Sarah Jane Photography

02/14/2025

Why buy Columbia, MO? Natalie Wier has a number of reasons as a real estate expert and wife/mom raising her kiddos right here in .

See what she loves about in our most recent blog post and see a few of our favorite images from her previous branding sessions. She's one of our 2024 branding partners which means we get to create with her for an entire year! The hope is that at the end of our year you know a whole lot more about who she is and what she can do for you as a buyer, seller, investor.

02/13/2025

OMG .... Guys I pulled a couple OLD hard drives today that needed to be labeled with dates so I knew what was on them and whoa.

What a trip down memory lane. The origins of my learning studio lighting, commercial photography, posing, FOCUS and right here.

Posting to show/say don't forget to look back because if you're like me you're constantly trying to get better and it can feel like an unattainable goal because the goal post is always moving with you. But if 2007 me could see me now, she'd be damn proud. Actually, she'd be blown away and it's really easy to forget that in the day to day.

So please, join me in having a chuckle at some 2007 fashion and baby SJP work (actually this was pre-'SJP' - pretty sure this was the "portraits by Sarah" era!).

02/12/2025

Wow...

When I saw the news about Skip and then the Avon it didn't quite seem real. Still doesn't. Skip and the theater were anchors of the Decatur community. I was honored to create staff portraits for years and know how much he loved making sure everyone was part of it.

The theater itself has been a part of so many of my downtown sessions as it's as much an icon of the city as the transfer house is. I don't have the right words (kept thinking if I gave it a little more time I'd have them but seems not...). I'm thankful for this beautiful family and Skip and the theater and what they created in this family business.

The loss will be felt by so many and that is a testament to the impact ya'll had on our community and lives. Hugs to all.

02/01/2025

We know you've been wondering who our speakers will be for the 2025 That's What She Said Columbia...The wait is almost over.

Tomorrow, we'll reveal this year's cast & open ticket sales to the public. We couldn't be more excited about the nine incredible women who will share their stories with you from the stage of the Missouri Theatre on Saturday, April 12th.

With special thanks to:
Sarah Jane Photography (Leading Sponsor & Photoshoot Photographer)
Eclipse Catering and Events & The Atrium on Tenth (Supporting Sponsor & Photoshoot Venue)
Flat Branch Bank - Columbia (Presenting Sponsor)

01/29/2025

This years speaker gallery for That’s What She Said Columbia just delivered! Can’t wait for yall to see this years line up but for now I’m keeping secrets 🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

01/16/2025

What is an "Irresistible Life" ?

It sounds good right? But HOW do you get it?

These are just some of the questions these amazing folks from all over the world share their answers to in this inaugural season of The Irresistible Life by Jean Hamilton-Fford.

We learned in our journey that this life doesn't always look 'good on paper' and the path to get it can be REALLY winding. It was an honor to be invited by Jean to be a part of season 1!

The Irresistible Life is a non-scripted conversational show. Guests are those who live an Irresistible Life and can help viewers and listeners cultivate an I...

01/13/2025

Just this week I had a parent say something I actually hear often. We'd just finished up her last senior 'Premiere' which is where we review your images together, select your favorites and design your order.

But really, we do so much more than that. We laugh about expressions, we tell stories, we look at the walls of YOUR home and we see how your favorite images best fit into your everyday life. We slow down and enjoy your kid and their images!

And then, when you leave, you're done. You don't have a thing on your to do list because it's all on mine. Retouch ✅ Beautiful personal digital gallery ✅ Album Design ✅ Professional fine art prints and albums ✅ Complimentary installation of wall art ✅ .

This goal is a stress-free experience that removes the overwhelm of looking at a file of hundreds of images with no easy way to sort through them to just guess which one 'will be fine' for the wall or for prints or to scramble the week before graduation parties to throw together a book yourself.

Slow down and breathe mommas, enjoy your senior. Be present on session day knowing I'm thinking ahead and we've planned everything we wanted to include on session. Sit back on our couch and relax and watch your baby on the big screen and let's work together to design something perfect.

It really is a totally different vibe! Let's connect to talk about your senior and design a session that neither of you will forget.

Planning calls are available in-person or via zoom for your convenience and we're booking class of 2026 seniors for both Mid-Missouri, Central-Illinois and everywhere in between.

01/10/2025

Snag Your Galentine's Day Comedy tickets TODAY! This HOT evening with your gal pals isn't one to miss. We have a full line-up with comedians Lady Moe Joe, Lisa Pockets, and headliner JB Buchanan hosted by Bret Ditty and sponsored by Comedy Club of Columbia.

This inspirational evening sponsored by Feel Good Forever with Dr. Tina Balser, Life Coaching and featuring speaker Sarah Jane Shorthose with Sarah Jane Photography located at The Para Project will be one you won't forget! Also, hear from our focus non-profit True North of Columbia to learn more about the impact they're making for mid-Missouri women.

