Meet Stanton Sharpe | Documentary Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stanton Sharpe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stanton, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In my early 20’s, work was my number one, if not only, priority. I was always racing to get somewhere I couldn’t even define, and instead of taking a step back and prioritizing, I decided to double down on work. Eventually, I hit a point of burn out. I think a lot of my workaholic tendencies in the first few years of my career stemmed from a fear of being left behind or being the only one in my peer group who hadn’t “made it”. With time I’ve come to realize that the idea of making it is a complete fallacy (it took personal experience to truly understand this no matter how many more experienced and wiser colleagues warned me of this very same thing).

When I was younger, I was always searching for a guaranteed formula for success, but really you have to create your own path in your individual journey. Life is messy, it’s hard, you lose most the time, but you continue to get back up and keep trying, even if everyone’s given up on you or forgotten about you. I wish I understood when I was younger that no amount of hard work will protect you from failure, shortcomings, or heartbreak. The earlier we embrace that, the more quickly we can find peace and happiness in life.

Since I began embracing the uncertainties of life, I have not only been much happier and at peace, but I am also more focused, healthy and productive. I’m now able to prioritize my life which in turn has allowed me to be a more effective worker, and, more importantly, a kinder person.

I still have a lot of goals in life that I aim to achieve, but I’ve chosen to no longer let those goals define me or delay my happiness until I’ve achieved them. And that’s made life a lot more interesting, romantic, fun and worthwhile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a documentary photographer and photojournalist. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to build relationships with people around the world, gain a stronger understanding of human nature, and find humanity’s commonalities. I started photographing after college, and I fell in love with it as it was the perfect excuse to explore and be creative.

Photographing has always been enjoyable for me. Making it a career has been very challenging yet unimaginably rewarding. I think that overcoming the challenges in my career were mostly centered around faith and taking the necessary risks to grow. It’s a long journey that is nowhere near complete for me, and I’m excited for the challenges and stories ahead.

I hope that people who see my work can get a deeper understanding of the stories I am covering and situations in the world that so often go unseen. Most importantly, I hope that the people I am photographing feel properly heard, and that those who see my stories can find empathy for others who’s lives are so far removed from their own.

Lastly, I hope that my work inspires people to go do that thing that makes them tick.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have no idea how I would plan out a week long itinerary for a friend, but here are some things that I’ve enjoyed with my friends over the years:

-Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica: First thing I’d do is take my friends to Rae’s for breakfast. For some reason it is the only place where it feels acceptable to get a chocolate shake with your breakfast, and it’s so good.
-Surfing in Malibu and Lily’s Cafe afterwards: I love the breakfast burritos here, especially after surfing.
-Hinano Cafe: Having a couple beers and burgers here while playing pool is one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon in LA.
-Go to a show/concert. I can’t wait to go a show after Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Some of my favorite shows I’ve seen were at The Satellite, The Wiltern, and The Roxy. There are so many good places for music in LA though, and I miss them all.
-Bar hop from West Hollywood and make your way east towards Downtown. There are so many great places along that route to get a drink with friends, and it’s always a good time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout to all my friends and loved ones who have always supported me and been there for me and to the special people who have reminded me to believe in myself. I think those people know who they are.

Website: https://www.stantonsharpephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stantonsharpe/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanton-sharpe-5277864b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stantonsharpe?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StantonSharpePhotography/