I truly believe Gather to Grow is a game-changer — no matter what stage you’re at in your business. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration, clarity, and connection.

Describe your style in three words?

Nostalgic, warm & free.

How did your photography business journey begin?

I am a keen traveller so I have always loved capturing memories of my travels and the essence of the world, how I see it. However, after the birth of my first son, he became my new favourite thing to photograph. I was desperate to capture all of the teeny tiny details and that irreplaceable feeling of raw love and connection. He didn’t only inspire my photography, he also inspired me to create a better work life balance for my little family and that’s when the dream began… an opportunity came my way to take on a mentorship with a photographer whom I’ve always admired and I haven’t looked back since. 

What has been your biggest struggle in your business journey?

Well apart from the great British weather… It has to be everything that comes with running a photography business. It’s not just the photos that you need to think about, it’s everything else you have to learn along the way… building websites, keeping on top of accounts, creating a brand and making it come to life, pricing your work and knowing your worth all whilst retaining a family life balance, it truly is the art of spinning lots of plates.

How do you balance a busy business whilst taking care of your mental health and avoiding burnout? 

Very good question and one that is an ever evolving practise! In the first couple of years running my business, I experienced a lot of burnout. There were times that I would be shooting seven days/nights per week and then editing when the rest of the house slept. On top of this, I was growing another baby and it left me feeling completely drained, exhausted and uninspired. I’m pleased that I’ve come a long way since then and I now take on a lot less, I’ve set boundaries and I try to work to set days and evenings so the rest I have the time I have is for family, friends and our adventures. I also spend a lot of time offline, I mostly post and go when using my socials now which definately helps with the mental burnout. My happy place is my camper van with my little family, we go off camping as much as we possibly can and always have the next trip booked in so there is something to look forward to. 

What inspires your creativity? 

I’ve always romanticised my life so a lot of my inspiration comes from my lived experiences.. the places I’ve travelled, the coastline I live on, my children and their view on the world, mothers of all generations and their deep rooted connection with their little ones. 

What was your journey like trying to find your photography style? 

I knew what I loved and what I wanted to achieve from the start but learning how to get there has been a process… my photography style is ever evolving, I will always stay true to my heart but I still want to evolve and grow so I don’t think my style will ever stay the same.. I hope to continually flourish and reinvent as I go along my way. 

What inspired you to take the plunge with the salty sessions alongside your other offerings?

Water has been a deeply healing and comfort source in my life, I swim in the ocean most mornings and feel deeply drawn to it in my work. The way it ebs, flows, moves and sparkles is a constant inspiration. When I was pregnant with my second son, I would dream about having my bump documented in the water and it stemmed from there. Now, when I’m editing an underwater session, my two sons will ask me “Mummy, have you been photographing a mermaid today?” 

Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone starting out in their business journey? 

It’s scary putting yourself out there but feel the fear and do it anyway, you never know just where it may take you. Stay true to yourself, seek inspiration from your life and your passions. The people that doubt you will be the people that asked how you did it in years to come. And lastly, invest in education – you won’t ever regret doing this and it will take you such a long way in a shorter amount of time. 

When you’re not working, what are you doing? 

Spending time with my boys, my wonderful family and friends. Sea dips, road trips and exploring everything from mountains to coastlines and everything in between. 

What are you listening to whilst you’re editing? 

Podcasts – Gather and Grow (obviously) Dirty mother pukka and Dr Rangan Chattergee. Music – I like to make playlists, depending on my mood, so it honestly can be a mixture of everything from musicals to Dope lemon! (haha)

What’s your favourite pizza topping? 

Pepperoni every time. 

What’s in your bag? 

My Canon R6s with my 35mm sigma art 1.4 attached most of the time. I also love my 85mm and my macro filters for getting those yummy close ups. For my underwater photography, I use a 20mm lens with my aqua tech solutions housing. 

Where can we find you?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.mac.photography/

Website: https://sarahmacphotography.com/