Tickets:
- General Admission ($15) - access to the snacks and non-alcoholic beverage bar and admission to comedy. Tickets available at the door.
- Beverage Pass ($35) SALES CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 12TH. Tickets cover admission PLUS two drink tickets for redemption at our bar. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase also.
- VIP Experience ($60) SALES CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 9TH. Tickets include a VIP cocktail hour with gourmet charcuterie spread, bar service and a private meet & greet with our comedians. Your ticket also includes seating in our reserved VIP area inside the Comedy Club room.

01/09/2025

Illinois more snow is coming so it's your turn for pop up sessions in the snow!

FREE model sessions were just sent out to my teen and senior model team for first dibs so now it's your turn.

Sessions available Saturday in the snow at Nelson Park. 15 Minutes just $55 or choose to pre-purchase your 5/10 image digital collection at 25% off.

Perfect for families, kids, couples, and bffs: https://sjanephotography.17hats.com/p #/scheduling/txskfbkfxwscpdbfkchntzgcfkppvdbs

***Class of 2026, don't forget to get your model applications in soon the model team got FREE snow sessions! https://www.sjanephotography.com/seniors/

01/07/2025

Whoa it's been a LONG time since we've had a really pretty snow like this! So let's go create in it.

Families this is the chance for a really unique family portrait, couples it's SO romantically beautiful, and seniors what a fun addition to your senior images.

Three opportunities this week in Columbia, MO (Oreana, IL stay tuned for weekend update):
- TODAY Tuesday 1/7 in south CoMo 2:30-3:30
- Tomorrow Wednesday 1/8 downtown CoMo 11:30-12:30
- Thursday 1/9 south CoMo 3:30-4:30

Sessions are 15 minutes and you can include 10 fully retouched digital files at 25% savings!

Reserve HERE: https://sjanephotography.17hats.com/p #/scheduling/nwprkgfzkxxnsfhncdswwvxftvxhzdst

01/03/2025

- Columbia, MO -

Are you emerging from the holiday haze yet (or maybe just a couple more days before the new year really starts up for you)?

We have the perfect way to kick off your 2025 networking with a unique chance to get an updated headshot QUICKLY (no muss no fuss just 3 minutes of really efficient camera time!) plus enjoy all the selfie booths at Selfie Love Como to create your own new content images, have a drink on us, enjoy snacks and network with other attendees in a casual friendly environment.

recent graduates, business owners, professionals, bankers, service providers, EVERYONE this is the place to be 1/23! You've never gotten SO much out of 2 hours before.

See you soon.
https://www.sjanephotography.com/commercialbranding/

01/02/2025

**** ILLINOIS juniors your first free headshot & info meetings are coming up Friday 1/10 and Saturday 1/11. Come check out the Oreana, IL studio, get a look at the SJP senior portrait experience and get in front of the camera for a little headshot preview.

Book here: https://sjanephotography.17hats.com/p #/scheduling/txskfbkfxwscpdbfkchntzgcfkppvdbs

(Choose a time that works well for you + a parent/guardian).

Influencer apps are OPEN for the class of 2026. Central IL and Mid-Missouri seniors apply to join our influencer team for an unforgettable senior session + $100 CASH for each friend you refer + bonus sessions + BFF session day and so much more!

Join early for bonuses like free tickets to 1/25 portrait brunch for you and a friend (Columbia, MO) and free 30 minute seasonal senior session for fall/winter/spring/grad photos!

Tag/share for a chance to get pampered and surprised with fun goodies.

https://www.sjanephotography.com/seniors

12/28/2024

12/27/2024

Have you seen the latest issue of Columbia City Lifestyle? It's the Health and Wellness issue and you'll find a unique fitness offering right here in hashtag with OHM Fitness Studios. Plus check out the official launch party for the Columbia magazine and details on what's coming your way from SJP in the new year.

See the whole issue here: https://citylifestyle.com/columbiamo/issues/2025-01

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

12/21/2024

Real talk... I've had this post in my drafts for over a year at least. I THINK I wrote this sans AI but it's been so long I cannot remember. And I also think I wrote it as a pep talk to myself and (by posting) as a pep talk to you. Especially any entrepreneurs, business owners and mommas/wives who do, from time to time, find themselves in the valleys. We know the peaks are wonderful and fun and the views are amazing but there are hikes to get to those views that can be messy and hard. It's okay to see/say it's messy and you can also be strong through it so here comes a random poem? I wrote sometime in the past year lol. (Not panicking and saving as draft for another time). ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Be strong.

When the world tells you no.
Again and again.
When it says you’re to much
or should be more like them.

Be strong.

When you stumble and fall.
Stand up and be tall.
Wipe off the dust,
Grab a hand if you must. But

Be strong.

When you start to believe them.
The words fall within.
Are they theirs or yours.
What's truth and what's lie?

Be strong.

When the toddler says NO.
When the teen doesn't speak.
When relationships chill and
The path becomes unclear.

Be strong.