12 minute read
The Love Of Her Life
At home Sarah is a dedicated wife to the love of her life, Barry, and mom to her two fur babies: Wrigley her dog and Lilly her cat. No one on this earth loves Barry more than she does— and the feeling is very mutual. Barry supports Sarah in everything she does and that has made a world of difference in launching her business and pursuing her dreams. No matter how outlandish her ideas may seem at first, Barry is always there to support her 100 percent.
From important business and marketing decisions to travel plans, photography selections, professional development courses and so on— Sarah leans on Barry for love and guidance. There’s absolutely no mountain too high for Sarah to climb with Barry by her side.
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The Sky’s the Limit
Sarah says that one of the biggest blessings is that they got married later in life. As she becomes an even busier and a more extraordinary photographer, Barry and Sarah are both okay having space to do what they want and focus on their projects (one of the luxuries of not having kids). “If I go on a travel shoot, Barry never asks questions. He supports me 100 percent and gets behind all of my ideas. Barry constantly reminds me that he just wants me to HAVE FUN on my shoots. He has always been very supportive of my magazine ideas—and I love that about him.”
Barry has always seen Sarah’s work on a much bigger scale, and this has pushed her to work even harder. “I remember way back when I first had the idea to start a magazine he said to me, ‘Do you know anything about producing a magazine?’ And I didn’t know anything in the beginning but this made me think long and hard about my next ambition. I knew I had it in me to create something really special. I knew deep down that I was tired of waiting to see if my photos would get published in other magazines, so he convinced me that it was time I took things into my own hands. And I’m so glad he did because he encourages me, challenges me and makes me a better version of myself.”
On the flip, Sarah says they like to reward themselves after all their hard work by traveling the world. For instance, last August they went to California for a month where they could unwind and spend quality time together. “We are super busy and work our butts off so we like to treat ourselves. We also carve out time go places with friends and for golf tournaments and the beach. We are both extremely passionate about travel; our first big trip together was to Australia and New Zealand in 2018, which was absolutely amazing!”
In 2019, this devoted couple spent their honeymoon on a Mediterranean cruise and travelled to Greece, Israel and Italy for three weeks. Next year they plan to visit Dubai for a few days to acclimate on route to Africa on a 3-week tour on a private jet. “We are both so excited!”
With many similar interests such as travel and the desire to succeed and be happy—it’s no surprise this dynamic duo ended up together. Barry knew about fitness and that it was the main thing that drove Sarah’s ideas—and Barry loved Sarah’s tenacity and passion for life.
“My ideas became wild and crazy when I decided to start a magazine on my own, but he’s my biggest cheerleader. I don’t think I would be able to do this without his emotional and mental support. He was tired of me putting all my talent into one-off projects and hustling to get my work into any magazine. The magazines have now gained so much respect in a short amount time. It’s been a joint effort!”
She’s Also An Award Winner!!!!
Recently, Sarah was honored by Supermodels Unlimited Magazine as their Woman of the Year! Due to her ongoing contributions and amazing photography on Times Square and LA billboards over the past year.
This was a wonderful surprise to Sarah and WELL DESERVED! We are so excited for Sarah and would like to congratulate her on such an amazing accomplishment.
To celebrate this special achievement, Sarah travelled to Miami and hung out with her amazing friends, celebrity stylist Joey Rolon and glam superstar Lisa Opie (Sarah fondly calls these two her “dream team”) as well as many other friends and potential clients. Everyone looked amazing! Sarah says she will never forget this experience— and especially landing the cover of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine as well.
Working with a Creative Genius
With 25 glamorous issues under her belt, and a plethora of praise from industry experts and models alike, Sarah has learned to hone her craft expertly. By the way, did I mention that Sarah has zero formal education in photography? She is a self-taught dynamo and learned a lot from previous shoots she had done when SHE was a fitness model in the past!
In doing so, Sarah knew if she was going to be the best she could be, she’d have to lean on others who paved the way before her. One of those people who became a huge mentor is Jarmo Pohjaniemi, a worldrenowned fashion photographer who has worked with numerous A-list celebrities and high fashion models for top brands and magazines such as Playboy and Maxim. (Note: Since Sarah’s mentorship with Jarmo her work has now been published in Maxim too!)
Sarah has learned a lot from working with world-class photographer Jarmo. A few years ago, she had enough business sense to realize that if she wanted to take her business to the next level, she would need help from a pro. So she decided to attend Jarmo’s esteemed “Shoot the Centerfold” seminar in Miami in 2021 to broaden her technical horizons and become a better marketer and photographer. As soon as she did, her photography skills started to skyrocket even higher.
