Roots of Wisdom

At Roots of Wisdom, we undertake a heartfelt journey to honor the intricate stories of our elders’ lives. Through intimate photography and candid video interviews, we weave together the threads of personal narratives and historical milestones, creating a lasting tribute to the wisdom and resilience of generations past. Our mission is to ensure that the vibrant stories, struggles, and triumphs of our elders are not forgotten but cherished as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

By preserving these roots of wisdom, we empower families to connect with their heritage, fostering a deeper understanding of the path that led to the present. In doing so, we become the stewards of stories, bridging the gap between generations and sowing the seeds of a legacy that will endure for years to come.

To give a platform and empower everyone to share their story, the good, the difficult, the triumphant, and the transformative, fostering a community where every narrative holds value and contributes to the richness of shared human experience.

Join us in celebrating the richness of your family story! We are now accepting applications for Roots of Wisdom. If you wish to share the legacy of your elders and contribute to a community that values every narrative, apply now.

My greatest motivation? My grandma. She holds a treasure trove of stories and family history that traces back to my ancestors being pioneers and sailing the treacherous ocean waters. Growing up during the hardships of World War II in Europe, she shared these captivating stories with me when I was young and inspired me to document our family history.

However, time slipped away, and the realization hit too late for many of those historical gems. My beloved grandma now battles Alzheimer’s, and the stories she once shared with me are lost forever. I wish I had recorded her stories when I had the chance, especially with the added challenge of a head injury making it difficult to remember them clearly.

My most significant regret? Not starting on this project sooner—neglecting to consider preserving our family history. When I finally decided to bring this project to life, I discovered that her stories now have significant gaps. Prompting her about past tales revealed empty spaces where vibrant narratives once resided. Now, these precious stories are lost forever.

And that’s precisely why I’m launching this project. For me, for my children and grandchildren, and for anyone wanting to safeguard their family legacy. Let this be a poignant reminder not to live with regret.

Become a part of something meaningful. Share your story with Roots of Wisdom and become a part of a legacy that will last for generations.

• Design Session: Kickstart the magic with a collaborative planning session tailored to your preferences.

• Storytelling Interview: Engage in a natural storytelling experience during a 90-minute Interview Session, where guided questions will help you effortlessly share your personal stories.

• Wardrobe Styling Call: We guide you through selecting the perfect outfits, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best during your photoshoot.

• Two Fully Guided Photoshoots: Enjoy a lifestyle photo session and choose another from a selection of provided options. Receive expert guidance on poses for beautiful images—no modeling experience required.

• High Resolution Images: The collection you choose will feature the most stunning images you have ever seen of you and your family.

• Professional Retouching: Expert retouching on selected images.

• Immediate Image Reveal & Ordering Session: View and choose your images right after the photoshoot.

• Storytelling Book: A beautifully crafted keepsake preserving the unique tales within your collection.

• Pre-Pay Incentives & Bonuses: Fantastic incentives and bonuses for those opting to prepay for a collection.

A non-refundable retainer of $800 is required to reserve your session.

The retainer can be applied as credit to your purchase if you choose to prepay for a collection.

Completion of a model release is a prerequisite, granting Sarah Hasenfus Photography the authorization to utilize images and videos from the session for promotional purposes.

No modeling experience is required, and individuals of every body size, ethnicity, and background are encouraged to participate.

Please complete the form below to begin your journey. The first 10 applicants will receive a complimentary gift voucher, offering significant savings. Act quickly to secure your gold ticket! We look forward to meeting you!