An Interview With Amazing Artist/Photographer Sarah Lee.
Sun, 21st October, 2012
Welcome to Infinite Waters radio Sarah, it’s an honour to be communing with such a creative soul, please tell the family a little about yourself?
Anything in the water. This is the simple response one gets when asking Sarah Lee what she wants to shoot. This laid-back and non-chalant water baby was born and raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’I, most of it living on a Kona coffee farm (though she prefers tea over coffee). At 21 years old, she has been doing photography for the past 6 years and is primarily self-taught. Her passion emerged for underwater and surf photography because of her years in competitive swimming, beating all the boys in butterfly and long-distance, and later surfing in her teens. Even when the waves are pumping, her passion lies behind the camera, capturing lifestyle, underwater, and surf photos. Her Hawaii roots give her a light-hearted and care free attitude which are evident in her photos and she has the ability to keep things casual while magnifying the best in what surrounds her. In the future, she hopes to use her talent to document ocean, travel and water people whose stories need to be told.
You are only 21 years old and are creating masterpieces, what drives you?
It's just something that I love to do.
What do you think is the most important influence in your art?
The immediacy of what's unfolding in front of me and the impressions I get from the people/nature around me at that moment.
Do you work certain hours each day or only when you are inspired to work?
I don't do this for a living, so it's only been when I can cruise with the friends I like to shoot or when commissioned for weddings/portraits. For surf/uw, it's when the conditions are right.
Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
Self-taught through trial & error and adapting what I've learned from film/tv classes during my high school/college years. I've had plenty of supportive friends/teachers but no one in particular that has served as a mentor.
How do you capture the beauty of surfing, waves and water so well?
I grew up swimming and in the ocean so I feel like it's just a part of who I am and what I know.
Looking on your website you also shoot: weddings, musicians, children, maternity, and the list goes on; how come you’re so versatile?
I've just taken whatever photography opportunities I can get. It's always fun to try new genres of photography. Anything is worth a try and from that, at least I'll learn whether I can do them well or not.
How do you decide on locations & subjects?
I like to seek out locations that are unique and 'off the beaten track.' I(Though in Hawai'i, that's pretty much everywhere). I like to stick with outdoors and natural light situations around sunrise or sunset. The majority of people in my best photos are of close friends. I feel like the more time with spend with someone, the better I am at capturing who they are.
In general, during a session, how many pictures would you say you take to find "the right one"?
Really depends. Portraiture, I'll keep about 30% of the photos I take. Underwater, it's 10% or less … just because it's so unpredictable. There's usually about 1-5 photos that 'feel right' in each session.
What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?
Genuine interactions with people inspire me, being in the ocean during sunrise really moves me, and the lack of conscientiousness and respect for one other and the environment that some people have is what upsets me most.
What kind of camera/software/lighting equipment do you use now, and what did you start with?
Camera gear: Canon 7d, Canon 15mm/2.8, 24mm/1.4, 50mm/1.4, 85mm/1.8, Lensbaby Composer.
Software: Adobe Lighroom, Photoshop.
Lighting equipment: Reflector.
UW: Dale Kobetich surf housing w. various ports, Ewa-Marine U-BXP.
I started with a Canon XT and kit lens. First lens I bought was a Sigma 70-300mm, then a Canon 50mm/1.8.
Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?
From life.
Underwater photography seems so ethereal, how does it feel stepping into liquid to shoot?
Just like any day you'd be going for a swim.
What would you say is more important Good Knowledge/Good Equipment?
Neither, though both are helpful. Having an 'eye,' a creative sensitivity, and visual aesthetic for finding and making compelling photos is more important, in my opinion.
How would you describe your style?
Light-hearted, warm, vivid.
How important is Photoshop in your final images?
I colour correct everything I do with Adobe Lightroom. I prefer to stay away from PS just because it's not as efficient and I do not manipulate my photos unless absolutely necessary.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Imperfection, intelligence, interaction.
What turns you off?
Rude people.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Chef … gotta live up to the name.
What profession would you not like to do?
Anything to do with mathematics.
What is the most challenging part of your photography?
Replying to emails, ha ha.
Every great photographer has a particular love for photographing a particular subject matter, whether its nature, portraits, sea, or landscapes, shadow and light etc; what images are you obsessed with in the magical world of photography?
People interacting with the sea. I love shooting underwater because it's unpredictable and you have to take whatever it gives you and make the best of it.
Where do you feel art is going? What is the role of the artist in society? What is the place of your work in society?
