Interview: Photographer Sara lee (Netherlands)
Tell us something about yourself
Im Sara Lee Westmaas, born and grow up in Brazil, but living in the Netherlands for 5 years now!
How and when did you get into photography?
I started in photography at my artistic production company I had in São Paulo. We worked with musicians and models, and sometimes I assist our a photographer. So I began to interest and photograph, soon I started working for a magazine as a collaborator. I was sure that I would like to be even a photographer after making a report on albinism which increased my interest in the art of seeing people in other ways, portraying a reality or creating a fantasy.
What does photography mean to you?
For me it represents a lot, with it I can express myself many times without needing to say a word, I feel good and happy when I'm photographing and I'm happier even when the people involved also have at least some moment their life changed to the positive side through image
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I love photographing portraits and Fashion and I have had good experiences photographing weddings
Where do you get inspiration from?
I really like magazines and I collect fashions magazines from all over the world.
But when it comes to photographing if it is not commercial I am very inspired by the person being photographed and what she is integrating for me, I think people and their diversities are my greatest source of inspiration
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
Many times yes, but most of the time ideas are coming up during the shoot.
Studio, on location or both?
My preference is for sure on location , but there is often a need to use the studio, especially during the winter time !
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Im a profissional photographer ,thats my full time job !
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
The personality of the people photographed, was my great source of inspiration
What has been your most memorable session and why?
The serie Mother and daughter made me want to become a photographer. With that I started appreciating the beauty of being different! I held my first exhibition in Italy and then in the Netherlands. It was wonderful and, personally, the best part of everything was the life story of the little albina girl and her family. During the clicks I followed them for almost one month to complete the serie and that was when I decided to pursue photography as a career. Now It has been 7 years since the beginning of my happy photography journey ,thats my memorable session ever !
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I love my Nikon D750 and the lens 85mm.14 and the 24mm 2.8
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Invest in more knowledge than equipment
I photograph with love and if you treat the photographed well, they will speak well of you and can become fixed clients, I have many clients that I photograph since I started to photograph !
What do you think of our new magazine?
I really liked the style and content of the magazine, and also the initiative to give opportunities for several talents in different nationalities, I'm a fan of diversity so I really enjoyed the magazine
Instagram :@sara westmaas
The model in the pictures : Rutger Diepstra
Instagram : @rutgerlvdiepstra
