Meet Sariel Elkaim of Photos by Sariel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sariel Elkaim.

Sariel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For as long as I remember, I have always loved taking photos. But when it was time to go to university, the fears that society implements on young creatives feared me from studying photography. I decided to major in Communications at UCLA, where I still attend. But even with time continuing to pass, still, all l want to do is take photos and be creative. Around a year ago, I decided to finally go after it – photograph artists and other creatives in the industry. I love music and living in Los Angeles goes hand in hand with finding artists to create with. I’m just looking forward to see where it’s going to take me.

Great, 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?
Just like any new journey, there are a few bumps on the way. I take it all as a learning opportunity. Personally, I think the biggest obstacle that I have faced yet is when you’re young and starting out- you want to be taken professionally. Not everyone will treat you that way. But, with every photo or project you put out, you prove and show that you are serious and here to stay.

Photos by Sariel – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started Photos by Sariel at 21. Now at 22, I am proud to see the progress that I have made – getting to photograph some of my favorite artists. I enjoy taking portraits the most. It’s personal and there is always a story to tell through it. But, I want to photograph everything – ad campaigns, album covers, for magazines – it doesn’t end with just portraits. I am very grateful that I have gotten to work with such amazing artists such as SiR, Don Toliver, Brent Faiyaz, and Luke James for example – in under a year of building up my portfolio. And I hope to continue to grow as an artist and keep taking photos for a very long time.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment thus far for me has been landing a magazine cover by myself – with no help from a team or a label. I got my first magazine cover with Nude Magazine featuring one of my favorite photos that I have taken of SiR, a very talented artist. That still makes me happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photosbysariel.com/
• Email: photosbysariel@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sariel.elkaim/

Image Credit:
Top Left: Don Toliver, Top Right: Brent Faiyaz, Bottom Left: Luke James, Bottom Right: SiR; All photos: photographed by Sariel Elkaim

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