This age, it seems all about copying, adapting, and remixing what's been done before especially since art, photo, video is so accessible and it's so easy to publish through platforms like tumblr, flickr, facebook, vimeo, etc. Love it and hate it at the same time. The goal is to create with intent because one inevitably shares their politic on aspects of society in their work. My aim in making photos is to accentuate what makes life beautiful through whatever genre I shoot.
When you make a photograph have you ever wanted to live it in when it was done?
Sure, but more importantly, the goal is to make my audience want that.
How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?
I'm not an emotional person.
Do you see yourself changing the face of art, like for example Michelangelo?
My aim is just to do what I love doing and share it with whoever wants to see it. 'Changing the face of art,' fame, recognition, etc should be by-products of something one is passionate about.
Why is your work so pretty?
I like to find 'pretty,' not create it. It's just been something I tend to seek out and observe in every day life.
Do You Have A Favourite Walk Around Lens...If So What Is It?
50mm/1.4
Your photos have a cinematic quality; can you see you yourself pursuing a filming career?
Currently finishing out my final year in uni for film production with an emphasis in cinematography. I prefer photography much more so I plan to integrate it with documentary/multimedia work in the future.
Before you put your work "out there"; do you have it critiqued by someone else, [o]r do you just go with what your heart tells you is right?
I just do what feels right. Sometimes I'll ask a friend but they're always way too nice.
You must have supportive parents or maybe I am wrong?
Yes, I owe them heaps. They've let me pursue this passion since I started and have been supportive along the way.
Some quick questions
I’ve learnt most from...
Having to do things on my own.
What talent would you most like to have?
Wit.
Something you’re still learning?
The game of life.
What and who is the greatest love of your life?
Jesus.
What is your greatest fear?
Being 'stuck.'
Something that is overrated?
Photography.
Something you’re saving up for?
Travel.
If you could have dinner with anyone famous, who would it be?
Can't think of anyone in particular.
Favourite film of all time?
Punch-drunk Love.
What five words would your friends use to describe you?
Easy-going, creative, dependable, perceptive, quiet.
The birth of internet has allowed for the world to appear smaller, what do you love or hate about the internet?
Information overload. There's a lot more to compete with but it's been such a great way to connect with people and long-lost friends, so gotta love it.
Youtube is taking the world by storm; your channel has some interesting videos, do you intend to promote further work there?
No, I don't plan on it.
If I offered you £100 million pounds to stop your photography, would you accept?
Yes. There are plenty of other things I could find myself doing.
What are you future aspirations?
Document the lives of water people around the world.
What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
:)
Anything in the water. This is the simple response one gets when asking Sarah Lee what she wants to shoot. This laid-back and non-chalant water baby was born and raised in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’I, most of it living on a Kona coffee farm (though she prefers tea over coffee). At 21 years old, she has been doing photography for the past 6 years and is primarily self-taught. Her passion emerged for underwater and surf photography because of her years in competitive swimming, beating all the boys in butterfly and long-distance, and later surfing in her teens. Even when the waves are pumping, her passion lies behind the camera, capturing lifestyle, underwater, and surf photos. Her Hawaii roots give her a light-hearted and care free attitude which are evident in her photos and she has the ability to keep things casual while magnifying the best in what surrounds her. In the future, she hopes to use her talent to document ocean, travel and water people whose stories need to be told.
You are only 21 years old and are creating masterpieces, what drives you?
It's just something that I love to do.
What do you think is the most important influence in your art?
The immediacy of what's unfolding in front of me and the impressions I get from the people/nature around me at that moment.
Do you work certain hours each day or only when you are inspired to work?
I don't do this for a living, so it's only been when I can cruise with the friends I like to shoot or when commissioned for weddings/portraits. For surf/uw, it's when the conditions are right.
Are you a self taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?
Self-taught through trial & error and adapting what I've learned from film/tv classes during my high school/college years. I've had plenty of supportive friends/teachers but no one in particular that has served as a mentor.
How do you capture the beauty of surfing, waves and water so well?
I grew up swimming and in the ocean so I feel like it's just a part of who I am and what I know.
Looking on your website you also shoot: weddings, musicians, children, maternity, and the list goes on; how come you’re so versatile?
I've just taken whatever photography opportunities I can get. It's always fun to try new genres of photography. Anything is worth a try and from that, at least I'll learn whether I can do them well or not.
How do you decide on locations & subjects?
I like to seek out locations that are unique and 'off the beaten track.' I(Though in Hawai'i, that's pretty much everywhere). I like to stick with outdoors and natural light situations around sunrise or sunset. The majority of people in my best photos are of close friends. I feel like the more time with spend with someone, the better I am at capturing who they are.
In general, during a session, how many pictures would you say you take to find "the right one"?
