Meet Sarah Larson of Sarah Elizabeth Larson Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Larson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My passion for photography began with my family. I grew up in a family of writers, sculptors, painters, photographers and luthiers, so a strong interest in the arts came naturally to me. While getting my degree in Art History at Beloit College, I discovered the street photography of Helen Levitt. I drew a lot of inspiration from her work. After college, I worked full time at a flower shop where I worked off and on for seventeen years.

As a floral designer, I built my foundation of composition with color and form, skills that I incorporate into my photography to this day. I really began taking more pictures in 2011. I had totaled my car, which led to a lot of walking and using public transportation to get around, but it also led to a daily practice of taking photos. Taking my time to get somewhere and notice things really made me appreciate the small things and to be aware of details you might otherwise miss. I began to take my camera with me wherever I went, taking pictures of everyday life in and around the city.

My introduction to the Chicago comedy scene was through my old friend, and great Chicago comic, Blake Burkhart. About four years ago, he asked me to photograph one of his showcases, Around the Corner Comedy. I started shooting the show monthly and quickly learned that I had a passion for capturing live performance and comedy. A few months later, Conor Cawley reached out to me to photograph his showcase, Rat Pack Comedy at the Holiday Club.

I think that through photographing this show, not only did I learn a lot about shooting and editing, I also found my personal style. I have also shot for The Lincoln Lodge, Helltrap Nightmare, Strip Joker, Camp, Hoo Ha Comedy, Freakfest, Slide Show, Don’t Kid Yourself and many others.

Not only am I lucky to able to photograph these amazing comics on stage, I have so much fun doing it. If I haven’t been to a show at least once a week, I feel like something is missing from my life.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been ups and downs. Since I did not go to school for photography, there has been a lot of learning as I go along, a lot of trial by fire. I still learn something new every day, which is a large part of what keeps me going. When I look back at some of my earlier work photographing comedy shows, I can see a lot of growth. At the same time, I have received a lot of support from friends and family which has made this growth possible.

Trying to find what I actually want to do has been a challenge, but I am always open to trying new opportunities. For example, I’ve done weddings or flown in a helicopter to do aerial photography, but found that they were not exactly for me.

Right now, I am doing this as a part-time business, so balancing my passion with paying the bills is always a challenge. And because I am a shy person, it has also been hard to put myself out there and be totally confident in my work. With consistent practice, every day gets better and better.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sarah Elizabeth Larson Photography – what should we know?
The majority of my photography involves shooting different live comedy shows on a weekly basis and headshots for comedians and actors, which I do in my home studio. I have been photographing comedy in Chicago for almost four years and feel lucky to have been able to capture what is an exciting, vibrant and growing comedy scene. Some of the photos have even been published in The Reader and The Red Eye which is always exciting to see!

In addition, my father, Mark Larson, is writing a book on Chicago Theater called, Ensemble: A Oral History of Chicago Theater, for which he has conducted many interviews with Chicago actors, writers, and directors, including George Wendt, Tracy Letts, and Tim Kazurinsky. I have accompanied him on many of these interviews to take photographs for his presentations and publicity.

I also have had the opportunity to volunteer as a photographer on two medical mission trips with a non-profit organization called Global Spine Outreach (globalspineoutreach.org). It is a wonderful group of doctors and medical professionals who provide much needed spinal surgeries at no charge for children around the world. I had the opportunity to photograph their process in Cali, Colombia, in November 2015 and in Monterrey Mexico, in March 2017. I documented major spinal surgeries in the operating room, doctor-patient interactions, and the teamwork of an amazing team of doctors and volunteers.

The opportunity to capture the interaction and love between the doctors and patients, that occurs through the healing process, has been one of the greatest opportunities I’ve had in my life. The wide range of emotion on these trips, from gratitude to worry, from happiness and laughter to pain and struggle, have presented me with the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences that I’ve encountered as a photographer.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of my friends and family have been a huge support. The Chicago comedy scene has also been so amazing and supportive as well. I don’t think I would be so involved in photographing Chicago comedy if Blake Burkhart had never asked me to photograph his showcase. It’s because of him that I found something I love!

I am also very thankful to Conor Cawley and all of Rat Pack for having me on the team for the last three and a half years. There are so many other comics to name, but I appreciate everyone who has recommended me, credited me, or hired me to take their photos! I am also very thankful for Bridget Harden for including me in the Global Spine Outreach team. Those trips have definitely changed my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: SarahElizabethLarson.com
• Email: larson.sarah@gmail.com
• Instagram: @selfoto
• Facebook: Facebook.com/SarahElizabethLarsonPhotography

Image Credit:
Megan Stalter, Blake Burkhart, St James Jackson, Kahlil Wilson, Terence Hartnett, and Conor, Cawley of Rat Pack Comedy, Sarah Sherman, Nicky Martin as Ghouldini

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