Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Sherr

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

Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m very fortunate to have attended a high school in South Florida with a flourishing arts program, and I got my start in photography then. It was an encouraging and challenging environment that really asked me to think about what I was trying to say with my work, and we learned the fundamentals of photography, including darkroom printing and other technical elements. After high school, I drove out to Los Angeles to attend Art Center College of Design and freelanced over the ensuing four years to make ends meet. It was extremely stressful and difficult for me, but I learned so much and would not have wanted to do it any other way. I started to build clientele during the last year or so of my schooling and continued to shoot after graduation about a year ago. I’m continuing to work in Los Angeles, and I return frequently to my hometown of Miami to work. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. For a while, I struggled to make ends meet while I was in school. All in all, I really enjoyed the process of hustling and learning so much in school, albeit exhausting. I’ve learned that managing my energy is vitally important for my ability to continue effectively. For a time, I also lost the creative spark that first got me into this art form because I was just shooting for work. Don’t get me wrong, I love every minute of it, but I realized that prioritizing personal work and my creative journey as an artist, not just a photographer, is imperative. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My fine art is mostly what I would call environmental portrait nudes, with a thesis on the interlocking of the woman’s innate connection to the natural world and nature, within and outside of herself. I think what distinguishes an artist from a non-artist is a person that processes the world in a somewhat unique way and uses a chosen medium to explore the chaotic nature of the mind’s curiosities. I try to bring this philosophy with me to every shoot, whether it’s for a client or for myself. My commercial work is primarily advertising and fashion, and I find that shooting with the human condition in mind yields the best results. Connecting with the person I’m shooting, and the product they may be advertising will always bring out the best work, no matter what subject or statement is at hand. 

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’m sure this answer will change periodically for the rest of my life, but right now, the lesson has been to nourish the artist in me. We’re all multi-faceted beings, and identity is a tricky thing, but the word “artist” is a part of my list of ideas that form my identity. For a while, it was “photographer,” but I think artist encompasses a way of being and interacting in the world in a more universal way. My lesson is to make sure my inner artist is well fed, and the way I do that is by doing little (or big) things for myself that bring a pleasure only I understand, like an inside joke with myself. Things like solitary walks, drawing, playing guitar, or reading are very beneficial to me. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarahsherrphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsherrphoto/