Hi! I am Sarah, the heart and lens behind Sarah Planchon Photography.
I specialize in family photography, portraits, and maternity sessions, capturing those beautiful, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. My style is all about authenticity—true-to-life images that reflect real emotions and the unique bonds between family members, lovers, or friends. Whether it’s the laughter between siblings, the quiet moments between mother and child, or the joy of a growing family, I aim to immortalize the essence of every connection.
Photography has always been my love language. From a young age, I was creating photo montages and scrapbooks for Christmas, and making photo albums for every occasion. Still today, my walls are covered with photos and polaroids.
I was born and raised in Paris. That is where my love for photography started. Being surrounded by so much beauty and culture inspired me on a daily basis.
Photography became my refuge in my early twenties after my mother gifted me a camera before she passed away. A present that would shape my future in ways I never imagined.
Before transitioning to photography full time, I worked with casting directors in New York City on a wide variety of castings—everything from children to adults. This experience gave me a deep understanding of how to bring out natural expressions and personalities in front of the camera, it also gave me a keen eye for how children express themselves and how to capture their true personalities, which has been incredibly helpful in my work as a photographer.
I moved to the beautiful Hudson Valley nearly 10 years ago with my husband and dogs and now call Woodstock home. We wanted a different lifestyle, a slower rhythm and fresher air.
A few years later, after my first son was born, I decided to stop relying on my phone for photos and went and bought a new camera. I haven’t been able to stop taking photos since so I invested in good quality material and education. That decision blossomed into my passion for capturing authentic connections and making others feel seen and beautiful.
I understand how it feels to be self-conscious, so my goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable, relaxed, and empowered. It's not about perfection; it’s about capturing the true, emotional connection in the moment. I want every client to walk away not just with beautiful photos, but with an experience they’ll cherish.
I approach each shoot with patience, kindness, and lightness to ensure the whole family has a fun and stress-free time.
Whether I’m working with young kids or a growing family, I make sure the session feels natural and easy—no awkward posing here!
Based in Woodstock and the beautiful Hudson Valley, I’m also available for sessions in Paris, my hometown.
I’m excited to meet you and help tell you story, one photo at a time
1 / 10
"Sarah is, without question, the finest photographer our family has ever had the pleasure of working with. She was there to document one of the most significant days in our lives—the adoption of our son—and did so with grace, warmth, and artistic vision. Every moment was captured with care and authenticity, preserving not just the events of the day, but the emotions that came with them. Sarah intuitively understood our hopes for the day and went beyond what we ever could have imagined."
1 / 10
2 / 10
"If you’re looking for a photographer who will deliver breathtaking photos & a seamless, enjoyable experience, Sarah is the one! She has a true gift for capturing genuine, heartfelt moments, & her attention to detail is unmatched. She has an incredible ability to make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her creativity shines through in every session. The photos are timeless, vibrant, & full of life. They’ve quickly become some of our most treasured memories!"
2 / 10
3 / 10
"My shoot with Sarah was wonderful. She created a safe and fun environment to work together. She was willing to collaborate creatively while maintaining professionalism. And the results speak for themselves! I highly recommend working with her for you next shoot."
3 / 10
4 / 10
"We've used Sarah's services now two years in a row and we couldn't be happier! Not only do her photos come out beautifully, but the experience that gets us there is what makes her stand out. Her warm and patient approach, combined with just the right amount of direction, kept us moving naturally while making the experience enjoyable. The candid moments she captured are priceless—some of our absolute favorites. Highly recommend her for anyone looking for a personalized, thoughtful photography session!"
4 / 10
5 / 10
"I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for my maternity shoot. It’s a rather intimate experience, but I knew from just emailing with Sarah, she would be able to handle the experience beautifully. She not only handled it, she took my few ideas and turned them into a vision. She so beautifully captured this season of my life! I will cherish these photos forever. I can’t recommend her enough."
5 / 10
6 / 10
"This was our first time working with Sarah, but it definitely won’t be our last! She was so wonderful to communicate with ahead of the shoot, and by the day of, it felt like we were welcoming a friend into our home. My usually shy daughter warmed to her right away; I had never seen her enjoy being in front of the camera so much! The photos came out beautifully, and I can’t wait to have Sarah capture another family moment together in the future."
6 / 10
7 / 10
"Sarah is incredible to work with. She helped the most anxious among us relax & have fun; she got smiles out of even the most impatient and self-conscious! She captured precious moments with candid shots, & made posed group photos feel comfortable. She’s both easy-going & professional; low-key & assertive. This combination of talent, intuition, & personality makes Sarah an exceptional addition to any event - like part of the family!"
7 / 10
8 / 10
"From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Sarah's friendly demeanor and warm personality instantly put me at ease. She took the time to listen to what I wanted and understood my vision for the headshots. The final photos were outstanding. I was genuinely surprised to have not just one, but several shots that Iabsolutely loved. That's a testament to Sarah's skill and talent. If you're looking for a photographer who is not only professional but also fun to work with, Sarah is the one to choose!"
8 / 10
9 / 10
"Sarah is an incredible photographer. She brings a uniquely welcoming, warm, kind, and calm energy to a shoot. She made my husband and I feel as if we weren't even in front of a camera, and caught some truly wonderful shots of our daughter and our family dynamic. She made everything feel easy and fun, and she did an effortless job of keeping our daughter interested in the experience. I can't wait for our next opportunity to work together and I will cherish these photos for years to come."
9 / 10
10 / 10
"Sarah was amazing to work with! She is extremely professional and truly thought of everything - from choosing the perfect location and lighting to bringing a blanket and small toys to keep my kids busy. She was very calm and made our entire family (including three young children ages 1-5) comfortable. She was able to capture special moments without feeling “posed” or “fake”. Sarah blew us away with her photography. We look forward to working with her again in the future!""
10 / 10
Family & Portraits photographer, based in the Hudson Valley.