Sarak Zak on Creativity and building trust with models
Do you ever look at a photographer's images and think “I bet they would be a cool person to have a beer with”? That’s what I thought then I came across Sarah Zak’s portfolio. It has a raw, edgy vibe which leaves me to believe she skips the small talk and delves right into the juicy conversations — I had to invite her for an interview.
Often, when a photographer photographs beautiful women, the attractiveness of the subject can take away from the creativity that went into making the frame. To counter this, photographers have to push a little harder to ensure their skill set is appreciated, and that people don’t solely view them as someone who photographs pretty girls.
When I saw Zak’s work, my initial reaction was “these photographs are f*cking cool!” The appearance of the subject carried little importance. Her use of flash and the way she poses her models really stood out to me, as did the way she implements double exposures throughout her portfolio.
Zak is best known for her ongoing series Sarahlikesprettygirls. And while her subjects are certainly pretty, I think more alluring is how she photographs women from the perspective of the female gaze. While some of her work is certainly provocative, it manages to remain tasteful and it allows you to appreciate a woman's body, without it being overly risqué.
That’s not an easy thing to do, and it takes a certain type of personality to create in the manner Zak does. The way she works and what she creates led me to want to know more about the woman behind the camera.
With that, how about that beer…
Them Frames: Hey Sarah! Please start by telling us a little about your personality and how it influences the way you create photographs…
Sarah Zak: Hey! Well I would think that I’m a pretty self confident and curious person, traveling a lot but getting bored easily. I'm always on the run searching for the next inspiring place . It's definitely a big part of my life and that's where I find a lot of inspiration in nature. Plants, sand, the jungle, food, it all creates pictures in my head that I then try to take with a model.
I do like walking up to girls I see randomly on the streets or elsewhere and just ask if they'd like to shoot with me. Usually most of them are up for it. I know that I have this energy when speaking to strangers and earn their trust pretty fast. So that always helped.
Them Frames: On the topic of your “Flash” gallery I love the multiple exposures and abstract poses with multiple models; what helps you get those creative ideas and how do you find the process of bringing them to life?
Sarah Zak: That's funny because the multiple exposure ones you refer to were actually an accident. The camera just rewinded the film without me noticing it. But I love the results too and I'm glad it happened.
My ideas start developing mostly when I start shooting. Once I see the location and the model, images start appearing in my head and I just try to recreate it. Honestly that's one of the best feelings in the world to have an exact pose or image in my head and then I actually get the exact same picture on film.
Them Frames: You’re also a makeup artist. Please tell us; how does being a makeup artist make you a better photographer and how does being a photographer make you a better makeup artist?
Sarah Zak: It actually really helps because I see things that other photographers might not see like when the hair is out of place and so on. The models really appreciate me taking care of that too.
Them Frames: What qualities do you feel you have that help build trust with your models?
Sarah Zak: First of all I'm a woman. There is way more trust from the beginning when a woman asks you to shoot nudes compared to a man I think. From what I heard most male photographers are actually hitting on the models either during or after the shoot. Which is sad. I communicate from the beginning how the shoot will go, what to expect and that I'll direct them through it. I have a lot of respect for each person who’s in front of my camera and I'm pretty sure they can feel that.
Them Frames: A new photographer approaches you and asks you about a camera: With the ease of digital how do you sell them the analog dream in 2023?
Sarah Zak: I don't even think I'd have to sell the analog dream, it’s def coming back. I have many friends that get a point-and-shoot camera and start taking snapshots with it which I love to see.
Them Frames: Bit of a weird one: if you were stuck in an empty, windowless room with just a camera and a roll of film; how would you use those 36 frames?
Sarah Zak: If there would be any artificial light I would start taking pictures of my body parts I guess. I'm obsessed with symmetry so I would see which corner of the room would give me a good base and then try to get a nice shot with what I have.
Them Frames: Sarahlikesprettygirls: Please tell us about this series and why you are creating it…
Sarah Zak: I started shooting my models when I was doing hair and makeup for fashion shoots in Berlin. When I got my first roll developed I was like : woah! This is actually great! After that I just couldn’t stop.
I definitely became addicted to it and by now I’ve shot with hundreds of girls all over the world. I’m trying to step away a bit and try other things too like artist portraits and documentary photography, but I think Sarahlikesprettygirls will always be my main project.
Them Frames: Can you please share a song that you feel best compliments your photography…
Sarah Zak: Girls girls girls Motley Crue ;)
Them Frames: Finally, finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Sarah Zak: It fulfills me and I'm able to make others happy. That’s all I want.
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