Interview with photographer Sarah Sertic
1. What kind of equipment are you using these days?
I have been using several different types of camera’s. In school we have been using Canon 5D Mark II’s and a Mamiya Medium format camera with Phase One back. Though I own a Nikon D300. I also use a film camera, an old Olympus OM1 35mm SLR.
2. Do you feel that 35mm cameras still have an advantage over digital cameras, or has digital technology surpassed the old standards?
I believe that digital has finally caught up with film. Though I would not compare it to just 35 mm all of the time. There are many digital cameras out there that are comparable to many medium and large format cameras.
3. What got you into photography?
When I was a child I was handed my mom’s Olympus OM1 when we were visiting Paris. Subsequently after I returned to the states I started to take classes in photography over at the Corcoran when I was about 16 when I first started my basic film class. I learned how to develop film and what a proper exposure was. It very much captivated me and I loved taking those classes then. I look back at it now and see how similar my work was then and how it has evolved now into the form of photography I have pursued.
4. Your graduation from college is approaching: What do you feel have been the most significant courses for you as an artist or a photographer?
My studio class and my Digital Darkroom. In both of those classes learning new techniques I would have never thought of on my own really brought a whole new perspective to what I was learning and how it was applicable in both classes in terms of design and stylization. In terms of the Digital Darkroom class it gave me a whole new appreciation for the art of printing. How much time it actually takes to get a print ready for pre and post production. In Studio it was how much actually goes into a studio shoot, different styles of lighting and a grasp on how to use strobes more effectively.
5. In your experience, what’s the biggest challenge in photography?
Time management. There is so much that can go wrong in terms of workflow. For me, there is so much that can happen while editing a picture. So many things to nit pick at when going into editing. Learning how to control and stagger my time in terms of what I put out there and how long I choose to take to edit a given photograph.
6. What do you recommend for anyone just starting in photography?
Practice Practice Practice. Just go out and shoot, practice really does make better photographs. Go and grab books, voraciously read, ask a local professional for advice, there are many great professionals out here in the DC metro area just itching to give advice on techniques I know that I absolutely love teaching people new things.
7. How do you feel about digital SLR cameras?
The digital slr has been one of the best tools for me thus far. The ease of use and accessibility for my clients to view pictures. At first I was a bit hesitant but much like a polaroid there is that instant gratification that you get from seeing the picture right there in front of you. I think that the client likes that as well being able to see what you are getting even before editing.
8. Biggest area of interest for using your photography: Scenery, People, News, Art, Fashion or something else?
I am all about the industrial esthetic weather it is scenery, models, people or fashion. for me it is all about the darker more brooding side of beauty; like photographing abandoned places, alternative models, themes that are a bit darker in substance and idea.
9. Funniest mistake you’ve made while learning your craft?
This was one of my best mistakes I ever made. I was sitting and trying to figure out how to edit a picture, the lighting in the picture itself was less then exemplary to say the least. I was going to hit one type of editing technique in lightroom but ended up doing something completely different. To this date it has been one of my most popular photos. I am glad for happy accidents.
10. How have you kept yourself motivated after set-backs or big mistakes?
I remember my motto, Always Forward. I know that I can learn from my mistakes and continue to move forward in learning how to overcome and adapt to any given situation.
11. Are you available to hire? How would I contact you and what are your guidelines?
I am available for freelance work, portraits, glamor and fashion as well as events. I can be contacted at sarah@tribalspiderarts.com. My rates can be found on my website as well as guidelines in contracting me out for different types of photography, as I do studio as well as location. I am fairly flexible these coming months in terms of scheduling as well.
12. What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning on opening my own studio. I want to try to move towards green/ eco friendly photography practices. My plans are for an energy independent studio made with earth friendly materials and printing processes that leave a very low to no carbon footprint. I will be posting more information on my website under Green Initiative as it becomes available. For more information visit: Sarah Sertic’s website
Edited by Mark Wagner
All photos copyright Sarah Sertic
Possibly Related posts:
- Interview with photographer Jim Tretick
- Sarah Sertic April 2009
- Interview with Mark Wagner
- Interview with Thomas Berdinski
