Meet Sarah Midkiff | Photographer & Director

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

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be completely honest, I had never thought about starting my own business until I already had. It came out of being curious and willing to take a chance on trying something new. I’d never photographed anyone or filmed anything with the intention of it being a career choice, artist outlet, or even a hobby. I started photographing bands as something fun to do while I was applying for “real jobs” that used the business degree I’d just completed. Even in business school, the subject of starting your own business didn’t come up very often. The focus was more on how to work for other people. Very quickly, I had far more opportunities to shoot bands and tour than I did 9-5 job offers, so I went with what was working and it kept growing. With each year, the opportunities got bigger and what I did started to look more like a business.

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 has spanned a few mediums over the years, but the focus of each has been storytelling. I love a good story. Whether it’s a documentary or a fictional narrative. I love anything that tells a compelling story or makes you feel like you stepped into a new world. I’m proud of my work when I feel like I’ve managed to tell a story in a way that feels sincere and vibrant.

I think every shoot or project is a lesson. Some are easier than others. I think treating every project as a learning opportunity is key to growing and setting yourself apart as a creative. There have been countless lessons along the way, but if I were to distill them down into what I think have been two of the biggest throughlines, it would be remaining curious and learning how to advocate for yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big fan of hiking, so I think a hike around Griffith Observatory or out near Malibu would be an absolute must. Mirate in Los Feliz is a great dinner spot. I also love any excuse to thrift or browse vintage spots. Los Feliz flea followed by coffee and browsing books at Stories is an elite combination for any weekend. I’ve been spending more time on the west side recently and have found a few new favorites like Bluey’s in Santa Monica as well as Endless Noise Coffee & Vinyl. They might not be new to everyone on the west side, but as someone who has spent most of their time on the east side, it’s one of the things I love about LA. There’s always another neighborhood!

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?
My parents without a doubt! They have been so endlessly encouraging and supportive. When I told them I wanted to get paid to go to shows, they told me to go for it. When I told them I wanted to move 3,000 miles away to New York City without a job because a few publications said they could give me some freelance work, they were excited for me and said that if I were to go broke at some point in my life, I should get it out of the way now while I’m young. They have always been there to celebrate when things go well and hear me out when I’ve taken big risks and worried about whether it would work out. I can’t imagine how my life let alone career would look if they weren’t the way they are.

Website: https://sarahmidkiff.com/

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

Image Credits
Sarah Midkiff