Meet Sariel Elkaim: Photographer & Creative Director

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

Hi Sariel, why did you pursue a creative career?
One of the main reasons I have decided to pursue a creative career is because it is the only “job” I can see myself doing for a lifetime. I don’t view photography and marketing as a job, simply, because I love it so much. With photography, there is a constant desire to work, to photograph, and to create with others. I find it more fulfilling than waking up and going to a job that I have no real love or interest in doing. At the end of the day, I’ll always choose the opportunity to tell a story through photos.

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.
I guess the way to describe my art is portrait based photography with a play on color. The goal is to capture my subject in their truest and most personal form. I want their eyes to tell a story. After photographing, when it comes time to edit the photos, I love to play around with color. I always get excited when I have opportunity to photograph a new artist or creative, especially when it’s a shoot that I get to creative direct. I’m just thankful for these new opportunities – they’re all a learning experience. A lesson that I’ve learned so far is the more you shoot, the better you’ll get. So just keep going. It’s not easy, but worth it. Any challenge you’re faced with I feel like you just have to take a step back, breathe, and think what you can do about it now, not in the future. Taking it day by day works for me – helps me stay focused and sane.

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.
Ooooh man. Too many to name! Anything that has to do with Mexican food, we’re there. LA has some great spots for tacos and Spanish food, so that’s a start. I’m not sure, maybe outdoor spots? Rooftop locations? Definitely stop by some museums and the beach in Malibu. I’m more of a homebody so whatever my friend is in the mood, I’ll let her take the lead.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The one person I have to thank for always believing me and pushing me to do this is my brother, Joni. My best friend and role model. When I don’t believe in myself, he constantly reminds me if I have gotten this far, I can take it even further. He’s just my inspiration and support – I owe it to him. Back when I use to talk about the idea of photographing artists, many didn’t believe I could do it – but Joni, he said why not. Having my brother also be a creative is another motivating factor in always pushing forward. My brother is a mix engineer and owns three successful music recording studios in Los Angeles, called Green Tea Studios. The way that he hustles, makes me wanna hustle too.

Website: https://www.photosbysariel.com/

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

Image Credits
All images photographed by Sariel Elkaim.