Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Sarabia.
Hi Valeria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back on my life, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have a camera or video camera in my hand. I was always recording and photographing my friends for their social media or just for fun. I started photographing at a young age but didn’t think too much about it.
It seemed more like a hobby at the time and something that fueled my creative mind. What really pulled me to pursue photography was taking an art elective my freshman year of college at a community college. As a psychology major, I figured photography was something I could do that was simple and easy.
That first photography class set me for the rest of my life, as it was my first time ever working with 35 MM black & white film. From the moment, I finished my first roll, I decided to take the risk and change my major to photography.
At that point, I had to figure out what school would be the best fit since my community college didn’t have an extensive program. My friend told me about Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the minute I stepped foot onto the campus, I knew this was where I was meant to be.
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?
Absolutely not; when I decided to follow my dream, I knew nothing was going to be easy.
There were moments when I considered taking a break, never wanting to pick up my camera again, or just thought about changing my career to something more “financially stable.” This career is not an easy road, but it’s for sure the most rewarding.
Having the capability to create work that makes me happy, conceptualizing concepts and brand identity with my personality, and working with new equipment keeps me motivated to continue my desire.
Also, working with other talented individuals who I now get to call my friends pushes me to become the best artist I can be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a commercial photographer from Miami, FL, and my work is commercial work with a vintage flair. I take a lot of inspiration from the 60s,70s, and 80s advertising style and I enjoy figuring out a happy medium between keeping its authenticity and modernizing it.
To help keep my style consistent, I mainly photograph using 120MM or 4×5 film as I feel there is a more personal touch to the photos. I also enjoy working on a lot of personal projects that relay what’s currently inspiring me.
I always like to think about what is circling in my mind and what’s interesting to me and see how I can turn it into a series.
Working with 120MM and 4×5 film is a part of the process that allows me to get that extra touch of personality which I believe helps bring my photos to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valeriasarabia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriaasarabia/
Image Credits
Natalie Oravitz (@no.photoz), Videographer: Andrew Angel (@andrew_angel_), Talent: Anna Lanyi (@anna.raeee), Avery Ulanet (@averyulanet), Jackie Picard (@jackie.picard), Sally Bloom (@sallycarolinebloom), & Sydney Hermann (@sydneyehermann)
