Meet Sarah DeCristoforo | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Sarah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my business is that my brand accurately portrays who I am as an individual. When people book with Sarah Irene Photography, they aren’t purchasing a solitary object. They are purchasing my work, my artistic eye and my ability to create captivating photographs. As a photographer, you’re selling yourself because you are your brand. On social media, I try and show my daily life so people can get to know me as a person and as a creator. That way when we meet for a session, they feel like they already know me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My mom passed away from Breast Cancer when I was fifteen. Losing her so young really made me appreciate how precious capturing memories are. Photos and memories are all I have left of her. I realized I wanted to help other people capture timeless moments to have and cherish forever. My journey to where I am today has not been easy. I’m originally from Wichita, Kansas and I moved to California 10 days before the state shutdown due to COVID. Continuing my photography business seemed impossible and I felt defeated over and over again. I made the mental decision that I didn’t want my experience in California to be over before it even began. My passion, dedication, new branding, and networking helped fuel me to move forward and try new things. I put together a beach picnic for my cousin Lyara Perkins who is in a long-distance relationship. That inspired me to start offering romantic beach picnics with the option to include a mini photoshoot. As the owner of Sarah Irene Photography, I strive to make individuals feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. It makes my heart happy hearing individuals express how excited and eager they are to receive their photos.

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?
My friend Amber just visited me from Seattle and we had started a shared notes list on our iPhones of things we needed to do while she was in town! We did A LOT of eating, because there are just so many great places here in Los Angeles. Just to name a few amazing places, Cookie Dough Dreams in Burbank, All India Cafe in Pasadena, Amazebowls in the Arts District and of course Porto’s Bakery and their potato balls is a must. Moving from Kansas and it being a landlocked state, I fell in love with all the beaches along the California coastline. My favorites are El Matador beach in Malibu, Hermosa and Laguna Beach. For outdoor activities, Malibu and Topanga Canyon have lots of trails with beautiful views! Lastly, the nightlife in LA is really neat. There are Rooftop bars like Perch or if you want to have fun with friends, Two Bit Circus is a fun quirky place.

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?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my cousin, Lyara Neavear. We all have that one person that we can call any time of day, for any reason. Well, she’s that person. She truly is my mom figure, older sister, cousin, and best friend all in one. She opened up her home to me so I could transition and move out to California. Lyara is constantly challenging me and pushing me to do more. In moments of weakness, she reminds me of my strength and how far I’ve come. She is my biggest cheerleader and I’m forever grateful for her and her selfless acts and unconditional love.

Website: sarahirenephotography.com

Instagram: @sarahirene_photography – https://www.instagram.com/sarahirene_photography/?hl=en

Facebook: @sarahirenephotos – https://www.facebook.com/sarahirenephotos/?ref=py_c