Meet Sarah Marie Spectrum | Cosplay & Fantasy Fine Art Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Marie Spectrum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Marie, is there something you believe many others might not?
You have to be a morning person to be successful. There is a lot of shade around people who love the night. Success doesn’t have to belong to people who wake up at 5 AM. Some of the most creative, brilliant, world-changing humans are night owls. Some are midday sprinters. Some wake up at sunrise; others wake up at noon. When you find the process that works best for you, embrace it. The night is when I make some of my best work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in storytelling, imagination, and empowerment. I’m an international cosplay and fantasy fine art photographer, but more than that, I’m a translator of the unseen. I help people bring their inner worlds to life. I grew up inspired by fierce women like Black Widow and epic journeys like The Lord of the Rings, and those influences shaped my belief that art is not just decoration… it’s a mirror, a shield, and sometimes a sword.

What sets my work apart is the emotional depth behind every image. I don’t just photograph characters; I capture the transformation that happens when someone steps into the version of themselves they’ve always felt inside. My style blends cinematic composition, vibrant color storytelling, and a deep respect for the person in front of my lens. People don’t just see a photo. They see their own power reflected back at them.

I’m most proud of the moments when a client cries seeing their final image, or messages me saying, “I’ve never felt so seen.” That’s the magic. The art is the final image, yes, but the experience is the true masterpiece.

Getting here was not easy. I faced the same obstacles many artists face: financial instability, self-doubt, rejection, the pressure to choose a “safe” path. What helped me overcome it was the refusal to shrink. I learned to take up space. I learned that passion is nothing without resilience, and dreams need both imagination and structure.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned?

1. Your story is your superpower.
People connect to truth, not perfection.

2. Creativity is courage.
Every time you share your art, you’re choosing bravery over comfort.

3. There is no timeline for success.
Some flowers bloom in spring. Others bloom at night. Both are valid.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is simple: I’m here to help people unleash the part of themselves they’ve hidden. Whether that’s through fantasy photography, artistic storytelling, or transformational creative experiences. My brand is built on passion, empowerment, and the belief that imagination can heal, liberate, and unite people.

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.
I’d take them to Twice Sold Tales, an incredible used bookstore in the Capitol Hill neighborhood that has six live in cats. It’s the ultimate place for the bookworm who loves cats. I’d also take them to Pike Place Market where they could enjoy good food and visit a lot of vendors. It is a very touristy place, but it still worth a visit!

Since we’d have a week together, I’d also take them on one of the ferries out to the islands where we could go explore. Each island has a unique vibe with fun places to adventure to or nature to visit.

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?
The many mentors along the way in both my personal life and academic. People who believed in me when I grew up with nothing. They are why I always aim to give back and believe in others.

Website: https://www.sarahmariespectrum.com/

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

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahmariespectrum

Image Credits
Personal pic: Evolve Photo Studio
Others: Myself (Sarah Marie Spectrum)