Meet Sally Boice | photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally Boice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, how do you think about risk?
I feel that the best things in my life have come about from taking a risk. Life is what happens outside your comfort zone. Relationships are a risk, moving is a risk, changing careers is a risk, and having a child is a risk. It will often not work out, but the experience is still catapulting you toward growth and a life fully lived. If you are sure what you want, the risks don’t feel risky. I got married at age 20, not thinking it was a risk at all. I am now divorced, but know the twenty-year-old me would still take that risk. I wanted to move to Kauai, a huge risk. It was the best 5 years I could have imagined. I wanted a daughter after having three sons. I now have five fabulous children, and can’t imagine not having my twin daughters. I loved photography, and it was a risk to take it to the professional level. I can’t imagine if I had huddled in my comfort zone for any of these things. Living is taking risks. I am far from done.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always loved photography even when cameras were little Instamatics in the 70s. I loved to do projects even when I was in gradeschool, such as taking a photo in the same place in each season or sticking my dolls in an art piece to photograph. I loved to write poems and would take a photo to go along with the photo. Looking back, I should have sought a degree in the arts, but I went into dietetics because I was also interested in food and nutrition. I think because I was the baby of my family, and the fifth child, there were few photos of me. I have spent my life making up for that deficit with my family and my clients.

I am proud that I have always thought outside the box. I started a produce delivery business (Galloping Garden) way before the internet or Instacart. Photography has always been my passion. When friends started to ask me to take their photos, I had the first inkling that I may like to do more of that. It was challenging to get the word out, as it still is. I have learned that marketing is never-ending and that referrals are the best way to get customers. I have also learned that if I enjoy something, I will put so much more into it. It is not hard to do something I love.

I would say what sets me apart is that when I pick up my camera to take a picture of a person, that is my world. If I am photographing a family, they are my family. I don’t want the photos to look like every other family photo out there. I want to capture the unique look and feel of that family. I want to customize the place and the poses to that specific family or person at that moment. I have seen kids who like normal average kids, and when I look through the lens, they are gorgeous creatures with eyes that melt me. become I am laid back and can take the most difficult subject going from tense to relaxed and laughing. I have learned that a good portrait requires authenticity, from me and the subject. I am proud of my ability to connect to people of all backgrounds and ages. I am proud when my shots show their connections to each other rather than a posed photo of people standing still for a minutes. After a session, I almost feel I have channeled them.
I want the world to know what I am like from how I look at the world through the lens. I love life and people. Photography is the closest thing we have to freezing time. It is magic. I never take that for granted. When I look through the lens, I am in awe. People are breathtakingly beautiful. I get tears in my eyes when I look at my captures.

I am excited to see where photography takes me. I would love to combine my love of travel with photography. I would also love to use my photography to bring awareness to things that need to change in the world. I have thought a project to focus on women’s issues/rights would be a way I could give back. I also enjoy photographing people who may not be in the mainstream, whether of their sexual orientation or path. Photography is a powerful way to get a message out without a word. I have found that self-portraits are a humbling and good learning tool for all photography. Practicing being in front of my own camera has taught me how my clients may feel and how I can be playful to get the real shot. I have also enjoyed setting the stage for some photoshoots, such as for holidays with Santa. I have done a Santa session for eight years with the same Santa. My elves (my daughters) and I have created a cozy scene. It takes a lot more than you would think, but the effort results in something the families come back for every year. It’s a perk when Santa tells me I’m his favorite photographer.

Ultimately, I would like the world to see a heartfelt emotional photo and say, “That looks like a Sally Boice photo.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in Atlanta since 1986 except 5 years in Kauai, so I have my favorite spots! I would first show them the natural beauty of Atlanta- the river park at my complex, Walton on the Chattahoochee. Cochran Shoals path, then hike to the Bamboo forest on East Palisades Trail. I would take them to hike Stone Mountain for sunset. The Atlanta Botanical Garden would be a must, especially if during the Cocktails in the Garden times when they have music. Gibbs Garden would also be a high priority if in spring or fall. I’d take them to the Attic at Old Vinings Inn to hear some music. Maybe Gwen Hughs would be there. If it was summer, I’d take them kayaking down the Chattahoochee or on Lake Allatoona. Dining would include Apres Diem for mussels and salad nicoise. Canton Street in Roswell would be fun for music and food at 1920. , Buford Highway would be a backup for Japanese or Chinese food. I’d take them to the Velvet Note for Jazz and dinner at Nahm Thai in Alpharetta. We’d go to the Roswell Mill for a photo shoot. We would walk the Beltline and see if any of my musical friends were performing anywhere. Atlanta is a place to hike, dine, and see good musicians. Maybe Karla Harris, Joe Alterman or Janine Arecco would be performing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I recognize that my children have encouraged me to follow my dreams. . I would say that Tony Robbins had a big impression on me. Especially the idea that decision means “cutting off all other options” and the idea that we function in the pain-pleasure dynamic. If we aren’t doing something, it is because it causes us pain. We have to find a way to make associations that bring pleasure. My sister Peggy was 16 years older than me, and she died at the age I am now of a brain tumor. She was always my cheerleader and motivated me to be my best. I feel her with me all the time. Both the greatest loss and the greatest gift to have her in my life. She was probably my greatest influence to be unconventional and to strive for excellence.

Website: www.sallybocephotography.com

Instagram: Sally Boice Photography

Linkedin: Sally Boice

Facebook: Sally Boice Photography

Image Credits
Photos by Sally Boice Photography