Really depends. Portraiture, I'll keep about 30% of the photos I take. Underwater, it's 10% or less … just because it's so unpredictable. There's usually about 1-5 photos that 'feel right' in each session.
What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?
Genuine interactions with people inspire me, being in the ocean during sunrise really moves me, and the lack of conscientiousness and respect for one other and the environment that some people have is what upsets me most.
What kind of camera/software/lighting equipment do you use now, and what did you start with?
Camera gear: Canon 7d, Canon 15mm/2.8, 24mm/1.4, 50mm/1.4, 85mm/1.8, Lensbaby Composer.
Software: Adobe Lighroom, Photoshop.
Lighting equipment: Reflector.
UW: Dale Kobetich surf housing w. various ports, Ewa-Marine U-BXP.
I started with a Canon XT and kit lens. First lens I bought was a Sigma 70-300mm, then a Canon 50mm/1.8.
Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?
From life.
Underwater photography seems so ethereal, how does it feel stepping into liquid to shoot?
Just like any day you'd be going for a swim.
What would you say is more important Good Knowledge/Good Equipment?
Neither, though both are helpful. Having an 'eye,' a creative sensitivity, and visual aesthetic for finding and making compelling photos is more important, in my opinion.
How would you describe your style?
Light-hearted, warm, vivid.
How important is Photoshop in your final images?
I colour correct everything I do with Adobe Lightroom. I prefer to stay away from PS just because it's not as efficient and I do not manipulate my photos unless absolutely necessary.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Imperfection, intelligence, interaction.
What turns you off?
Rude people.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Chef … gotta live up to the name.
What profession would you not like to do?
Anything to do with mathematics.
What is the most challenging part of your photography?
Replying to emails, ha ha.
Every great photographer has a particular love for photographing a particular subject matter, whether its nature, portraits, sea, or landscapes, shadow and light etc; what images are you obsessed with in the magical world of photography?
People interacting with the sea. I love shooting underwater because it's unpredictable and you have to take whatever it gives you and make the best of it.
Where do you feel art is going? What is the role of the artist in society? What is the place of your work in society?
This age, it seems all about copying, adapting, and remixing what's been done before especially since art, photo, video is so accessible and it's so easy to publish through platforms like tumblr, flickr, facebook, vimeo, etc. Love it and hate it at the same time. The goal is to create with intent because one inevitably shares their politic on aspects of society in their work. My aim in making photos is to accentuate what makes life beautiful through whatever genre I shoot.
When you make a photograph have you ever wanted to live it in when it was done?
Sure, but more importantly, the goal is to make my audience want that.
How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?
I'm not an emotional person.
Do you see yourself changing the face of art, like for example Michelangelo?
My aim is just to do what I love doing and share it with whoever wants to see it. 'Changing the face of art,' fame, recognition, etc should be by-products of something one is passionate about.
Why is your work so pretty?
I like to find 'pretty,' not create it. It's just been something I tend to seek out and observe in every day life.
Do You Have A Favourite Walk Around Lens...If So What Is It?
50mm/1.4
Your photos have a cinematic quality; can you see you yourself pursuing a filming career?
Currently finishing out my final year in uni for film production with an emphasis in cinematography. I prefer photography much more so I plan to integrate it with documentary/multimedia work in the future.
Before you put your work "out there"; do you have it critiqued by someone else, [o]r do you just go with what your heart tells you is right?
I just do what feels right. Sometimes I'll ask a friend but they're always way too nice.
You must have supportive parents or maybe I am wrong?
Yes, I owe them heaps. They've let me pursue this passion since I started and have been supportive along the way.
Some quick questions
I’ve learnt most from...
Having to do things on my own.
What talent would you most like to have?
Wit.
Something you’re still learning?
The game of life.
What and who is the greatest love of your life?
Jesus.
What is your greatest fear?
Being 'stuck.'
Something that is overrated?
Photography.
Something you’re saving up for?
Travel.
If you could have dinner with anyone famous, who would it be?
Can't think of anyone in particular.
Favourite film of all time?
Punch-drunk Love.
What five words would your friends use to describe you?
Easy-going, creative, dependable, perceptive, quiet.
The birth of internet has allowed for the world to appear smaller, what do you love or hate about the internet?
Information overload. There's a lot more to compete with but it's been such a great way to connect with people and long-lost friends, so gotta love it.
Youtube is taking the world by storm; your channel has some interesting videos, do you intend to promote further work there?
No, I don't plan on it.
If I offered you £100 million pounds to stop your photography, would you accept?
Yes. There are plenty of other things I could find myself doing.
What are you future aspirations?
Document the lives of water people around the world.
What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
:)