Words From The Girls Behind The Lens: Sarah Zanon

Cliché question first - how did you get started with photography. 

Ever since I was young, I always found cameras so intriguing. I’d bring my point and shoot with me absolutely everywhere, photographing landscapes and my friends. I fell in love with the art of capturing a fleeting moment. When I was 15 I bought my first DSLR…and I guess the rest is history.

In what does photographing buildings and objects differ from photographing people? And which one do you prefer? 

I find that I am most fascinated with architectural photography when I am travelling.  However, I prefer the intimacy of photographing people much more. I think it’s so interesting to capture someone’s character, or to create one with the person in front of the lens.

What photographers have inspired you the most throughout your career? 

To name a few: Dennis Stock, Vivian Maier, Eve Arnold, Neil Krug and more recently Petra Collins.

How does your role as a graphic designer influence your work as a photographer?  

I love integrating the two art forms. For example – for my thesis in the last year of my undergrad at OCAD University, I created a photo narrative with stories I wrote and then designed the book. It was a passion project that I was lucky enough to be able to almost spend a full school year working on. I love writing, and I love creating personal projects. Being a graphic designer opens up a whole new realm for me to play with my photos.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? 

Five years doesn’t sound that far away, but if you were to ask me this exact question five years ago (I had just completed high school), I wouldn’t have guessed I’d be where I am today. In five years I hope to be as happy as I am right now. I would like to see that my career in film grows and I have established myself in the industry as a graphic designer and as well as a stills photographer. The great thing about being an artist is that you never know what opportunities will arise and how your career path will change. I’m excited for the future. It’s a good life.