Sarah has now become close friends with her mentor and he checks on her regularly to make sure she’s staying on track. “He’s really encouraging of my work,” Sarah says. “He says to me, ‘You’re a hard worker. Why are we not seeing your work in international magazines?’ Jarmo gives me great advice and listens to me when I have ideas in mind.” Jarmo’s seminar is a weekend-long practice shoot focusing on various techniques, and how to shoot different people in different lighting and scenarios.
“I wanted to make it known to Jarmo who I was and what I do. With the direction from Barry, it was my mission to make sure that Jarmo knew who I was before leaving Miami. So, when the group of photographers at the seminar decided to go out to lunch on the last day, I followed Jarmo around and made sure I sat RIGHT next to him at lunch. How could I not with all of his amazing knowledge and experience? I was determined to make a permanent connection with him before heading back to Scottsdale the next day!”
Jarmo showed a genuine interest in Sarah’s work and that gave her the confidence to keep going. “He encouraged me to stay in touch with him. I went to his seminar for the learning and education, but took him up on his offer and still today, anytime I have questions I reach out. He said he saw something in me that was way more than I ever see in myself.”
Our Jaw-Dropping Cover Photo Shoot
When Sarah decided it was her time to be on the cover, Barry and her both decided that Jarmo should be the one to shoot it. And I’m sure you can agree that this special cover has turned out spectacular! Sarah has done not one, but two shoots with her mentor.
“The first shoot back in January 2022 was pretty bikini forward,” Sarah explains. “But I didn’t want my readers to think that I think that’s who I am. We did a second shoot with my stylist Joey Rolon that was a lot more edgy and classy styling wise— and I love how it turned out. My mission was to implement a lot more style into this shoot to show clients how I could immerse myself into a photo shoot in front of the camera as well. By doing so, I felt more confident that I could sell my services with the experience of knowing what it felt like to be a model.”
Sarah felt like she needed to act as though she was her client—and be the person who walks through the process with her as the model instead of being the photographer. She did this strategically so she could understand her clients better and understand what they wanted and expected on an Epic Destination Shoot. “It’s not all about bikinis! It’s about bringing out your own style that you didn’t know you had in you. It’s a vibe and I wanted that to come across in this shoot too, which I think we achieved.”
According to Sarah, Jarmo is always trying to achieve a goal and expand his horizons. “That’s how I am on my shoots, too. We don’t need to spend hours on end with things don’t mean a lot; Jarmo and I are very, very similar in that regard. I don’t believe in spending too much time with each outfit change. I needed to start working with a higher caliber of models too with similar dedication and focus while shooting with people. As a result, it made perfect sense to invest in his shoot for my own Epic Destination Shoot. Maybe there will be another one in the future, you never know! After all, I do have some experience in front of the camera, and doing both of these shoots has reminded me how much fun booking a shoot really is. Jarmo’s gorgeous wife Mary Alejo was super helpful with lighting and just being on set with me to help with all the details too. I am thrilled with the outcome.”
A Pro’s Perspective
I know a big part of Sarah’s recent journey as a photographer has been working with Jarmo, so I wanted to get his perspective on the woman of the hour as well. While speaking to him, I learned that he is not only a true professional and expert on the art of photography and visual creation, but he is also a firm believer in anyone who shows a passion for something they love. True dedication.
“When I first met Sarah I did not know she was a photographer. She came to my seminar in Miami and ended up having more photography skills than anyone else in attendance. There were over 40 photographers at this seminar in particular. We kept in touch and the next thing I know I’m photographing her in Miami,” Jarmo says. “One thing that really struck me about Sarah is that she is very passionate about her business. This is someone who has accomplished a lot for being a photographer turned magazine creator. She’s come a long way in a short time.”
Jarmo explained to me that there’s a certain “quality” that he looks for in photographers— and Sarah definitely has it. He looks for people who have something deeper inside than just photographing beautiful women. “Sarah is a beautiful woman who just turned fifty. I was very impressed with her work. She gave me an open hand to mentor her and was open to my advice. I guess I earned her trust and her flowing personality is another plus that is very important especially in photography. She has a certain kindness that she is able to bring to the table every time.”
Originally from Finland, Jarmo is a wealth of knowledge with 40 years of experience. One if his true loves is working with aspiring photographers in the U.S. and abroad. He went on to say that Sarah was someone who definitely stood out as she was “all in” taking notes and paying attention. Asking a lot of questions and paying attention the entire time. He said she had a lot of discipline, determination and willingness to learn.
