Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Wagner
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for photography first blossomed while working at an advertising agency, where I quickly realized my favorite part of the job was being behind the camera. I was fortunate to have a wonderful boss who gave me the freedom to grow and explore my passions. After moving to Florida in October 2020, I transitioned to the corporate world, managing organic social media and influencer partnerships for three women’s retailers.
It was during that time I had a pivotal realization: the future I envisioned in marketing didn’t align with the life I wanted. The long hours, juggling work and personal life, minimal salary growth, and work that often felt superficial made it clear that achieving true work-life balance, meaningful impact, and fair rewards would require me to carve my own path.
In May 2021, I combined my love for photography with my entrepreneurial drive to launch Chasing Creative Media, LLC. For a year, I juggled my corporate job by day and photography sessions by night and weekends. By then, it was clear it was time to let go of an old dream and fully commit to a new one.
Over the past 2.5 years as a full-time photographer in Southwest Florida, I’ve experienced incredible growth. By building a strong brand and online presence, I’ve created high demand for lifestyle portraits among families visiting Florida. The journey hasn’t been without challenges—after Hurricane Ian in 2023, I traveled the U.S. to keep my business thriving while my area recovered. I’ve learned to pivot, adapt, and strategically introduce new revenue streams while continuing to elevate my core services.
I’ve never aimed to be a photographer who does it all. Instead, I’ve focused on what I do best: creating an experience and product that stand out and make a lasting impact.
The success I’ve achieved in such a short time has also sparked interest from other photographers, leading me into an exciting new chapter of teaching and mentoring. I’ve had the privilege of hosting five in-person workshops so far, with more planned for the future, and I’ve taught hundreds of photographers to master the art of natural light through my online course, Chasing Light.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Because I primarily work with tourists, hurricanes—and the lull in tourism they create—have a significant impact on my business. After Hurricane Ian hit, just four months after I left my corporate job, I realized the importance of diversifying my offerings and revenue streams. This led to the launch of my first online course for photographers and the creation of Chasing Creative Couples, a new branch of my business focused on weddings and elopements. These types of events are generally more “hurricane-proof,” as they are much harder to reschedule.
Along with major challenges, I’ve also faced smaller roadblocks, each teaching me valuable lessons. As a go-getter who thrives on challenges, I’ve learned to embrace difficulties and use slower seasons as opportunities to innovate and grow. Each challenge, big or small, has ultimately strengthened my business and made it more resilient and sustainable for the future.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chasing Creative?
I create tangible memories through breathtaking portraits for families and couples in Southwest Florida and beyond. My bold, vibrant editing style and ability to capture genuine, candid moments make my work standout.
What truly sets me apart is my natural drive for organization, efficiency, and creating an exceptional client experience. Photography isn’t just a hobby or creative outlet for me—it’s a business, and I approach it as such. My background in working with major brands has helped me design a seamless, client-focused experience. From an effortless booking process to the curated collection of women’s dresses, men’s tops, and children’s clothing available for clients to borrow, every detail is thoughtfully planned. Add to that the stunning images I deliver with remarkably fast turnaround times, and it’s no surprise that clients frequently comment on the professionalism and ease they experience throughout the entire process.
I’m especially proud that I’ve built this business entirely on my own. Everything, from my website to my marketing strategy, has been thoughtfully created and nurtured by me.
In a market filled with talented photographers, the combination of quality, attention to detail, and unmatched client experience offered by Chasing Creative truly stands alone.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about how much money I make—it’s about the time I have to truly enjoy life. While financial stability is important, I believe time is the most valuable resource. There are many people who earn a lot but have no time to enjoy this blessing of life. I consider myself successful because I’ve built a business that allows me to earn more than I need while still prioritizing what matters most: slow mornings, volunteering in my community, taking multiple vacations each year, and spending quality time with my family on weekends.
This was the vision that inspired me to start my business, and after a season of hard work and hustle, I’m proud to be living the life I dreamed of.
Pricing:
- Vist chasingcreativemedia.com for pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chasingcreativemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcreativemedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingcreativemedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasingcreativemedia
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chasing-creative-cape-coral-2
Image Credits
I own the copyright to all images.
