Sara Alder
Photographer
Sara is a Cleveland-born, LC Valley based photographer whose camera is always wandering. From cozy corners to sprawling landscapes, she captures the world one frame at a time and never turns down a road trip that promises a story waiting to be told.
Outside of photography, Sara is mom to a totally rad 4-year-old, an Air Force wife, a 3D-printing tinkerer, and an unapologetic foodie. Her happy places include marathon sessions of Gordon Ramsay, experimenting with new recipes, and baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that might just change your life.
Her favorite part of photography is that moment when imagination becomes reality. The instant when the snap of a shutter transforms into something awe-inspiring. It’s the rush of seeing a space, a soul, or a story captured in its most authentic light. The most rewarding part? Watching clients light up when they see themselves or their world through her lens, realizing that the images don’t just show a scene, but spark emotion, create memories, and linger long after the moment has passed.
Sara’s philosophy is simple: if it doesn’t make you feel something, it’s not her photo. She doesn’t just capture spaces or faces, she captures stories, moments, and emotions that resonate the second you see them. Whether it’s making a home listing feel instantly inviting or helping someone see themselves in a new light, her goal is to create photographs that feel alive.
At the end of the day, Sara wants every client to walk away with more than just images. She wants them to leave with something lasting, something that makes them pause, remember, and feel.
• What kind of art or activity inspires you most?
I’m inspired by anything that tells a story in bold, unexpected ways. Fashion photography and editorial spreads show me how to capture mood, movement, and personality in a single frame. Folk art inspires me with its raw authenticity and cultural storytelling, while the iconic style of Sailor Jerry reminds me how powerful strong lines, color, and character can be. I love blending these influences to create images that feel both personal and unforgettable.
• Who are your favorite artists?
I draw inspiration from Claude Monet for his dreamy use of light and color, Richard Avedon for his striking ability to capture personality in every portrait, and Andy Warhol for his bold, unapologetic approach to pop culture and visual storytelling. Each of them influences how I see the world and translate it through my own photography.
• What one piece of art would you own with no limit?
If there were no limits, I would want Autoportrait (Tamara in a Green Bugatti) by Tamara de Lempicka, 1929. There’s something about the bold lines, art deco era, vibrant color, and unapologetic confidence in that piece that speaks to me. It’s glamorous, fearless, and completely unforgettable, just like the art I strive to create through my photography.
• What gets you in the creative mindset?
Honestly, I listen to everything—seriously. But when I need to get in the zone, Avicii gets me moving and dreaming, while some good bluegrass grounds me and sparks unexpected ideas. I like that mix of high energy and earthy authenticity. It keeps my mind open and my creativity flowing.
