Meet Sophie Pokorny

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

Hi Sophie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I started in the photography industry right out of college, I was obsessed with finding work in my field. I almost felt like I had to prove to myself that this degree was worth it. I would take any job as long as it was photo related, in an effort to establish myself in the career. I was happy doing that for a while. I worked a variety of jobs anywhere from commercial product photography, high school senior photos, and real estate photography. I eventually became, and still am a remote retoucher for a small portrait studio in Chicago.

Although it was incredibly interesting and educational to hold so many different positions in the photo industry, I was working non-stop with little time for myself. I took a hiatus from creating personal work that I loved and could connect to for almost three or four years. I started getting burnt out from being an assistant or saying yes to every job that came my way.

Around a two years ago, I moved back to Los Angeles after living and working in Chicago for almost seven. I ended up taking an easy job that didn’t require me to think past those set working hours. It really helped reset my life and attitude towards my own work. I’m now able to set aside time to focus on my own practice and take separate photography jobs that align more with my vision as an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first fell in love with photography when I took an after school class at CalArts as a part of the Community Arts Partnership program. I remember sitting in my art history class in high school. Our teacher was encouraging us to take advantage of it since it was a free program on Saturdays. My friend begged that I go with him and if I didn’t like it after one Saturday, I could quit. I agreed, with the mindset that I’d probably quit since I didn’t want to lose a weekend day. The program taught us how to use 35mm cameras and how to develop and print black and white film. I had played around with only digital cameras before, with no understanding of how it worked but this felt completely different. I became obsessed. I ended up taking the class three years in a row. I was there so often that eventually a few select repeat students were given the privilege of learning how to make RA-4 prints and I’ve never looked back.

When I started applying to colleges, I knew early on that Columbia College Chicago was a perfect fit for me. I visited with my mom and when I saw their darkrooms, I knew that it was where I wanted to go. In looking back at my time at Columbia, I always tell people that I enjoyed the school so much because of the effort I put in. I threw myself into all of my classes and started working in their photography facilities and I made sure to take classes that were outside of my interests to test out all possible career fields. I really became a part of the community there and made life-long friends. I ended up graduating with a general Bachelors degree in Photography and a minor in Art History.

The one thing that continued to reaffirm my love for photography was the physical aspect. Although I use digital photography and retouching in my professional career, I primarily shoot both medium and large format film in my own fine art practice. I have never been able to connect to my digital images in the way I can with film. I think it’s the process of waiting in anticipation for what the image will look like to watching it appear on a piece of paper in the darkroom. It makes me feel like I’ve put real time and effort into the work I’m making and it teaches me to be intentional with the images I take.

On the other side, my professional career is very different than my personal practice. I’ve worked many types of photo industry jobs. I was hired straight out of college to work at a e-commerce photography warehouse. We basically used robots to “spin” products 360 degrees, very similar to what you may see on Amazon. Eventually I went on to take high school senior photos for seniors with Lifetouch and then I became a photo assistant and retoucher at a small portrait studio called Nicole Thomas Photography. I still work with them today in a remote capacity, but I learned a lot while I was there in person. Nicole taught me how to run a small but successful photo business. Even though I’m not in the business of personally taking family portraits and headshots, I’ve taken a lot of those business skills into my own practice on how to work with a variety of clients in a professional manner. Those skills have allowed me to confidently take on smaller side gigs. That’s the thing about the photography industry. You can learn a lot in school but when it comes down to it, some of the best education is learning by doing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite things about LA is the art scene so I’d probably take them to the Getty Center. It’s my favorite thing to do in LA and such a great way to impress people from out of town. You have all kinds of art, there’s something for everyone and the Getty has the best view of the city, in my opinion. I always think it’s fun to pack a little lunch, maybe compiled from some farmer’s market goods like fresh fruit and meats and cheeses. My local farmer’s market is the one in Studio City on Sundays.

I’d also take them up to Leo Cabrillo in Malibu. The trick is you drive past the first parking lot through the tunnel (if it isn’t flooded) to the beach at the very far end. Although if you like tide pools, the first beach has tons of little sea creatures living among the rocks. For lunch, my favorite places is Malibu Farm Cafe. Then you can take PCH all the way down to Santa Monica and Venice so you can see the full range of the Los Angeles beachside neighborhoods. I’d stop and walk around the canals in Venice and then pop over to The Win~Dow at American Beauty for a delicious burger.

But because I grew up in the Valley, we’d have to spend some time over there. My favorite hike is Fryman Canyon. It’s the perfect workout with beautiful views of the valley at the top of Tree People and then you circle back down through a nice neighborhood.

Some of my favorite food spots in the valley include Laurel Tavern on Ventura, which is a great place to meet some friends and have a drink after work. For a little more intimate setting, Oy Bar. It has delicious and unique food and often do collaborations with other LA restaurants or chefs. If you just want a nice glass of wine, there’s Spin the Bottle in Toluca Lake, which is my favorite neighborhood wine spot or Cosette in Studio City. It’s right next to Sugarfish or Uovo so you can have a quick drink and appetizers while you wait for a table.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am who I am because of my mom. She raised both my sister and I as a single mother and encouraged us to pursue our passions, which both happened to be art. I owe my artistic taste and drive all to her.

Website: https://www.sophiepokorny.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondlookers/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiepokorny/

Image Credits
Photographer: Sophie Pokorny