Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah McDonald.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been making art since I can remember, but I don’t think I’ve really considered myself an artist until recently. I have been a photographer for about 5 years give or take. I started when I was young just walking around taking photos of nature and self-portraits–– basically the only thing that’s changed from then is that I feel more comfortable taking photos of other people now instead of myself. In my hometown I was/am known more for taking senior/family photos and weddings and things like that, but living in Chicago has opened me up to some more creative avenues exploring fashion and fine art sides of photography.
After a while, behind the camera, I thought it would be an interesting change to be in front of it for a while, so I found a lovely agency here downtown (MP Factor) that would have me as a model. I’ve been loving it so far but I’m fairly new at it so there is still so much to learn, which is what makes it exciting.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everyone has their own set of obstacles and challenges in their lives and I am no exception. I grew up surrounded by many creative people, but even that doesn’t guarantee opportunity. I was raised by a single mother who did her best to provide for me but I also had to work really hard to get to where I am.
I became very independent at a young age and have been working way up and learning as much as possible so that I could move to the city and find my own opportunities there when I was old enough to go out on my own. Here I am now! The plan is working pretty well so far.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am most known for my portrait photography, specializing in more fashion oriented photos but have been branching out lately to try new things with my work. I am most proud of a shoot I did several years ago where I went into my local American Legion, set up my photo equipment, and took portraits of the patrons there. I got to know a lot of the people pretty well and hearing their stories was amazing, I wouldn’t trade that experience for a thing.
Since then, when I shoot with people I feel like I definitely prioritize getting to know my subjects before and during a shoot. It is very important to me to have their personality show through in the photos. It isn’t worth it to me to have a beautiful shot but no personality or story behind the eyes. I want my subjects to be comfortable and confident and feel good about the photos I take of them more than I care about forcing people to fit my own artistic vision.
As a model, I approach photo-shoots in similar ways. I think it is always important to have a connection and be comfortable with the people you are working with to be able to make great art. That’s all art really is anyway- communication.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I was always running around outside. I spent a lot of time in the mountains of New Mexico exploring, finding animals to play with and swimming in rivers. I have always loved nature and the southwest is a huge part of my life and is still where I would consider my home even after moving to the Midwest. My indoor life was more shaped by video games and movies. I grew up watching a lot of Pee Wee’s Playhouse and The Young Ones and The Labyrinth which shaped my personality and fed my creativity a lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarah-mcdonald-6mbl.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmcdonaldofficial/
Image Credit:
Jamie Berg, Lexi Cantanvespi
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