Who is Sarah Beirne?
Sarah Beirne Photography works with families and local businesses throughout Northeast Ohio.
Photographer Sarah Beirne believes the best images come from genuine connection and ease. A West Park resident and former art educator, Sarah brings a people-first, collaborative approach to her work with families and local businesses. In the Q&A below, she shares how her roots, love of community, and teaching background shape the way she captures real moments and meaningful stories.
Tell us a little about yourself and your roots.
I grew up in West Park and live here again today. I’m one of four siblings, and I was raised in a family deeply rooted in local businesses and the arts. My parents owned several neighborhood staples in the restaurant industry, including Tam O’Shanter in Lakewood and, later, Stamper’s Pub, Grow Pub, and Fairview Park here in West Park. Those places were true gathering spots, and growing up around them shaped my love for people and community.
I grew up in West Park and live here again today. I’m one of four siblings, and I was raised in a family deeply rooted in local businesses and the arts. My parents owned several neighborhood staples in the restaurant industry, including Tam O’Shanter in Lakewood and, later, Stamper’s Pub, Grow Pub, and Fairview Park here in West Park. Those places were true gathering spots, and growing up around them shaped my love for people and community.
How did the arts become such a big part of your life?
The arts were always around me. My dad is a musician, and music was a huge part of our household; I started playing piano at four. Art felt just as natural. I took classes at places like Bay Arts and Beck Center, and creativity was simply part of everyday life. Looking back, I realize how much of that influence came from my family, even extended family members who were artists.
The arts were always around me. My dad is a musician, and music was a huge part of our household; I started playing piano at four. Art felt just as natural. I took classes at places like Bay Arts and Beck Center, and creativity was simply part of everyday life. Looking back, I realize how much of that influence came from my family, even extended family members who were artists.
Where did you go to school, and what was your path to photography?
I went to Magnificat High School and then Kent State University. I explored graphic design and interior design before finding my way to Art Education. I loved that art education allowed me to work across many mediums, including, photography, painting, pottery, and more. That variety really fit who I am. I ended up teaching art for 14 years, seven years in North Carolina and seven back here in Ohio.
I went to Magnificat High School and then Kent State University. I explored graphic design and interior design before finding my way to Art Education. I loved that art education allowed me to work across many mediums, including, photography, painting, pottery, and more. That variety really fit who I am. I ended up teaching art for 14 years, seven years in North Carolina and seven back here in Ohio.
What led you to leave teaching and start your own business?
After having my three children, I realized I didn’t have the energy to give my students the version of me they deserved. Stepping away from my role in the classroom was really difficult, it felt like an identity shift. Photography was something I had always done, and it slowly grew into something more. I started my business full time in 2018, and it became a way to stay creative while still connecting deeply with people.
After having my three children, I realized I didn’t have the energy to give my students the version of me they deserved. Stepping away from my role in the classroom was really difficult, it felt like an identity shift. Photography was something I had always done, and it slowly grew into something more. I started my business full time in 2018, and it became a way to stay creative while still connecting deeply with people.
What is the mission behind Sarah Beirne Photography?
I want people to feel comfortable and seen. A lot of people are nervous about being photographed and think they need to look a certain way. I believe that when the experience feels relaxed and real, the photos tell a better story. I focus on in-between moments, the ones that truly reflect who someone is, whether it’s a family or a business.
I want people to feel comfortable and seen. A lot of people are nervous about being photographed and think they need to look a certain way. I believe that when the experience feels relaxed and real, the photos tell a better story. I focus on in-between moments, the ones that truly reflect who someone is, whether it’s a family or a business.
What makes your approach different?
I’m very organic. I don’t have a studio, and I’m not overly posed or rigid. I meet people where they are. That probably comes from years of teaching, serving, and working with all kinds of personalities. I’m also very collaborative, so if a client wants to try something, we try it. Sometimes the best images come from unexpected moments.
I’m very organic. I don’t have a studio, and I’m not overly posed or rigid. I meet people where they are. That probably comes from years of teaching, serving, and working with all kinds of personalities. I’m also very collaborative, so if a client wants to try something, we try it. Sometimes the best images come from unexpected moments.
How does your teaching background influence your photography today?
I’ll always be a teacher at heart. In my classroom, I used to tell students, “There are no mistakes in art,” and I still believe that. Photography is a lot like problem-solving and figuring out how to make something work, even if it doesn’t turn out how you originally imagined. That mindset helps clients relax and trust the process.
I’ll always be a teacher at heart. In my classroom, I used to tell students, “There are no mistakes in art,” and I still believe that. Photography is a lot like problem-solving and figuring out how to make something work, even if it doesn’t turn out how you originally imagined. That mindset helps clients relax and trust the process.
How does your business connect with the local community?
Community is everything to me. Growing up in a family-owned business environment taught me how important it is to support local and truly reflect who you are. I love working with local families and businesses and helping them visually tell their story in a way that feels authentic.
Community is everything to me. Growing up in a family-owned business environment taught me how important it is to support local and truly reflect who you are. I love working with local families and businesses and helping them visually tell their story in a way that feels authentic.
What advice would you give local businesses when it comes to photography?
Take a step back and look at your visuals. Ask yourself if they really reflect your personality and align with the clients you want to reach. Photos don’t have to be perfect, however they should feel real and representative of who you are.
Take a step back and look at your visuals. Ask yourself if they really reflect your personality and align with the clients you want to reach. Photos don’t have to be perfect, however they should feel real and representative of who you are.
Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited about?
I’m always growing and learning, but I’d love to offer workshops in the future, especially helping local businesses learn how to use their phones more effectively for everyday marketing. Teaching and photography together feels like a natural next step.
I’m always growing and learning, but I’d love to offer workshops in the future, especially helping local businesses learn how to use their phones more effectively for everyday marketing. Teaching and photography together feels like a natural next step.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
I truly love helping people see themselves the way others see them. We’re often our own toughest critics, and sometimes all it takes is someone else showing you what they see. I’m grateful every time I get to do that through my work.
I truly love helping people see themselves the way others see them. We’re often our own toughest critics, and sometimes all it takes is someone else showing you what they see. I’m grateful every time I get to do that through my work.