Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoni Sambo.
Hi Yoni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started off as a hip-hop dancer and would start by photographing my friends during classes and even took some class footage. Eventually, I’d branch out from just the dance studio and would ask friends from outside the dance world to shoot as well. Honestly, I just kept shooting with everyone and tried various genres of photography. To this day I shoot interior design, portraiture, fashion, commercials, food and drinks, etc. but my main focus and what I enjoy most is portraiture work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road – I don’t think it is anyway. As an artist, there’s always gonna be struggle along the way, but that’s what makes it beautiful because this gives you the opportunity to grow not just an artist but also as a human being. There’s lots of self-doubt as to if you’re really THAT person or are you truly good enough to make it, anxiousness and stress thinking about what the next job will be and of course the imposter syndrome kicking in here and there. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to progress and find positive coping mechanisms to deal with everything and use continue to grow each and every time and that’s all we can really ask of ourselves – to do our best.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m primarily a photographer but have had formal background in music, dance, web design and graphic design. I feel like I’m just an all-around artist type of individual who enjoys art over various mediums. I am primarily a photographer who specializes in portraiture and fashion editorial work. Although I also shoot lots of interior design, commercials, food and drinks as well. I would say I am more known for my portrait work, whether it’s fashion editorials or my more moody headshots of models.
I am most proud of my last art exhibition that was called “LIWANAG”. It was held last July and the theme was Asian Representation. Just had the entire community come out, all supporting Asian-owned local businesses and also being able to create mental health programs for those who identify as Asian.
What sets me apart simply is my narrative. We can all have similar stories, liking similar things, but no two people are going to ever be the exact same. My photos are just things of how I see the world and it’s a way for me to show the outside world what I see in my mind. My eyes, my mind, my narrative and my perspective.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
The ability to get up, move forward and grow after each failure you have in life. To be better than you were yesterday and to always move towards the best version of yourself in all aspects of life, even outside of work and with the relationships around you (family, loved ones, neighbours, friends, etc.).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yonicreatives.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yonicreatives
- Facebook: www.facebok.com/yonicreatives
Image Credits
Yoni 02/03 model: Myka I. Yoni 04 model: Mayah L. Yoni 05 model: Christina L. Yoni 06 model: Diane V.
