A quick glimpse into the person behind the camera

I am Sabrina, the owner and eye behind Three Roses Photography. I first started this business not long after my grandmother passed. She always encouraged me to follow my heart, and even introduced me to a photographer who gave me a few books to review. Flipping through those books was both awesome and boring. I don’t really learn by reading, I am more of a hands-on learner. When my grandmother passed, and without a strong sense of learning from reading, I backed away from photography for a while.

Fast forward a few years, I had two little babies at home, a wonderful husband who loved me enough to indulge my camera-curiosity. He bought be an old film camera from Goodwill, then a small DSLR from Costco, and I began to teach myself various settings. Trial and error led me to what I am today. My kids were great test subjects while we ventured out to new parks and places, scouting and practicing.

I had my first paid session back in 2012, and I haven’t looked back since. This may not be my full-time job because life is expensive, but it is one I hope to continue. I believe in capturing connection with classic and bold colors.

In my free time, I enjoy playing with new techniques, and various fantasy-edit options mostly based on colors. I also love to read, spend time with my family watching movies, going for bike rides, or exploring possible new locations for clients.

I am Sabrina, I work as an office assistant, I am a photographer, a mom, and a wife… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why photography? My mission...

Photography has always been a passion of mine. I was never sure how I wanted to be in the business, all I knew is that it was what I loved to do. Seeing a client's face when they see their photographs, hearing their reaction... that moment you make someone cry tears of joy... there is nothing like it. No feeling in the world to describe how happy it makes me. I can't even begin to describe the bliss this "job" has brought me: all the amazing things I've seen, the beautiful people I've met, the special once-in-a-life-time moments I've captured. Photography is the third child I will never have.

Each client has touched my heart in some way, and to be able to know I've been an equally amazing experience is what I strive for. 

Sabrina Swanson • Salem, Oregon • ThreeRosesPhotography@live.com