Meet Sarah Stover: Independent Creative

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

Hi Sarah, what makes you happy? Why?
Happiness is a choice, for me, most of the time. I choose to seek happiness in the every day, which is not always easy, but often gratifying. I find happiness in meaningful connections, in enjoying things to their fullest potential, in seeing my loved ones happy, in knowing that I’m doing my best at whatever I’m putting forth effort in, and also kittens — kittens always make me happy. 

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 am a photographer, and also work in film/television as a buyer in set decoration. I am motivated by relationships, and love storytelling – both photography and set dressing provide me with a platform from which to build meaningful relationships and tell stories. The past year has been full of challenges, unexpected joy, loss, and growth. I’m thankful for the opportunities that have allowed me to refine my crafts, and the time I’ve had to focus on myself and personal development. I am most proud of the fact that whatever I do, I can honestly say that I put my best foot forward. I never really planned on having a career in either photography OR film, and somehow, I’m here, succeeding at both. I’m grateful for the people who have trusted me with their most intimate moments, who have hired me to capture delicate little snippets of their lives, and, also for those who have hired me for positions I’m unqualified for, just because they knew that I was capable. I’ve always had faith in myself, but knowing that other people believe in me, has certainly helped propel me to the place I am today and encouraged me to take risks, both big and small. It all sounds very cheesy, but I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude for the fact that I can do what I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhh gosh. It’s difficult to say, as things have changed during Covid.. it also depends on the time of year. Atlanta is teeming with amazing talent, food, and of course, the best thing about our city is the people. There are a few places I’d take them for sure — we’d certainly take a stroll through Oakland Cemetery, probably grab a drink and some food in the area (breakfast at Petit Chou, a burger from Little’s), and then we’d just do a walking or driving tour around town to see some of the fantastic murals and art along the walls of our city and on the belt line (thank you, Monica Campana + Miranda Kyle). We’d stock up on groceries at YDFM, get some wine from Wahoo or 3Parks, and have a delicious dinner.. Maybe I’d convince them to get a tattoo with me at one of my favorite new tattoo shops, Temporary Tattoo. I’d see if there were any good art shows or artist markets going on, and we would hit up as many of those as we could. We’d hit up a few patios for some safe and covid cautious drinks — some that I frequent are Boggs, Lloyds, Flat Iron, Midway. I’d convince someone to have a bonfire or cookout in the backyard OR maybe a drive-in tailgate at Starlight.. and if this were a time when we could hug and kiss and sweat and dance all in the same room at the same time, I would pray that La Choloteca was throwing one of their iconic dance parties while this friend were in town. Also, I’d love to take them to JeJu for some serious spa time and if I was really feeling bougie I would rent a suite at the Clermont and we would just have a luxurious bubble bath there with more wine and chocolate.

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 dedicate this shoutout to anyone who has ever hired me to do work, or supported me with love and words of encouragement and affirmation. Thank you!

Instagram: sarahstoverphoto

Image Credits
Image credit: Jordana Dale