“When you’re a photographer you are measured by your personality a lot. It’s a really competitive industry. However, Sarah has a great personality that draws you in. I have worked with so many editors and photographers who don’t have a good attitude—and it wasn’t a good experience. On the other hand, Sarah has a lot of success coming to her if she sticks to the formula that we’ve talked about on how to reach her goals and fulfill them. I have faith in her abilities to go all the way.”
A Mentor to Sarah
One of Jarmo’s main pieces of advice to Sarah was that if she wants to succeed further and faster, she has to get published elsewhere. Her clients will appreciate her exposure out there in the industry. “I strongly believe you have to become your own pop star to make it. Your own cheerleader,” he says. “Sometimes I shoot jobs and I don’t care a lot about marketing, but I do know how important it is while you’re building your brand.”
Jarmo worked for Playboy for 15 years. He knows first-hand that you have to “break the rules” to survive in the business sometimes. “For Sarah running a magazine, there is so much other work to be done. The shooting is a small part of the photographer’s life and it’s getting less and less with social media etc. Today, it’s all about the quality and how to differentiate yourself from other publications.”
Jarmo told me that he explained the “Secret to Success” to Sarah. “You’re giving girls covers and billboards. What’s next? Next you have to grow and come up with new ideas. Go travel do things internationally. Get published elsewhere. Spread your wings. Get new readers. Work with new people. Keep growing your brand any way you can.” And that’s exactly what Sarah has been doing ever since.
What is an Epic Destination Shoot?
Although Sarah has been a full-time photographer since 2008, she has been doing Epic Destination Shoots officially since 2016. Some of her first Epic Destination shoots were in Lake Tahoe, Malibu, Cabo, Costa Rica and even Toronto. They have become a big part of her successful PictureGroove Photography business.
Epic Destination shoots are all customizable depending on your needs. Sarah works with men, women, couples and friends—whoever wants professional photos in a glamorous and specific setting. Some people like to save up and book a shoot for their special 50th birthday, or after a divorce, or a monumental event in life. It’s totally up to you how you want to enjoy your EPIC experience!
The Epic Destination Shoot team is complete with top hair and makeup artists at each location, and within a short while, your hair and makeup is finished to perfection. And for the guys—the “man-glam” is dialed in to perfection too! Rest assured, as you step in front of the camera, you will feel like you’re on top of the world!!!
“I HAVE THE BEST PHOTO SHOOT CREW IN THE WORLD IN MIAMI. THERE’S A DEFINITE UPGRADE BY SHOOTING WITH ME IN MIAMI WITH ALL THE BEACHES, STUDIOS, MY STYLIST AND EXPERT MAKEUP ARTIST—PLUS IT’S A GREAT VACATION SPOT. WHO DOESN’T WANT TO TAKE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MOMMY GETAWAY? OR JUST COME WITH YOUR FRIENDS FOR A LITTLE ESCAPE? I ALWAYS TRY TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE CLIENTS WANT TO TRAVEL TO, BUT I MUST ADMIT, THE MIAMI AREA IS USUALLY AT THE TOP OF MY LIST.”
– SARAH LYONS GLABMAN
GETTING IN FRONT OF SARAH’S LENS
Sarah is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is its OWN Epic Destination, so when she isn’t traveling to Miami, Vegas, or New York, she is always looking for great people to photograph locally. If you think this might be something for you to help build or re-brand your business—or if you’re thinking of updating your portfolio—Sarah is great at orienting you from the initial conversation to shoot day. She also considers where you want to visit (vacation), so she can cater to your individual desires to create a glamorous shoot JUST FOR YOU.
IMPORTANT: The one big thing she wants everyone to remember is that you don’t have to be a model to book an Epic Destination Shoot. “We’re not looking for supermodels. We welcome anyone who wants an unforgettable photo shoot experience at any age or body type.”
Sarah also spends a lot of time getting to know the models before they step in front of her lens. This way she puts people at ease if they are a little nervous about what to expect. A lot of these shoots start with a simple Zoom call to get a vibe for each other, and then Sarah screen shares information so it’s easier to understand the various packages.
“We talk about their goals, objectives, the kind of set up they want, the scene, the business, content creation, and what kind of look they want to achieve. Whether they want to look more business-like, get beautiful beach babe shots, or maybe do a sexy boudoir shoot—it’s all attainable!”
**Please note that Sarah says 2023 will begin the wind-down of her shooting these large, preplanned Epic Destination Shoots—so make sure to book yours ASAP! When she is done doing the travel shoots, all photo shoots will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, unless a custom travel shoot is planned just for YOU.