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Meet Sarah Ellen of Let Them Be Vigilant in The Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Ellen.

Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I tried a few different things like painting, films, and graphic design but none of those really stuck. Then, I decided for fun one day to shoot some pictures of my friend and I actually really liked it the more I shot. From there I wanted to shoot everything. I went from more portraits to food to product photography and fashion. Shooting models and fashion, in general, was the most interesting. So I stuck mainly to that. I always would go down Melrose Ave and I thought I’d try my luck showing some of my pictures to a store called Glamsquad. This is where I met the store owner, Cosmo. I shot for his store for a bit, and then he introduced me to the wonderful designer, Nathalia Gaviria. Eventually, I ended up shooting for her fashion designs for BLACK, some lookbooks, editorials and covering different fashion events. I love it!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been smooth as eggs. Ha. Just kidding. I have had struggles along the way. The more you get involved, the more there is to think about. Just learning as much as I can technically present challenges like learning to control light to get it to do what you want, making sure the picture is in focus the way you want it, vanishing points, timing the shoot if you’re outside…I could go on forever. I’m still learning. Career-wise, it can be really competitive. Taking on bigger projects can also be stressful at times when you have to manage more than making sure the picture is good.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Let Them Be Vigilant – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I like vibrant, contrasty pictures…and pictures where it seems like you can almost feel the texture of the fabrics. I think that comes from always wanting a ‘moment’ to come through the photograph.

I love pictures with a good story. I hope that’s what people get from my photography.

What am I most proud of? Hmmm…I think I’m most proud of the people and companies I’ve been able to work with and become friends with. I’ve learned so much.

I think just my perspective really. There are so many great photographers.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
More photoshoots!

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Photo: Chris P. Bacon

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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