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

Hi Sarah, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in the south (Jacksonville, FL), in a house that sat on a corner with a large front yard and with hot pink azaleas that bloomed in the walkway. My dad is an architect and designed the house we lived in. My mom is a florist and can tell you the name of every flower you’ve ever seen. We celebrated holidays and birthdays to the fullest With an attic full of decorations and a house filled with antiques. My sister and I would put on plays for our family and we sold the tickets to the show. Our production company was called, “Cat Talk” and contracts were held in a Lisa Frank binder. My life growing up was memorable and my mom has albums of photos where she’s captured it all. I wish I was still a kid , which is what most of my photography inspiration comes from. I don’t want everyone to just see a photo, but feel something wonderful, magical from it. As if you were there experiencing that moment with them. My goal is to have photos people can escape into completely. When this happens I’ll know I l’ve accomplished something great.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What sets anyone apart from others is themselves. Which is why I love art and photography so much. No two photographers will ever have the same exact photo or moment captured. I’m obsessed with capturing moments I think because I’m fascinated by life and how much time we have in it. For me, It’s been important to capture people that are ambitious, talented and full of hope. What I’m most proud of is my personal growth and my determination to keep getting better. Personally I’ve gotten where I am by just always being myself and looking at mistakes as lessons and not failures. Professionally, by continuing to educate myself about the industry, collaborating with those around me and being true to what I want and need to say. I’m here to create art and to also be a vessel for others to create through. We all have something to say and it’s important that we continue to say it and create it collectively.

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?
If someone was to visit me I would take them to Malibu/El matador beach because the first time I saw the Pacific ocean and those mountains together i thought I was straight up in a Bob Ross painting. I do enjoy going to a place in NoHo called Idle Hour with a percentage of my enjoyment going just towards walking into their giant barrel shaped building. Their drinks are yummy and the mood outside with the twinkle lights and giant tree is so laid back and magical. This is starting to feel like a yelp review… hah I would also take them Sprinkles Cupcakes for selfish reasons and LACMA. Then bring them to Melrose to meet my friend Nathalia Gaviria and show them around her stores Nathalia Black & Nathalia Gold. She has heavily influenced my love of fashion and one of the most interesting people I’ve met here. Then… probably hit up Summer Buffalo because it’s my favorite place for Thai. Gosh, there is so many places here! I’ve been here for 7 years now and I still feel brand new to this city. Feel free to email me recommendations!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think everyone in my life has made up who I am. Shoutout to everyone that I have ever met. The people that have influenced me the most are the ones closest to me that I love and respect.

Website: http://www.sarahellenog.com
Instagram: @sarahellenog

Image Credits
Sarah Ellen