Wife. Mama. Pancake connoisseur. Family Photographer.
Hi! I'm Sarah Jean.
I drink orange juice with my pancakes and eat bacon on my burgers. I'm a life-long student, excited about stories and new ideas. I was crowned Fair Queen in high school and am still dreaming of one day owning chickens and a highlander cow in the country.
I've been carrying a camera for most of my life. My love of photos developed alongside my love of people. I deeply enjoy capturing the small moments in each season, to treasure and remember them for years to come. I don’t take for granted the invite into your life to document these fleeting memories. I’m so grateful you found your way here and look forward to—one day—officially meeting.
MY WHY
The little people in my home are a daily reminder to slow down and savor. Time with them feels so fleeting. The minutes can drag on, but the years are slipping away. They're my biggest inspiration behind Tender Truth Studio. I don't want to miss the tender moments in this season. And I desperately want to remember them when the floors are clean and our shoe basket isn't overflowing. Tender Truth also helps pay our bills—these kiddos are big on snacks.
This work began when I was young—capturing cows and corn fields. It’s since evolved into storytelling, spurred on by learning to notice and cherishing the fleeting. What started as a creative outlet grew into a calling: to help other families treasure and remember their seasons for years to come.
Photography became a way of preserving more than just images—it became a way of honoring these tender, truth-filled moments that fill our everyday.
The Experience
Whether we’re in your home or out by the lake, sessions with me are relaxed and rooted in connection. I want you to look at your photos and remember—not just what it looked like, but what it felt like.
The soft skin of your child’s cheek, the way your spouse laughs, the tiny moments you didn’t see but embody what you want to never forget. I’m not going to pose you—I’ll gently prompt you and capture the genuine connection with your family.
A few more facts about me
me in 2005
I started this business
in 2015
I'm obsessed with
Puff Pastries
My favorite hobby is
Running
I have an undgrad + Masters in
Early Childhood
I love to
Thrift
My best friend is
My Husband
education | development
“Sarah is patient and compassionate. She makes you feel comfortable and truly has a passion for what she does.”
-Amanda B.
"Working with Sarah was a dream. She has a calm and sunny disposition and really put my kids at ease. I am looking forward to working with Sarah again on our next portraits."
-Amy L.
