that is over 150 years old, and I feel that this is something that definitely sets me apart from others. I also feel as though my connection to my clients is also something that sets me apart. I try to connect and really get to know my clients before photographing them, to make sure that I capture their true essence.
I am honored to say that Feather Print has won “The Best of the Knot” award in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Also, I have been published in Shutter Magazine, and have features on Borrowed and Blue, Something Turquoise, and I was also recognized as a successful woman in business on the GoDaddy Blog.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is not a definitive destination, but is a series of mile markers along your own personal road. To be successful, you have to celebrate the little victories along the way, and learn from the failures. Sometimes, the lessons learned from our failures turn out to be our greatest success. Again, for me, it’s all about perspective. Anyone can be successful if they change their perspective. If you set goals, both big, and small, and work to achieve them, then you will be successful. It truly is that simple.
Pricing:
- Wedding collections start at $2,559
- Portrait session fees start at $100
- Products start at $19
Contact Info:
- Address: 401 Country Club Road, #301, Crystal Lake, IL
- Website: www.featherprintphotography.com
- Phone: 8153550329
- Email: sarah@featherprint.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/featherprintphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeatherPrintPhoto/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Feather_Print
Image Credit:
All images photographed by Feather Print Photography
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