It all started when I was about 9 or 10 and I received my first camera + 4 rolls of film for Christmas. I couldn’t wait to get out there & get started taking pictures of the things I thought were beautiful, like the tree in our front yard, my grandpa’s garden, and our dogs. I went through all 4 rolls of film within just a couple of days, and bugged my mom to hurry up, get the film developed, and buy me more. She came to find the $10.00 camera turned out to be a lot more expensive than she’d ever realized! We came to an agreement (ok not so much we, more like just she) there had to be a limit; it came down to 1 roll of film per month (maybe 2 if I was good). A few years later, around age 13, I saw a series of photos by Ansel Adams hanging in a doctor’s office, or someplace like that, and I was in awe. His photos made me feel something; it wasn’t just another “nice” picture on the wall. The fire was lit & my passion ignited! I took photography all 4 years in high school. I absolutely loved taking pictures of nature and wildlife. I love animals; I think they’re all beautiful & interesting, and they fascinate me, especially birds. I loved getting up close & personal with the things most people just drive by without notice.

Fast forward 18+ years, I have a career making pretty good money, but it comes with long hours & stressful deadlines, and it has nothing to do with the arts. Before I knew it life had happened; my photography & art was put on the back burner only to surface a few times a year as gifts for friends and family or on special request. Then one day I was given the opportunity to paint an “Art Heart” that the company I worked for sponsored for a charity event held by the American Heart Association. That was all it took; the fire had been re-lit and I couldn’t shake it. I decided to pursue my first love and see if I could make a living of it. I went back to school and began working on my BFA at the Art Institute of Houston. It was there that I started getting more into portraiture. Not to mention that I have 4 of the most beautiful girls in the world that often became the subjects of and assistants to most of my photo shoots (my daughters are very inspiring , whether they liked it or not). ;-)

Here at GolightlyByDesign we provide expressive, artistic services, tailored to each client. We believe in creating pleasurable, laid back photography sessions that allow the client to be at ease and reveal his/her/their true personality. We value individuality and understand each client’s photographic style will be different; even if you don’t have a clue to what it is or you know exactly what you want. This makes us passionate about getting to know each person. All clients will receive the highest level of attention, devotion, and commitment. Just like the way I felt when I first saw those Ansel Adams pictures on the wall, I want to evoke that same feeling in you when you see your story unfold in the images we’ve taken.

Sarah Golightly

Creator of Golightly By Design