Sarah Elisabeth Blais is a photographer from Canada. She was published in Odd Magazine, Dress to Kill Magazine, and clients such as Carte Blanche Boutique, Obey Clothing and much more. Take a look to the interview.
Photodonuts -What can you say about your work?
Sarah Elisabeth Blais -It is what it is. I like to leave out one part of the planning in a shoot, as a strategy that forces innovation. Ever since my first art class I realized the difference between idealism and actuality. I’ve found a way to become very flexible within the guidelines, but still am able to see the beauty for what it is, not being blinded by what I want it to be. Getting a model and building a story around her rather then making her be something she is not…if everything is planned out you could miss out on something you would have never predicted.
P. -Since when do you do photography?
SB. -I have been shooting since I was 10 years old. My brother gave me my first lesson in shutter speed so I could shoot him wakeboarding with a zoom lens on a Minolta X100 SLR from the back of our boat. He also put Photoshop in my hands when I had a lot of spare time. I soaked it up and have been using it ever since, trial and error mixed with all the inspiration life has granted me has led me to a style that is always evolving.
P. -Do you work as an amateur or professional photographer, and have you completed training or have you learned by yourself?
SB. -I’m self taught, and have been shooting so many creatives over the past couple years – I was working with a couple partners for awhile under the name THIRTY9STEPS, after a Hitchcock Film poster I bought at a vintage store. The three of us have had some commissions here and there – so I suppose it’s professional. I took one course in fashion photography at school, but really it’s just using the devices repeatedly until they feel natural – then you understand the camera as a tool – an extension of your eye that can capture your perception.
P. -What gives you inspiration?
SB. -Hmm…Everything? I collect vintage magazines (Oui, Penthouse, Playboy, Twen etc.) so that has really inspired the way I see women with natural bodies etc. I spent a day once researching vintage doorknobs and keyholes – and another day researching vintage matchboxes from Japan. Right now I’m into where Jim Hensen got inspiration for the Dark Crystal characters & set – some irish and English folklores – the internet is filled with secrets if you’re prepared to feed your curiosity. The way the human brain works is my biggest inspiration – just how people perceive things and ultimately how that determines the way they think, feel, look, and live.
P. -Do you have projects in future in photography?
SB. -Yes, right now I’m working on something for POOR BUT SEXY magazine, and a few other magazines actually. I have many shoots I have not released due to life being a little busy – but they will come out eventually. It’s a competitive world with digital SLRS being so accessible now – I believe good people with original ideas will always find their way in this world though, just have to be persistent.
Thank you very much Sarah, we wish you the best!
