In conversation with Sarah Eiseman

It’s interesting to discover how an object can have such an impact in so many ways into people’s life. For Sarah, her camera is her way to return in the past and to capture moments that she wants to last forever.

Where does your passion for photography come from?
I think my passion from photography just comes from being alive and wanting to capture that essence and somehow make it live forever. When I was little, we could only afford disposable cameras and I remember loving the surprise of what came out when we went to go pick them up. I guess now for me it’s just a repeated nostalgia. Reliving little moments over and over again.

Do you remember your first image?
Haha, I’m pretty sure my first image was a set of my favorite stuffed animals from a disposable camera. However, my first image as a young adult was one of my grandfather and grandmother, shot on a little point and shoot… I still look at it all the time.

How would you describe your own work?
I would describe my work as ever-changing. I sometimes try to define it as “real” or “dreamy” but the thing is, just as I change, so does my photography. It is always evolving with my being and my emotions… just as I believe it should.

As we can see, there are a lot of your photographs that portrays magical scenes. Can you explain what are you attending to demonstrate?
I love shooting photos that could be described as magical. In my head, most of the days I’m still 7 years old Sarah. When I shoot pictures like this, I’m just trying to show how much magic is still alive. I think over time, people think you have to grow up and forget about the magic. I like to make constant reminders that – that just is not true.

Tell us what you love about your current home.
Currently, I live in Austin, Texas. I love it because it is a never-ending source of inspiration. Whether it is beautiful poets reading spoken word, magical trails to hike and friends to hike them with, or just all kinds of beautiful people who are vibe-ing with life. I love being inspired from the second I walk out my door. Austin is certainly a gem. I was supposed to be here three months… and I have been here three years :)

Where would you like to explore next?
Well, next year my boyfriend and I are buying a van and we will be traveling the United States with no agenda but to adventure and take photos. That is the next adventure dream on my list. Beyond that, I want to explore Norway and Iceland.

What do you think of the new craze around photography?
I love the new craze around photography. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to filter through. However, never have I seen a time where more inspiration from so many artists is literally at the tip of your fingertips. I think that we are coming into an age where people are wanting to express themselves more .. and photography is definitely one of the easiest ways to do that. I am happy with it and it’s accessibility through the internet because it really gives us all motivation and the ability to see and be inspired by other artists all around the world.

Sarah Eiseman

Interviewed by Sonia Staali