Emerging Creative: Sarhely Morales
Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you got started in Film Photography
I’m based in Seattle but originally from Southern California. I’ve always enjoyed painting and drawing but it wasn’t until I stumbled onto my first Chinon film camera at a garage sale that I became hooked on shooting film. It forces me to slow down, think about each frame and capture moments that go unseen. I love the anticipation of waiting for my rolls to be developed; along with having these pictures that trigger memories. I hope to encourage other people to start shooting film; capturing those small moments in their lives that go unnoticed and sharing their perspectives through photography.
What made you interested in film photography?
There where a lot of moments in my day to day life that I wanted to start capturing and keep as memories. Photography as a medium is perfect for this.
How long ago did you start photographing?
5 years ago
Do you have any women in that industry that serve as role models to you/particularly inspire you?
Yes! Graciela Iturbide: Although most, if not all her photography is in black & white, she does a wonderful job centering her work on the roles of women more specifically Oaxacan women in society, who for the most part go unseen. Lola Alvarez Bravo: Again another B&W photographer, Lola inspires me constantly to challenge my photography and try to achieve 1/5th of the level of creativity that she uses in composition, light and shadow. She does a great job in allowing her surrounding and environment work for her and to achieve truly candid moments. She is truly a master of her work and I always learn something new when looking at her photos. Imogen Cunningham: Is an amazing example of how versatile photography can be. She has constantly inspired to think outside the box and not follow strict conventional photography "rules". Through her work I constantly feel inspired to not allow myself to stick to one type of subject or label my photography one certain way. Imogen has showed me how photography can be multifaceted and complex.
Do you have comfort piece you always go back to?
This is extremely biased but it is the one photo I have of my both of my parents holding hand walking up a trail on Christmas Day. That picture is a reminder as to why I do photography and that is to capture those special memories that I could look back at.
Describe your work in one sentence
My work is an appreciation to everything in my life that I find beautiful: from family, friends, strangers, to daily moments and different environments that surround me.
What is a cause you'd like to channel through your work?
In a similar way to Graciela I want to pivot my work to also include and spotlight the roles of BIPOC women in society. More specifically I want to shine light on the beauty that comes with women taking up space in our lives.
What is an unexpected fact about you?
I own 20~ cameras, might have an obsession
If you could choose a soundtrack to your work, what would it be?
¡aquí yo mando! by Kali Uchis
You can find more of Sarhely's work on her Instagram @bysarhely or contact her by email: sarhelymorales@gmail.com.
