Meet Sara Freitag | Photographer, Writer & Founder of Sara Ruth Creative

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

Hi Sara, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
To answer this question, I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes, which is by Michelangelo. He said, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”

The famous artist’s sentiment reflects how I feel about my life mission and the continual intent behind my full-time career as a photographer, writer and business owner. Every person hales with a tale worth sharing. There is beauty simply yearning to be uncovered, and as a storyteller, I consider myself a “gold digger” of sorts, ha. But for real, all jokes aside—I essentially see myself as a sifter, shaking out the gold (aka the compelling story) which already exists inside every human…whether that’s a couple I’m photographing on their wedding day, a musician I’m ghostwriting for or a local Carlsbad resident I’m interviewing to be featured in a magazine article. The purpose of my work with Sara Ruth Creative is to use the lens of my camera and the four corners of a written page to speak life into my clients, capture them authentically and use my art for the greater good.

And while I look at every client as someone to encourage, I especially have a heart for women, so I take opportunities whenever possible to impact the lives of other women through paid and volunteer work. I periodically volunteer with a non-profit called GenerateHope—photographing events and doing marketing shoots to help spread awareness of their mission which is to provide safe housing, healing and trauma-informed transitional programs to female survivors of sex trafficking. Within the realm of past paid projects, Sara Ruth Creative has partnered with non-profits that give foster care girls a fun day out, as well as organizations which train and mobilize female speakers. But truly, none of this developed overnight. The past decade progressively laid a foundation for all of this, as I spent a good chunk of time volunteering with a girls’ orphanage while living in Panama at age 20, where a vicious cycle of fatherlessness tends to lead to young teen pregnancy and an implicit continuation of this cycle. Then in college, some focused research I conducted received several awards for analyzing ways women are hyper sexualized in media. And with all of this as my groundwork, I’m currently in process of starting a new initiative which works with female survivors of sex trafficking and girls in the foster care system (if one or both tug at your heart, feel free to reach out about ways you can get involved).

Our 21st century society spins on the axis of social media, striving and an unhealthy emphasis on people’s perceptions—and I believe my purpose as an artist is to combat lies by helping to instill confidence in my subject, whether they’re someone who models professionally or they’re as uncomfortable in front of the camera as I am when the temperature dips below 65 degrees. Sadly, young girls especially have faced increasing statistics of suicidal ideation in recent decades, and it’s largely believed that social media and over consumption of media at large are significant reasons for this. Subconscious ideas about culture, comparison and more spring up from the soil of films, music, social media and the diverse array of platforms at the fingertips of toddlers and 102-year-olds alike—the effects often being negative. That said, I believe artists hold great power, and with every platform comes the responsibility to do good. We only live one life, and I firmly believe we’re called to wield our gifts and talents, whatever they look like, to make this world a better place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, fun fact. I’ve been photographing weddings since I was seventeen years old. The first wedding I ever photographed was for my high school English teacher (shoutout to Miss Rogers!). I was that kid who could always be seen with my little digital point and shoot camera (the kind Gen Z kids are now bringing back and calling a “digi”). Yup, that’s what I started on, y’all. I had saved up for that Sony Cybershot with multiple Christmas and birthday cash gifts, and it was my most prized possession. I was continually taking photos of my friends, asking them to model for me or simply snapping candids of all the goings-on at my tiny private high school. So, senior year, when my friends’ parents started asking me if they could throw $50 my way to take their kids’ senior photos, you know I was HYPED. My beloved Miss Rogers caught wind of this and asked me to take her engagement photos. One thing led to the next, and she then asked me to photograph her wedding. I was floored. And very hesitant. I didn’t even own a DSLR camera. So, I asked a friend if I could borrow his, learned how to use it and did push-ups so my wimpy, long distance runner’s arm didn’t fall off when carrying that thing. I shot the wedding—hands shaking, but no shots missed. Word got out that I was shooting weddings, and the referral train started. Baby Sara bought her first DSLR on Craigslist that summer, built her career over the course of college, spent the first year of her twenties traveling as a missionary and photojournalist—and now, fourteen years later, she’s photographed hundreds of weddings, having traveled to Panama, Germany, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Mexico, Canada and all over the US including New York City, Chicago, Portland and various cities in California, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona and Washington for photo work. Once a DD, always a DD (designated documenter, of course).

