Sarah is one of my oldest friends from the photography community… It’s actually been so long that I can’t remember the first time we met, but I’m pretty sure it was during the Washington, DC Wedding Photographer‘s meetup focused on nailing sparkler exits! We continued to run into one another at these monthly meetings and our friendship quickly grew over time.  I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever texted anyone as much as I have with Sarah! She’s that friend that you can chat up about anything and she always has a solution, idea, or at least is just ready to let you vent. We’ve shared education, referrals, and countless ___ with one another over the years even though we are both Washington, DC wedding photographers and have the same target demographic — which makes this relationship truly the definition of community over competition and why I love being part of this industry so much. 

Name | Sarah Tapanes
Age | 28
…I always get complimented on my eyes, by my favorite feature is actually my freckles!
…I haven’t always been proud of my figure, but I’m learning to embrace it. 
…I feel most confident when I can make someone laugh! (Trust me, if you’ve never met her, Sarah is hilarious!)
The last time I felt truly beautiful was…
Honestly, it’s not something I feel often. When growing up, feeling beautiful was something that would often consume my thoughts; but as I’ve gotten older, I tend to think about it less and less. But certainly, always when my husband tells me I am :)
What is something that has been hard or a challenge for you in the past 12 months?
Fear of failing my clients and finding a better work/life balance. 2016 was both a wonderful and super hard year for me. I loved every single wedding and portrait session I shot, but I definitely overworked myself and as a result struggled with anxiety to find time for lots of things I love. I’ve committed to making 2017 all about less work, and more life. Work smarter, not harder!

Film was scanned and developed by The FIND Lab.
If you’re interested in going makeup free to be photographed for The Portrait Project, please e-mail Alicia at Alicia@AliciaLaceyPhotography.com — sessions are typically around 45 minutes and all images are shared with you!