Sarah Axsom
Please introduce and share a little about yourself.
Hi, I'm Sarah, a freelance photographer living in sunny San Diego. I specialize in surfing, lifestyle, and product photography. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology and Human Development, which has proved invaluable to the work I do today. You can find me surfing, baking, or working on various half-finished art projects when I'm not behind the lens.
When did you first pick up a camera, and when did you know it was more than a hobby?
The first camera I remember having a love affair with is a Canon Rebel 35mm, which my Mom handed me when I was about ten. I still shoot on this camera religiously; the history of it only makes it more special to me. I always dreamed of working as a professional photographer, but it seemed out of reach once I graduated college. The unexpected pause brought on by the COVID-19 quarantine granted me the opportunity and environment to translate my aspirations into action, turning my dream into a tangible reality. I founded my company, Out of Focus Photography, and haven't looked back since.
What do you love most about photography?
Ah, there are so many things! What I love most is the ability to capture people in a light they aren't able to see themselves in often. Photos can be incredibly empowering, especially in a surf scenario where some people have never seen themselves doing the thing they love most. Capturing the beauty I see in other people and being able to show it to them will never get old.
Why is photography important, and what are your goals for being a photographer?
Photographs encapsulate fleeting moments suspended in time, granting us the priceless ability to revisit and relive those memories. As time progresses and these moments, individuals, and periods evolve, photographs serve as reminders of the impermanence of life.
My goal as a photographer is to follow where this burning love for artistic expression takes me. If that all worked out the way it does in my head, I'd be shooting for Billabong somewhere tropical and never have to wear shoes again. But for now, I want to continue capturing beauty, creating impact, and, most of all, telling stories.
Where do you find inspiration, and what are some things that influence your work?
Much of my inspiration stems from my surroundings. During COVID-19, I focused closely on food photography, as my surroundings were limited to the four walls of my home. Since being freed back into the world, I spend most of my time at and around the beach, which has given way to my obsession with surf photography. Collaborating with others has recently expanded my interest and fueled inspiration for new projects and ideas. Working alongside other creatives has opened doors for me to contemporary styles, products, locations, and, most importantly, relationships.
What is the best thing about being a photographer based in San Diego?
Being a photographer in San Diego comes with the advantages of diverse locations, favorable weather, cultural richness, and a strong photography community. But the best thing overall is the community of creatives and the opportunities that arise when we band together to make connections. Networking events, workshops, and surf retreats provide opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate, and learn from one another's unique perspectives. These opportunities have brought me so much more than new work and ideas but also new lifelong friends.
