Meet Sarah Hasenfus | Lifestyle Branding & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There’s a lot of history behind this, but in short: photography saved my life. I never imagined it would become my career — in fact, I was set on becoming a botanist. But everything changed after a softball game in college when I suffered a traumatic head injury. The blow left me having to relearn how to walk and talk. When I attempted to return to school the second time, my neurologist recommended I take “easy classes.” That’s how I ended up in black-and-white film photography and American Sign Language. I fell in love with both and eventually changed my degree.
So how did photography save my life? The recovery process from my head injury was long and agonizing. I found myself sinking into a deep, dark hole of depression. During that time, photography became my lifeline, guiding me toward the light. While there were many things I couldn’t do, the one thing I could manage was taking pictures, developing film, and printing my own images in the darkroom. On countless days, I spent hours in that space, lost in the process that brought me solace during one of the darkest periods of my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling. Living with a head injury comes with lasting challenges, and for me, one of those is memory loss. Whether it’s recalling short-term events or long-term memories, photography became my way of remembering the past — the good, the beautiful, and the moments that matter most.
What makes me even more passionate about what I do today is not only the ability to freeze time but also to integrate video storytelling into my sessions. Whether it’s headshots or lifestyle branding, my goal is to capture a person’s individuality and story. But recently, I’ve felt a calling I can no longer ignore: a project called Roots of Wisdom: A Legacy Project.
My greatest inspiration for this project is my grandmother. She carries with her a treasure trove of family history that dates back to our ancestors, who were pioneers navigating treacherous ocean waters. Growing up during World War II in Europe, she shared incredible stories with me as a child. But, as life moved on, so did time — and I didn’t capture those stories when I had the chance. Now, my grandmother is battling Alzheimer’s, and many of those stories are lost forever. My head injury, which already makes memory difficult, only deepens my regret that I didn’t start this project sooner.
The gaps in her memory now represent lost pieces of our family’s history. And that’s why this project is so important — not just for me but for my children, grandchildren, and anyone who values their family legacy. I want to ensure others don’t live with the regret of letting these stories slip away. Roots of Wisdom is my way of preserving the legacies of those we love before their voices fade.
What sets my work apart is the focus on preserving the legacy and authentic identity of the people I photograph, especially through intimate portraits and candid video interviews. It’s not just about capturing an image; it’s about capturing the emotions, the history, and the stories that define a person or a family. I take a personalized approach to every session, ensuring that the experience reflects the unique qualities of each individual, their struggles, their victories, and their personal journey.
What excites me most is the impact these stories have on the families who trust me with them. Knowing that I’ve created something lasting, something that can be shared across generations, is what I’m most proud of. It’s more than just photography — it’s about ensuring that the voices and stories of our elders are never forgotten.
Professionally, it wasn’t an easy road. There were countless challenges along the way, from finding my creative voice to navigating the business side of things. But I embraced every hurdle as an opportunity to learn and grow. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that perseverance and passion will always outweigh perfection. There were moments of doubt, but I stayed grounded by remembering why I started — to preserve the legacies of those who came before us.
I want the world to know that my brand is built on a foundation of respect, empathy, and authenticity. It’s about honoring the stories that shape us and creating something that transcends time. My work is a testament to the belief that every person’s life is worth documenting, and that through their stories, we find our shared humanity.

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?
With the transition into motherhood, my life and activities around LA have naturally shifted to more family-friendly adventures. While iconic spots like hiking to the Hollywood sign, strolling through the Venice Beach Canals and boardwalk, exploring Descanso Gardens, and watching the sunset at Griffith Observatory are still amazing experiences, I’d love to share the joy I’ve found in the places that light up my children’s faces and create beautiful family memories.
Day 1: We’d kick off the week with a visit to the Van Nuys Airport Observation Area — there’s something so magical about watching planes take off and land, and the excitement it brings to little ones is contagious. From there, we’d head to the Discovery Cube Los Angeles to immerse ourselves in hands-on science exhibits.
Day 2: A day dedicated to creativity and exploration! We’d start at the Kidspace Children’s Museum, where interactive exhibits inspire curiosity and play. Then, we’d visit the Travel Town Museum for a fun trip back in time to see vintage trains and ride a train — a favorite for kids and adults alike. To finish, we’d head to the Los Angeles Live Steamers for a ride on the miniature trains, a truly unique experience that brings out the child in everyone. Later, we’d take a drive to the Griffith Observatory to catch a sunset that’s nothing short of magical.
Day 3: We’d start the day with a scenic drive down Topanga Canyon, soaking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the peaceful, winding roads. Our first stop would be the Cayton Children’s Museum, where the kids can dive into interactive exhibits that spark creativity and imagination. Next, we’d head to the Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the lively atmosphere, take in the ocean views, and maybe even ride the Ferris wheel. We’d finish the day by unwinding at the beach, relaxing on the sand, and letting the kids splash in the waves — the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
Day 4: For a quieter, more serene day, we’d spend the morning at the Westlake Library, followed by a stroll around Conejo Creek North Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and let the kids explore nature. If it’s a hot summer day, we would change into our water clothes and head over to the local waterpad at Oak Park.
Day 5: If it’s December, we’d spend the day revisiting some of my favorite childhood spots. We’d start at the vibrant Americana at Brand, enjoying some shopping, delicious food, and the magical experience of snowfall and a visit with Santa Claus. To cap off the night, we’d drive up and down the enchanting streets of Candy Cane Lane, a festive wonderland filled with stunning displays of Christmas lights — a beloved tradition that never fails to bring joy and wonder.
These spots hold a special place in my heart because they’ve allowed me to create lasting memories with my family. Sharing these moments with my best friend would be an incredible way to show them the joy and beauty that come with seeing the world through a child’s eyes.

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?
Absolutely. There’s no way I could be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and support of a few key people in my life. I want to give a special shoutout to my family, especially my amazing lifelong partner, Alejandro — their unwavering belief in my vision and their patience through the ups and downs of building a business have been invaluable. My kids, though young, keep me grounded and remind me daily of why this work matters — it’s about leaving something behind that has lasting value.

I want to express my gratitude to my community, whether they are friends, colleagues, or newly acquainted. Your support, kind words, engagement, and referrals mean the world to me. Every gesture, no matter how small, brings a smile to my face and reminds me why I do what I do. It’s incredibly humbling to know that what I create resonates with others. Your encouragement lifts me up and keeps me moving forward, even on the toughest days.

Lastly, to the mentors and fellow creatives, whether through Sue Bryce Education, WPPI, or workshops — I’ve connected with so many amazing people along the way. Your insight, guidance, and inspiration have helped shape my journey. From sharing business tips to offering moral support during challenging times, you have all played a significant role in helping me grow both personally and professionally, especially Sue Bryce. This amazing woman opened my world to so many possibilities, and I am forever grateful.

Website: https://sarahhasenfusphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahhasenfusphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hasenfus-photography-210415159/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/s.hasenfus/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahhasenfusphotography

Other: Google Reviews: https://g.page/r/CXseTFfKv4jcEAE/review

Image Credits
My Headshot: Paula N LUU Photography
All Other Images: Sarah Hasenfus Photography