Meet Sophia Mekhael | Photographer, Writer, & Student

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

Hi Sophia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am Coptic Orthodox Egyptian. “Coptic” refers to the individuals native to ancient Egypt who converted to Christianity, while the word Orthodox refers to the denomination of my people. We are the smallest yet most prominent minority group in Egypt. At a young age, my parents both immigrated to America to build a future filled with opportunity for themselves, and with time, for their children- my sisters and I. One of the biggest blessings of my life was to be raised in the home my parents made for us. My upbringing was filled with the richness of our culture and its traditions. Holidays were characterized by loud homes overflowing with our endlessly growing family, and beaming with love and loyalty. From a young age, my parents instilled a strong sense of reverence and emphasis of importance on our values and morals that I use as my guide to life in the day to day. However, one of the biggest impacts my home has had on me, was the sense of spirit and love that memories from my youth exude. My mom and dad are free spirited individuals. They speak of the fruits of life such as, family, travel, music, and love with a fiery passion. To let curiosity guide you, and to seek the unknown, living life fully, unashamedly, fiercely, and most importantly, wholeheartedly, was a prominent theme passed to me. I’ve been raised in the purest form of love and goodness. My upbringing has led me to live life guided by the heart. My camera is the medium that allows me to visualize that.

To live looking with intent, in order to see and appreciate the beauty found in every corner, in every soaring sky, amongst every bustling crowd, and in every gaze, has altered how I live. A calling that seeks to capture a moment in time that transcends the eyes and speaks the language of the heart. My home was built upon playfulness and a lighthearted joy. I carry this perspective in my shoots, making life a stroll, perhaps taking the time to look to the left, or down a corner, every once in a while. I’ve noticed the moments passerby are quick to carelessly disregard and rush by, often tend to be some of life’s most precious gifts hidden in plain sight. I am beyond grateful for the love and perspective of life I have received, and I am eager to share it with others.

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 story with photography began on my fourteenth birthday. My cousin gifted me my first film camera and three rolls to experiment with. Upon developing my first roll, I became entranced with film photography. While the technicals of the colors, contrast, and highlights were all honorable facets that drew me in, it was the overall vintage feel and natural capture of a moment that had me swiftly buying my next roll. As I grew older, I found myself falling into the trap of living a rushed life. Unknowing of the impact it would have on me, I began bringing my camera everywhere, tucked into my purse. Photography rooted me to reality, fixing my eyes and mind on what was present opposed to what was ahead. It had slowed me down, allowing me to appreciate all that was around me and bask in the gifts of now.

From then on, I began sharing the moments of pause and appreciation on instagram and tiktok. My community, while small, has grown. I had initially become fixated with maintaining a perfectly picturesque feed. However, the most growth I have seen was when I overcame this ideology of presenting “carefully manicured work”. Only when I allowed my images to reflect me did I feel the most established in my art. Now, I proudly stand by my work with full authenticity and transparency.

A year ago, I adopted a motto for my page that reflects my mission, that being, “For the Heart”. I’ve combined my writings of love, life, loss, and scenes captured. Along with stories, I enjoy integrating music into my work to awaken the beautiful human spirit. I hope my work tugs at the hearts of others, and allows them to feel beyond they can see. As photography did with me, I hope my images bring a sense of peace and pause to the chaos of the everyday we too often lose ourselves in.

However, beyond photography, my page is a devotion to passion. The electrifying, filling, and magnetic pull that captures you in its allure that draws all those who seek near. Passion is the spark in one’s eyes. It is the catch of one’s breath as they hear the first note of an entrancing melody. It is a moment in time where the earth’s spinning slows all for one to dwell in the sweetness of life that offers itself to the heart and spirit. My page is to encourage not only myself, but others, to grow into individuals that cherish and feed their passions. That no matter how much life pulls you away, you will always find your way back to honing in on what you do, to do. Not for an outcome, or a goal, but to do and to feel. I’d like for my page to be a beacon to others to hold steadfast to their passions. I hope my work exudes the emotions of life, and for the heart of mine to hopefully touch the heart of yours.

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’d start the day taking my friend to brunch at Tartine in Santa Monica. An old church that was renovated into a cafe, makes for a charming and peaceful dining experience. There are several areas to sit outside and inside and the food is light yet filling. Around sunset, I’d then take them to one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory. Right at sunset when the trees seem to glisten and the sky is painted in pink and orange hues is my favorite time to roam the grounds. Views from the hiking trails that circle the building provide you with a beautiful scene of Los Angeles and the architecture of the Observatory. The close proximity between nature and the city coupled with the chatter of passerby make for a lovely evening. Watching the moon rise and the city lights turn on is truly one of my favorite ways to end a day in LA.

On day two I’d take them to Malibu. Dining at Cafe on 27 is a special treat as you are immersed in the greens of Topanga Canyon. The food is fresh and delicious and you get a true sense of the feeling of Malibu. I’d then take them to Broad Beach, a quieter beach that is perfect for swimming and relaxing. I’d then end the day driving down PCH to the Malibu sand hill for stargazing. That far down Malibu, the sky is clear, and the stars are bright. Stargazing from the top of the hill is truly one of my favorite memories made in LA.

On the last night, I’d take them to the Smokehouse Restaurant in Burbank. Any La La Land lover should dine here. On specific nights they have live music where you can request any song you’d like and dine in deep red leather booths amongst vintage photos of Hollywood’s classics like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is lovely and lively. This is one of my favorite spots in LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to God. As I’ve grown into the young woman I am today, I can confirm that I have passed the age of innocence. I have faced trials and tribulations, and have had my fair share of poor dealings. I have seen the side of life that is unkind and seemingly cruel, as it strips away one’s blissfulness, yet somehow builds an individual. However, through it all, I have never felt the silence of hopeless defeat, loneliness, or an utter lack of love. I can only attest this to the power of the Creator. I have always held an inner joy and sense of peace that does not rely on the circumstances at hand but my trust in God. My life has been full of blessings. All endings have led to even more beautiful beginnings. My credit for where I am today is truly all because of Him. I cherish and appreciate each opportunity given to me. I am grateful for the good, the bad, and the ugly, for it truly has carried me to the woman I am today, and will lead me to the woman I am meant to be. To smile at the deepest point of a valley and for a field of flowers to bloom from a ravaging storm, can only be attributed to the mystery of God.

Instagram: _sophiagenevieve

Other: Tiktok- _sophiagenevieve