And while the photo side is the more visible and widely known aspect of my career, the writing side has been with me a long time too. I knew I wanted to be a photojournalist in high school, photographing and writing for magazines. But I never wanted to pursue writing much further than that, even though my parents, teachers and professors all encouraged me to do so. It was actually because of Rory Gilmore that I finally joined the school newspaper in college….thank you to she and Lorelai for any semblance of wit that I possess! This was when I first realized I could officially call myself a writer (started as a staff writer and segued into Opinion Editor). After graduating summa cum laude from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Communication and double minors in Literature & Writing and Women’s Studies (and a whole lot of sleep debt to pay back), I dove into a career in copywriting, gathering various freelance clients and then becoming Brixton’s first in-house copywriter—trailblazing the role and laying a stronger foundation for my current knowledge about branding. For the last five years, I’ve been full time with Sara Ruth Creative, while occasionally taking on side gigs to develop new skillsets.

My current day-to-day looks like photographing 20-30 weddings a year, holding bylines at Locale Magazine and Carlsbad Mag, ghostwriting in the music industry, creative directing and photographing a number of lifestyle shoots every month and holding the roles of CEO, CMO, CFO and all the things. I’m at a point right now where my career could be considered fairly successful, and many may even romanticize it from an outside perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I’m SO grateful for where I’m at—but it has by no means been an easy road. Building a sustainable career as a full-time artist has been challenging in its own right—but on top of that, I’ve dealt with several severe injuries (forcing me to navigate the physical/financial/mental challenges of dealing with health issues when your income is reliant on your body and there’s no option for PTO or sick leave), a few car accidents and my photography Instagram getting hacked a couple years back (therefore, needing to re-name, re-brand and do PR for months on end). Needless to say, there have been many sleepless nights over the years. We all see each other’s Instagram highlight reels, and I know I have some pretty cool experiences under my belt—but what I want to encourage you with is that we’re all imperfect, and with that comes the human experience that’s not always shown. The blood, sweat and tears. The 60-70 hour work weeks, hustling with side gigs to make an extra buck or learn new skills. The challenges that life throws your way at the most inopportune times.

Nonetheless, I can truthfully say that the most difficult circumstances I’ve walked through have actually yielded the sweetest outcomes in my life. For example, a custom poetry business came about because of a torn ligament in my ankle that sequestered me on my couch for five weeks. My most successful wedding was photographed one week after landing in the ER with a severe back flare-up. My best and most recognized writing has come about as a direct result of physical pain and restless nights.

So, what I would love for readers to know about my story is that it’s one marked by lots of incredible opportunity that was gifted to me by wonderful humans who believed in me and my purpose. It’s been marked by natural talent and loads of hard work. But it’s also been marked by lots of challenges, determination and resilience. Each and every time I face a new obstacle, I actively choose to push through and always see some of the most beautiful breakthroughs around the corner. My brand is built on pure love for my art and a heart to make the world a better place. I’ve never allowed myself to give up, because I know I was put on this earth for a purpose, and I’m not going to let anything get in the way of that. I’m here to tell you that you are here for a reason too. You add immense value to this world, and you too have a story worth sharing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh. I love this one. And wow, a whole week with my childhood bestie?? What luxury.

After an airport reunification scene straight from a movie, we’d stop at Sunset Cliffs and dig into a picnic from Nectarine Grove. Toasted turkey and avocado sandwich for me (on a to-die-for gluten free bread) and roasted veggie bowl for her, while watching the deep blue waters tickle the reddish-brown color of the cliffs and catching up like only lifelong pals can do. The rest of the trip would resemble a cornucopia of the best restaurants, bars, beaches, workouts, activities, music and hikes that San Diego has to offer.

Each morning, we’d either head to a spin class at Verve Studios or take a yoga + breathwork class at Breathe Degrees, where we’d end the experience with a cold plunge, hot tub and infrared sauna session. On other mornings, we’d play pickleball at my complex with a group of gals who we call “Pickle Pals.” And on still other days, we’d take a Pilates class at Elevate Training in La Costa or Lagree + Versa Fit in Oceanside, hike Torrey Pines or stroll the Carlsbad Cliffs.

Where our taste buds are concerned, we’d indulge in the roasted broccoli and roasted beat cocktail from Campfire, followed by a night cap at Jeune et Jolie. One morning, we’d grab matchas and lattes from Steady State Roasting or Lofty Coffee and then hit Turnarounds to become beach bums. On the way, we’d grab Board ‘n’ Brew to go. We’d sun-bathe in the sand with our books and AirPods—having an introvert day together where she’d listen to true crime podcasts and I’d write poetry (opposites attract). Of course, we’d have another kind of beach day, likely at Tamarack, where more friends would join and we’d swim in the waves for hours, pass around the volleyball, and eat all the healthy snacks to balance out some good ole In-N-Out a little later. You’ve got to have both kinds of beach days, am I right?

