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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Sara Remington - Good Taste

The art of food photography comes to fruition in Sara Remington's imagery. Simple, dynamic photographs are hallmarks of this young professional's work.

And she urges any photographer to make the switch: “Max out your credit cards and go digital! Well, at least start seriously thinking about a complete digital transition. As much as I love film and darkroom printing, it's a dying thing, with the exception of fine-art collecting, such as platinum printing.”

For someone who shoots almost primarily on location, the ease of carrying around a small camera body also appeals to Remington. It enables her to get into tight spaces and photograph in kitchens, which tend to have restricted mobility. The contrast between Remington's elegant photography and the loud, rambunctious world of professional kitchen antics only heightens the beauty of her photographs. She has been able to experience firsthand the mayhem of the professional kitchen and go beyond the outward appearance and capture the true essence of what dedicated cooks and chefs want to share with you, beyond the sharp knives and tongues and fire-filled kitchens to the humble results of a rustic meal.

Says Remington, “I've been lucky in that I've been able to experience real-life kitchens quite a bit. It's fascinating. You can't compare it to anything else. It's the most and hardest I've ever seen anyone work, especially in Europe—people working six to seven days a week, 15 hours a day in little, windowless kitchens. They're obsessed and perfectionist, driven by the things they create.”

It's a drive she admittedly understands as a dedicated creator of photography. She has certainly found her niche in such an intense, impassioned business. Remington adds, “I like shooting kitchens because it's all types of photography. It's photojournalism, documentary and fine art all in one.”

As much as Remington is inspired by raw foods and flaming kitchens, she often draws her inspiration from elsewhere. She speaks in a tone reserved for someone twice her age as she describes the stories encapsulated in antique objects left behind in her grandparents' house. She's moved by foreign countries, exotic cultures and by their stories that haven't yet been captured.

“I never really get inspired by looking at other people's images of food,” says Remington. “I'm most inspired by things like this that have nothing to do with food. I can bring that inspiration into my work and get the best results that way.

“The best advice I can give is to just go out and shoot everything. Stop talking, start listening and find inspiration in each situation you're in—take in every memory, every smell, color, speck of light, and shoot. You'll discover so much more about yourself and your work if you just go out and shoot.”

As an accomplished photographer at a young age, Sara Remington is certain to provide us with many more years of timeless, emotive imagery. Her artistry and uncommon sense of capturing a moment in time pay tribute to the past, present and future. Her work is a testament to youth, determination, talent and passion.

To see more of Sara Remington's photography, visit www.sararemington.net.