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

Hi Sarah, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?

My favorite quotes and affirmations often change with every season of my life. So as I have started my business, this quote has constantly been on repeat:

Be afraid and do it anyway.

As a general rule, I have not been a huge risk taker in the past, I have always been a little bit of a chicken. But since starting this business, I have been so much more on board with taking the risks – leaving the steady paying 9-5, networking with others in the wedding industry (where are my fellow introverts at?!), saying yes to so many things that I never thought I would and being me in the midst of it all.

The past nine months have been full of fear but so much courage. I have gone through some insane growing pains but they have absolutely been worth it! Because I decided to do it afraid. Starting a business was terrifying. But I did it anyway. Networking with other vendors and building solid relationships with new people was terrifying. But I did it anyway. Leaving the steady income of a 9-5 job was terrifying. But I did it anyway. All because I decided to do it afraid.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Honestly, a little bit of everything! I started out solely shooting families but knew that I ultimately wanted to shoot couples. The funny thing is that I didn’t want to shoot weddings originally, I wasn’t even kind of interested. Then after a few months I had a few great opportunities to get my feet wet in the wedding industry and the rest is history! Being the person that captures a couple on one of their most magical days is seriously the biggest privilege. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When I am not doing weddings I am shooting couples, families, branding or intimate couples sessions (my absolute favorite type of session).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a perfect fall day, we’d be going to Maroon Bells in Aspen for that perfect, picturesque, Colorado view. The hikes around that area are actual MAGIC.

For a weekend night in downtown, I would for sure bring them to The Brown Palace for drinks and jazz and then across the street to La Loma for some delicious Mexican food and margaritas.

We’d wander around the street fairs or Vintage Market Days for some fun souvenirs they could bring home.

Whether it was a concert or a workout, we’d also make the trip to. Red Rocks. Because how could we not?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness, so many people to thank for helping me get to where I am. My husband, life partner and best friend, Weston. We have grown up together and he has literally seen me through it all. I would not be the person I am today without him and his support.

My photographer friends are seriously the best. I am continually blown away by the community I have built in this business.

My amazing friends and family that have pushed me from the beginning, even when it may have seemed like a terrible idea!

And of course, I have to take a moment to acknowledge how much the life of Jesus inspires me. I want to love like him in everything I do.

Website: https://www.sarahberanekphotography.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahberanekphoto

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