****PLEASE PLEASE READ BEFORE MESSAGING****: I am so thankful Thumbtack has created a space for us to connect (and I hope I hear from you!). As small business owner, I work incredibly hard to personalize the experience to every individual that comes my way. Due to Thumbtacks (major) increase in lead charges, there will be a 10% cost increase on all inquiries through this platform. I invite you to check me out on Google or Instagram to see more of my work, and from there you'll receive my normal package rate. Thank you so much!
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Everyone has a story to tell...I want to tell yours!!
Hello! My name is Sara McIngvale. I am a photographer in CT that specializes in creative and candid portrait photography of all kinds. I believe that the beauty of photography is that it manifests itself somewhere between past and present, creating a tangible memory that you can cherish for the years to come.
My passion is to illuminate the art in the celebration of life. I want to get to know you so that the photographs encapsulate exactly who you are! I strive to take images that tell genuine stories and I love collaborating to make something unique, personal, and real. I invite those who value the authentic and original, who hold no emotion back, who are ready to dive a little deeper to capture those moments that can never be replaced.
Here's what to expect from me:
- From your first inquiry, I will take the time to get to know who YOU are. We can share ideas on the perfect location that holds meaning to you or your vision.
- I will provide you with styling and preparation tips to ease your mind!
- At the session I will guide you through poses and prompts that look and feel natural.
- Afterwards, I will send you edits in color and black and white, retouched and beautiful with all the post processing requests you have.
- Your gallery will be available for download in full resolution and web optimized sizes. You will also be able to order prints, canvases, and other customized goods through my print lab!
I currently work in and around Connecticut but I am always happy to travel to you! My studio is located in Hartford, CT
Overview
Hired 107 times
Background checked
1 employee
13 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 7:00 pmMon8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2022
Services offered
Photo usage
Editorial
Print advertising
Website
Large display
Photoshoot location
Photo studio
Outdoors
Home
Office
Photoshoot type
Corporate / business
Fashion / jewelry
Portrait / headshot
Interior architecture / real estate
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
111 reviews
5
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Daniella S.
May 28, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had an incredible experience working with Sara for our engagement photos! She was extremely responsive and flexible when scheduling our shoot, and the location she recommended was absolutely beautiful and conveniently close by. My fiancé and I aren’t usually very comfortable in front of the camera, but Sara immediately put us at ease — her warm, fun energy kept us smiling and laughing throughout the entire session. The photos turned out even more amazing than we could have imagined, and we can’t wait for Sara to capture our wedding day!
Details: Posed engagement photoshoot • Candid • I'm flexible • One location • Ability to purchase prints online • Online or digital proofs and prints • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Brooke k.
May 10, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Our experience with Sara was a 10/10! She was extremely kind and responsive from the very start. The date we chose ended up being a rainy day and we wanted an outdoor shoot in a specific area. She was able to recommend nearby covered areas which was super helpful and honestly gorgeous! Our session was a maternity shoot and I was 34 weeks pregnant and feeling a little puffy and my hair wasn’t great from the rain but with her edits, I felt great! She was super comfortable to be around and made the experience really fun! We got our prints back quickly, within a week. Highly recommend Sara! She is a true professional!
Details: Maternity portrait • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Michelle D.
Jan 8, 2026
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From Google
Sara turned my vision into a reality (pictures came out better than expected).I wanted my pictures to have a professional but also witchy, bohemian vibe, and Sara did the job perfectly.She was very thorough, intuitive, and creative during the photoshoot.Her studio is great too, especially during the sunset.I feel like my website and brand have totally upgraded from her photoshoot.Im already thinking about new photo shoots I can do with her because she makes photography comfortable, easy, and FUN!
Dillon R.
Mar 17, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Sara got back to me right away and helped walk me through the process of having our engagement photos taken. She was always very responsive in the weeks leading up to the event and the photos came out amazing. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to have photos taken.
Details: Proposal photoshoot • Candid • Natural or environmental • Outdoors • One location • Online or digital proofs and prints • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Totoshka
Oct 18, 2025
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From Google
We recently booked a family photoshoot with Sara and couldn't be happier with the experience! From start to finish, Sara made everything feel effortless and enjoyable. She has a wonderful ability to help everyone relax, no one felt stressed or uncomfortable during the session.What impressed us most was how naturally Sara connected with our toddler. She managed to capture genuine smiles and authentic moments, which is no easy feat with young children! Time flew by so quickly that we barely noticed the session was over. We did the shoot both inside our home and in our yard, and Sara made great use of both locations.The photos were delivered promptly within the timeframe Sara had outlined, which we really appreciated. Throughout the entire process, Sara was incredibly client-focused and attentive to our preferences, making sure we got exactly what we wanted.We highly recommend Sara to anyone looking for a talented photographer who truly cares about delivering beautiful results and a positive experience!
Credentials
Background Check
Sara Mcingvale
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Additional rates apply for travel outside of CT
I also offer to shoot with 35mm film and polaroid for an additional fee (supplies and development)
**Discounts**
Military gets 10% off! Thank you for your service!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Please visit my website to learn more about me, the experience, and see a ton more work!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
5 Years and counting as a Full Time Photographer
BFA in Photography from The University of Hartford
5 Years as a Freelance Photographer & Assistant
2018-2021 Senior photographer/editor at Luxury Resale Network
2016-2018 Photographer's Assistant to Ellen Carey
2015-2018 Lab and Technical Assistant at The Hartford Art School
