Today we’d like to introduce you to Saryn Christina.
Saryn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started taking photos in high school when a friend asked me to take a photography class with her. From that point, I took every opportunity to be in the dark room or out shooting that I could. I asked all of my friends and anyone I met on the street or in clubs to model for me. I did a lot of experimental lighting and black and white film photography during that time.
Eventually, I switched over to Digital and had to learn a whole new way of doing photography, learning on the fly. I continued to photograph anyone I could find, and did a little event photography, shooting for Miss Kitty’s Parlour in Los Angeles during their hay day. I started shooting for Auxiliary magazine, I do a lot of band photography for them, as well as their Runway to Vanity feature, and any editorials that I shoot that meet their aesthetic. I started working as a retoucher, transitioning to photo technician and then was promoted to ready to wear photographer at Nordstrom’s HauteLook.com photo studio in Culver City. For now, I am shooting full time for them.
In the future, I plan to open my own portrait studio, but for now, I will continue to create my own imagery, a kind of dark fashion and beauty portraiture on the side.
Has it been a smooth road?
Finding new clients and being able to stay creative while dealing with the limitations of budgets is always a struggle. But I’ve never been discouraged or lost my drive to do photography. As time goes on, I realize that I’ve managed to achieve a lot of my life goals. From photographing some of my favorite musicians that I dreamed of working with as a teenager, to traveling to Japan to shoot for a client, I’ve made it all work. Currently, my struggle is trying to find time to fulfill my creative drive while shooting full-time and having a family, and dealing with traffic every day… But the opportunities are there, if you are determined and push yourself.
What are some of the influences that have played the biggest role in your journey so far?
The goth scene as a teenager and young adult really formed my personal idea of beauty, and encouraged me to be more edgy and creative. Other than that, Ellen von Unwerth inspires me to this day, as do Irena Ionesco, and all the makeup artists I have worked with. Roshar (makeup artist) has been a huge influence on me as well, from advice to just having the opportunity to work with him and spend time with him.
What type of clients or projects do you look forward to most?
I love working with models that have a unique face. I always have a project on the back burner, right now, I’m fascinated with working with pale, blond models or red heads. My favorite type of client is creative or avant guard hair and makeup schools. The creativity of students is always mind-blowing and a lot of fun to work with. I love to help them create an image that helps them with their future. I especially love shooting for NAHA or other creative contests.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started believing in myself from the start. I wouldn’t have let fear hold me back as long as I did.
Pricing:
- A basic portrait shoot runs about $300.00 (hair and makeup, wardrobe not included)
- Full Portrait shoot with hair and makeup $750.00
- Fully produced editorial style shoot starts at $1200.00 depending on details.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SarynChristina.com
- Phone: 3103839513
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/saryn
- Facebook: facebook.com/sarynchristina
- Other: saryn.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
Ulorin Vex, Anna DeMeo, Sarah Hilker, Illyne Michel, Jenny Boa, Anachronism in Action, Stephie Lawrence, Auxiliary Magazine, Ona Morgana, Akiko Yamikawa, Darija Varnas, Johnny Sakalis, Ryan Roberts, Edwin Candalaria, Kai’Outi Magazine,
