The Heart Behind Sage River Photography: Why I Do Things Differently

Discover the heartfelt journey that led to the creation of Sage River Photography and why it’s so much more than just “taking pictures.” Learn what sets Rachel apart from fast-paced photographers and how she transforms family connections into timeless art.

How Sage River Photography Was Born

How many times have you gone all out for getting your family portrait sessions with an (affordable) photographer that does a quick edit and gives you a large gallery of images? You have tons to choose from and you rush to share your favorites on your social media platforms! Everyone comments and hearts your images and tells you how beautiful they are, and you get that feel-good, warm-and-cozy moment of satisfaction that you did good!

There are always a few in the gallery that you don't like, but it's okay—because you can't possibly love them all, and you have plenty to choose from. You put them on your phone and your desktop background, and of course you have big plans to print them for your walls or your photo albums. But life is busy, so they just end up in a folder somewhere on your computer.

Before you know it, they’re outdated, and it's time to do photos again—so why print those out when you’re going to do it again? This time, you really plan to do something with them… besides just changing your profile picture!

I've been photographing families for 25 years now, and so much of my own art has gotten lost in old, broken hard drives. This is how Sage River Photography was born!

What I Do Differently

Here at Sage River Photography, I do the extra. I don’t just take photos of families in pretty backdrops—I create artwork that captures the connection between you and your loved ones. I freeze a moment in time… a feeling. I edit every detail with intention—playing with color, light, and texture.

I actually print canvases, mounted wall art, and custom leather storytelling albums that you can display in your home—pieces that capture your family’s love and legacy forever.

I take the time each client deserves to create this kind of art. Every session includes an in-studio reveal appointment where we sit together and view your images on a large screen TV. It’s not rushed. It’s personal. It’s impactful. I’ll show you all the beautiful artwork options available and help you choose what fits best for your home, your family, and your life.

I offer a variety of collections to fit every budget, and I provide convenient, in-house zero-interest payment plans that work with your lifestyle.

Flexible Session Options, All Designed with Purpose

Every family has different needs, so I offer a range of thoughtfully designed session types:

• Seasonal Mini Sessions – These shorter sessions are perfect when you’re looking for just a few updated images, captured with intention and care.

• Petite Sessions – A bit more time to settle in and capture natural moments and connections.

• Full Story Sessions – Where we throw out the clock and focus on telling your full story, without rushing.

• Adventure Sessions – We head to some of the most stunning backdrops in the world (and we're lucky to live right near them!). These include professional hair and makeup for Mom because she deserves to feel confident and pampered, too.

Whatever your photography needs are—we’ve got you at Sage River Photography. And most importantly, you only buy what you love.

Not every session includes digital images—but every collection offers digitals, so you can still share your favorites on all your social media platforms and keep them backed up for years to come. But instead of settling for files that live and die on a hard drive, we’ll create something meaningful and lasting, together.

Let’s Make Something You’ll Never Want to Forget

Sage River Photography was born from the heartache of watching too many beautiful moments disappear into the digital void. I wanted more for myself, and I want more for you.

Let’s make something that lives on your walls. Something your kids will remember seeing every day. Something that tells your story—and tells it beautifully.

Let’s create artwork with heart.