As far as other activities go, we may go jet skiing around the Carlsbad Lagoon or the San Diego Harbor. I’m a queen of thrifting, so I’d take her to Captain’s Helm and Estate Sale in Oceanside. Another afternoon, we’d mosey our way down to the San Diego museums at Balboa Park. I’ve been learning to surf with some other best friends, so maybe I’d drag her out for a fellow newbie’s surf lesson, laughing at ourselves as we stumble our way through riding actual waves just like we stumble through riding life’s metaphorical waves. One thing I have yet to check off my bucket list is kayaking through La Jolla’s caves, so we’d for sure do that. If it’s baseball season, we’d hit up a Padres v Dodgers game one fine evening…gathering a whole crew of friends for one of San Diego’s most iconic activities. And on another night, we’d hit up an outdoor movie night at the Gliderport, again at Torrey Pines (see a theme emerging??). If there were any shows happening, the Belly Up in Solana Beach is always a favorite. And something I’ve been wanting to do is rent a boat in the San Diego Harbor, cruise around for a bit, dock it, and barbeque while listening to a show at the Rady Shell. The Shout!House is yet another amazing spot—it’s a dueling piano bar where the pianists are as much comedians as musicians. They create almost full-band sounds from their two pianos, using the key lid as percussion while they sing throwback songs like “Yeah” by Usher, battle style. And, of course, some sort of dancing would be in order on at least one of our evenings out.

Additional stops we’d try to fit in: I adore donuts, so I’d take her to San Diego’s best donut scenes, which include Sidecar, The Goods and Parlor Doughnuts (all of which have fantastic gluten free and vegan options in case you’re wondering!). At some point, we’d hit up The Nolen in Downtown San Diego, which is a classy rooftop bar, 264 Fresco in Carlsbad or Rooftop Bar in Oceanside. Some other haunts include Civico 1845 in Little Italy, Buona Forchetta for authentic Italian pizza in Encinitas, Monarch in Del Mar for sunset cocktails, live music and corn hole, Birdseye in Leucadia for tasty pad Thai and Stella Jeans in Carlsbad for the best (vegan!) ice cream you’ve ever had.

This all honestly just scratches the surface when it comes to the amazing things San Diego County has to offer and what my list of favorites could look like. Gosh, I just love my city so dang much, and there’s continually more and more to discover. But here’s a sweet little itinerary for what seems to be a very packed-out week!

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?
There are countless people I could thank, including mentors, teachers, professors, family, friends and muses…but the individuals I’d like to shout out for this particular story are my parents. They were, in fact, my first teachers and mentors. Growing up as a homeschool kid on the mission field in Italy, I was not only educated by my mom who was a successful career teacher, but I was raised under the tutelage of another country’s people, culture, language, cuisine and terrain. This type of independent learning not only paved the way for entrepreneurship, but due to the freedom of schedule, my mom also planted a priority for quality time by taking us on adventures to the market, having stuffed animal tea parties and cooking together in the kitchen. My dad managed a Christian book publishing company and mentored the leaders of young churches who didn’t have much support in this predominantly Catholic country. Every night around dinner, he would read Scripture to the family and guide us kids through memorizing a new Bible verse. This rhythm not only turned into a fond memory, but I still have many of these verses hidden away in my heart today. My parents instilled in us kids the love of God, which is truly the wellspring of my entire career and calling. I would not be who I am today, nor doing what I am if it weren’t for what Jesus has done in my life and my parents who modeled their faith in such profound ways.

Aside from the actual teaching my parents did, I also have them to thank for the unconventional upbringing I was afforded—thanks to them being brave enough to raise four kids away from family and to teach them the values of seeking cultural awareness, sinking your teeth into uncomfortable experiences and tirelessly pursuing your purpose, even when the odds are against you. While the canvas of my brothers’ and my childhood was painted with nothing even remotely resembling material riches, it was filled instead with the richness of family time around the table and vivid memories of growing up with such unique circumstances. Those young years in Italy still shape who I am today. An emphasis on family and community. Gathering around the table for long meals. Reveling in the sights, sounds and smells of a loud kitchen. And pursuing a deep-rooted curiosity for people and their stories.

In hindsight, the discomfort of those years also impacted me. For various reasons, even after we moved back to the States, I grew up feeling like I was always different. Other third culture kids can probably relate. Not gonna lie, this was hard—and it still is. I always say that I belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I can hit it off with someone instantaneously, but to feel deeply known and understood is a different story. Yet, since then, I’ve learned to embrace the more positive mindset of being unique and having been raised with a set of unconventional circumstances “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). I believe every point on a person’s journey leads them and prepares them for the next—and deep within my bones, I know I would not be the person with the purpose I have today if I hadn’t been raised in ways that made me feel insecure and different at the time, but which ultimately pushed me into the concept of celebrating others for their own uniqueness and individual beauty—to help them feel seen, known, cherished and celebrated.

Website: https://sararuthcreative.com

Instagram: @sararuthcreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-freitag-85908064/

Image Credits
Sara Ruth Creative