Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah McColgan.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey and discovered photography early. My high school had a darkroom and I learned how to shoot, process and print my own film. I had always loved art, but photography became my passion. My first job was shooting for a local newspaper and I learned a lot working alongside veteran photojournalists. Eventually, I found my way to NYC and studied photography at the School of Visual Arts. While I was in college I began shooting for a number of fashion and entertainment magazines and started to build a body of work in editorial and advertising photography. Around 10 years ago I began to explore motion which led to my first few music videos. One of my earliest music videos was nominated for an MTV VMA and from there I quickly moved into directing. I now balance my time between directing commercials, music videos and shooting still photography campaigns.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every journey has its ups and downs. I like to think the obstacles are just as important to the process as the wins. I look at the challenges as an opportunity to grow and learn. One specific moment everything changed for me was in 2012 when I had a suffered a very serious accident on the set of a photo shoot. It was quite traumatic for me, required surgery and recovery over several months. There was a definitive turning point at this time in my career. I took a pause from commercial work and made a passion project with friends, my first motion project. This project led to my first client-commissioned directing job, which then launched a series of events that propelled me into directing motion full-time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My career has gone through various seasons, from photographing entertainers for magazine covers to beauty editorials and fashion campaigns. I have been fortunate to be able to work in a variety of spaces spanning both still and motion from fashion to beauty and entertainment. Most recently I’ve directed music videos for artists ranging from Mariah Carey and Nas to H.E.R and Charli XCX. The work that has the most meaning for me is my personal work. I have been quietly working on a series of photographs for an upcoming gallery show. Creating with no commercial or client restrictions is always my most rewarding space. Professionally, I am excited to move into my my next chapter with narrative directing for Film and TV.
How do you define success?
I don’t like associate success with specific goals, results or ambitions. Professional wins are wonderful for obvious reasons, but this business is full of ups and downs and the temperature is always changing. I try not to center my sense of success on any particular achievements, I prefer to enjoy the process and stay present in the moment. I think the ultimate success is having time with my family and finding a space of ease and calm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahmccolgan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahmccolgan
