'Newborn' Photographer Launches Studio in Port

Though she stumbled upon her recently opened Port Washington location by chance, Grafton native Sarah Tendrup said it was passion for the hobby that drove her to become a professional photographer.

"I've always been creative and I've always loved taking pictures," she said. "It started out as a hobby — I loved it and I wanted to learn more."

Tendrup is now the owner of Sarah Jayne Photography, operating a studio at 116 E. Grand Ave., in Port's downtown. She officially registered as a business in 2012, and opened her studio just after Port Washington's Fish Day near the end of July. 

Though she shoots a variety of photos — such as engagement and senior photos, among other categories — she said she specializes in newborn and infant photos.

"I just love it, I think that’s what I'm good at," she said, adding that it worked out that many of her friends were having babies, and her business spread by word of mouth. She really began getting serious about her hobby about 3-1/2 years ago, she said.

Tendrup operates her studio by appointment only, and continues to work part-time at Kohl's Corporate. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in communications, which she uses for her work at Kohl's.

She said she likes what she does at Kohl's, but is excited to pursue this passion — so she's happy to stay put balancing both. She works Monday and Tuesday and Kohl's, and the rest of her days are dedicated to the studio.

"It's fun, I enjoy it," she said.

Tendrup said she is constantly inspired for new photo ideas by searching online as well as props she sees around her.

"When I see something, I'm constantly going, 'Can I put a newborn in that?'" she said. "I have an addiction to props."

Learn more about Sarah Jayne Photography by visiting her website or Facebook page.