 Sarah Cornish of My Four Hens Photography is all heart and soul. An amazing mother, photographer and business woman, and we get the inside scoop with her interview here.
Briefly tell of your journey
I am somewhat of a creative soul. I need to stay busy and I always have about five projects going in on the background. I am a mother of four and despite the negativity surrounding moms with cameras I embrace motherhood as one of my biggest muses. I have always felt a pull towards creative hobbies and my great grandfather whom I never got to meet was an amazing artist so I wonder often times if I get some of that from him. When I was 15 I got to backpack across the United States with my aunt who was an amazing nature photographer and it opened my eyes in so many ways. After having my children my love grew and in 2006 I picked up my first DSLR and haven't put it down.
What is one business tip you wish you had known starting out?
I was VERY fortunate to find a wonderful forum starting out and learned quickly that I didn't need to jump into business so I can say I took my time and avoiding a lot of heart ache but I will say I wish I wouldn't have compared myself to everyone else. Finding my voice has been one of the greatest journeys and I would have saved myself lots of tears and frustration if I knew it was okay to be completely unique.
 Share about your family?
I come from a HUGE racially diverse family and I absolutely love it. My Mother is Filipino, Irish and German and my Father is Italian and Portuguese. We are all a tight knit group and its inspired me to really be myself in so many ways and walks in life. I got engaged on my 17th birthday to my high school sweet heart and after having four babies in six years and being married almost 9 years I feel completely fulfilled in so many ways. My husband is my biggest fan and has never once discouraged me in my goals or need to be a photographer and I so respect and love him for that.
 What did you do before you were a photographer?
I settled down incredibly young. I was a home maker and I supported my husband who worked in Aerospace for over 11 years and worked almost 70 hours a week.
What was the moment you decided to become a photographer, and why?
Getting to see the country at a young age and watching my aunt work I was completely inspired by her. Being young and broke and totally unaware of digital photography (which wasn't even really around when I had my first daughter Lillian almost 10 years a go) I thought we would never be able to afford it but by the time my third child was born I knew that it was something I seriously wanted to pursue. Once I picked up my first DSLR I knew it wasn't a question of want but need. I can't imagine being anything else.
 How long have you been a professional?
I opened shop in 2009. Its been three amazing years!
How have you evolved in your business?
I keep an open mind. I hand hold my clients and make sure they have everything they need. I really take time to get to know them and I can't tell you how many friendships have flourished as a result.
 Where do you get inspiration?
Aside from the obvious my children I also find inspiration everywhere else around me. In the way the light hugs the trees and the sun sets, the way the rain falls on the window, the look a mother watches over her children as they play unaware. Life is just beautiful. There is inspiration in everything.
What is your strength?
I never lost my imagination. I sometimes wonder if I see things the way my children do and that seems to resonate in my photography.
 What is your weakness?
Self confidence or the lack of. I always second guess myself. I definitely am my one biggest critic and it really dampers my creativity at times. I am also way to sensitive and need to learn to grow thicker skin.
What is your favorite tip or hint?
Do what you love. Shoot what you love. Don't feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing for the sake of the industry. Trends and fads come and go but remaining authentic goes a long way. If you aren't already learn to shoot full manual. The control it gives me really helps lend to my own vision and creative style and gives me total freedom over what I am shooting.
 Name 2 things that improved your business dramatically?
Focusing on customer service has helped tremendously. Your camera is obviously important but making my sessions an experience has really helped my business grow in so many ways. Client education has also been important. When your client knows what to expect before even heading into your session they are confident and you can focus on the creative aspect and less of the business aspect.
 If you had $10,000 today to give to someone else, who would you give it to and why?
Off the top of my head the first thing that comes to mind is the arthritis foundation. My daughter suffers from JRA and that could go towards research to help make her better!
Sarah's photography site
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