Sara Cath: A Colorful World

When people think of Los Angeles, sure you think of it being colorful in the sense of blue skies and golden-lit beaches. When you see Sara's photos, however, your imagination spins into a dimension of pure happiness and beauty. Her eye for color and capturing her friends within this world makes for a special frame every time.

How did you get started in photography?

From a very young age, I've had a strong curiosity about the camera. I would take photos on any camera I could get my hands on. As I grew older, I was given the opportunity to own my first real camera and it all just took off from there. I started documenting my days, shooting events and then shooting portraits of my friends, which I found to be most fulfilling. At one point, I had 20,000 photos stocked up in my computer at age 13. Needless to say, I was nuts about photos and still am to this day.

If you had 20,000 images at 13 - how many do you have now?

Granted, 20,000 images at 13 is outrageous. However, I've learned since then that patience and consideration is important in photography. I find that I capture the best image when I take a moment to truly experience what I'm shooting rather than pointing my camera at things hoping to "get the shot." Ya live & ya learn!

Did you grow up in L.A?

Los Angeles has provided me the inspiration, the push, the pull and the community to do what I love. I've spent eight years of my childhood in this city and I can say that it has given me a dynamic range of experiences. I wouldn't be where I am today without the courage to hop out of bed every morning and give this city my best.

How does this area influence your work and your life?

Living in Los Angeles gives me this uniquely odd combination of fear and hope. I often live and create fearlessly (or perhaps I tell myself so!) and I think the bustle of L.A has taught me that exercise. As a young artist, it's especially exciting to have the opportunity to grow in a city of wacky circumstances, scenery and people. I am very lucky and I believe my work reflects all of it.

You said you’ve spent eight years of your childhood in L.A - where were you before that?

Believe it or not, I spent the other half of my childhood rebelling in Florida. There's a lot to be said for feeling like a fish out of water during your early development. It allowed me to create art from parts of myself I wouldn't be able to access if I had grown up in an artistic community my whole life. I thank Florida for my bubbling passion and fondness of the city I live in.

When did your obsession with color begin?

As a child, I was given the freedom to choose how I decorated my room, dressed myself and, essentially, how I presented myself to world. Of course at such a young age, a majority of my decisions were made organically, with little to no thought. I would often choose a neon print over anything in a store and often want to bring home a brightly colored stuffed animal. I can't say I've always strived to make my life as colorful as possible, but I've been in cahoots with color since a young age.

What about shooting portraits feels most fulfilling to you?

To me, shooting portraiture is a dance. The subject moves a certain way, comfortably or uncomfortably and the photographer adjusts or eases the subject to capture those steps. It's sometimes challenging, sometimes organic and always fulfilling. By placing those I love in brightly colored environments, I aim to express the balance between light and dark in all of us. There will be good and bad days, sometimes a little in between. Colorful portraiture says all of those things to me.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Finding inspiration is closely related to how often I connect with others. I've lately found the people around me to be the most inspiring. I believe all art is a collaboration with your surroundings. As Donne wrote, "No man is an island," (or woman, should we now say!).

Are you currently studying art in school?

I am simply living as an artist and photographer. I intend to further study the arts in a school setting but for now, I live every day for what I can learn about my craft and those around me.

At the moment, what are your goals for the future?

My goal for the future is to wake up knowing I've contributed to something bigger than myself. If my work makes one person feel better every day, I am achieving my goal. We all live this life together and the most important thing is to lend a hand through art. Every other goal of mine is secondary.

If you had to choose, what is your favorite color?

I find that my favorite color changes throughout the waves of my life. However, since I have to choose right now, purple is my favorite color. It represents the state of a passionate "in between." I am in that in between stage in my life right now and try to boldly move forward with the utmost honesty every day.