Sarah Silver is pushing creative boundaries of the photography world with stunning creativity and artful imagination. Originally launching her career as a Middle East photojournalist, Silver made a unique transition to fashion, beauty and motion photography. Her distinguished client list includes commercial giants such as L’Oreal and Nike, magazines like Vogue and Allure, and preeminent designers including Proenza Schouler.

Silver’s deep passion for photography is rooted in her love of shooting people. Possessing an uncanny ability to connect with subjects on an emotional level, her shots reflect the depth, honesty and transparency she draws out of her models. Silver's strong background in dance also lends her a unique perspective among top-tier photographers. This training prompted her to pioneer a motion-capturing technique, which has earned the New York-based photographer international praise for its marked innovation.

To get inside the mind of the renowned photographer, Lookbooks sat down with Silver, as she divulged her unique shooting style, art-filled inspirations, and distinct passion for people.

We heard that your grandfather influenced your enthusiasm for the arts at an early age. How did working with him help grow your skills?

My grandfather not only introduced me to photography and taught me how to shoot, but also how to interact with all sorts of subjects. For me, photography is about shooting people. It’s about making a connection and finding a way to draw out their unique personalities.

There are several defining features about the way you shoot. How would you describe your photography style?

My style is about balance, a sort of yin and yang. For example, if I am shooting in the studio I enjoy the control I have over all the variables. At the same time, I love breaking the rules of the set. For instance, I will create an environment then change it and try something entirely different -- it is controlled and spontaneous at the same time.

Your photography has a way of drawing out striking subtleties in your subjects. What do you like most about shooting people?

As a photographer, and especially as a female photographer, I have the ability to create iconic female forms with larger-than-life personas. Making a woman look beautiful is only one of the options. I find that sometimes a woman’s image can simultaneously be quiet and strong.

How does your background in dance impact your photography style?

Dancing classical ballet for ten years has helped me know how to capture movement and energy in a photograph. With dance you start here, jump there and then you land. Every movement has a start and stop. This applies to fashion in the same way  – if a woman twists, her hair will move and wardrobe will flow in the same way as when someone is dancing. There really is no difference between the two. The same mentality applies to shooting athletes. When I shot the Nike campaign we created an intricate dance of beginnings and ends with blurry body trails depicting the runner’s gait. Honestly this is still one of my favorite shoots of all time.

How do you apply your personal style to your work in advertising photography?

I find there is something simultaneously challenging and satisfying about following a creative brief down to the last detail. When there is little room for interpretation it is even more important to stay spontaneous to get the best results. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring something unexpected to the table while still delivering exactly what the client wants.

Where do you find inspiration when you have an upcoming assignment or when you’re thinking about a new project?

Inspiration is everywhere. My undergrad education in Middle East studies gave me so much knowledge of history, politics and religion. I also love iconic dance photography of the '30s, '40s and '50s and the black & white works of the photography masters.  I visit museums, admire architecture and flip through cooking magazines. I don’t want my only bible to be in the world of fashion and beauty photography. If that’s the case, I’m just feeding the loop and not breaking outside it.

How do you get your models to be comfortable and share the vision you have for your shoots?

I always think that if you can’t envision yourself physically doing something, then you can’t ask someone else to do it for you. For instance, I won’t ever ask a model to jump in a pair of Louboutins if I’m not willing to try it myself. I have never met a model that I couldn’t bring out of her shell. I’ve even taken my top off on-set to get a model to feel more comfortable doing the same.

Out of the many projects you’ve been a part of, what were some of your favorite?

Recently, I shot some stunning stories with Latin Vogue and I’m really proud of my Sephora ads in this month's magazines. Also, I constantly find myself shooting on shows like Project Runway, Make Me a Super Model, America’s Next Top Model and LA Ink. Simultaneously shooting and being the subject of a TV segment is a lot of fun and immensely challenging.

Looking back on your career, what advice might you have for aspiring photographers?

Learn to manage all the variables and expectations while still being spontaneous. Remember that there are infinite interpretations for each project – it is just about drawing out that special something inside to capture the best possible moment.

For more on Sarah Silver and her work, visit SarahSilver.com.

For booking, see Kate Ryan Inc.

Testimonials / Quotes from Sarah’s Clients

"Sarah has been part of the Proenza Schouler family since day one. She shot our clothes while we were still in school ages ago and to this day does every single lookbook of ours. She is the one constant in our ever-evolving business, and we are very lucky and thankful to have such talent and sweetness in our lives. We are indeed lucky boys."  --Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough, Proenza Schouler

"Sarah is truly gifted when it comes to photography. Her ability to make everyone feel comfortable, as well as keep her own style and brand, just blows my mind." --Brian Flink, Production Director; Glamour Magazine

"Sarah is one of the best photographers I've worked with. From the initial concept stages of a project thru final retouching, she is passionate and committed to producing the best images possible. She has an innate ability to understand a client's needs immediately and take concepts to the next level, far exceeding everyone's expectations. Her energy and enthusiasm on set are infectious; she is always a pleasure to work with!" --Jeanne Lawlor, Creative Director; Matrix, L'Oreal

"Working with Sarah was a treat – it's like your best friend is also a professional photographer. She does a great job of balancing her expertise with the client's needs and requests, which is a rare characteristic in her industry. She shoots with the end product in mind – helping the client see what the final product could look like – right on set." --Jessica Briggs, Director/Product Development; Revlon

"Sarah was amazing to work with! Her enthusiasm, talent and passion for photography was inspiring!" --Julissa Taveras, Design Director; Sephora

"'MAGIC' happens when vision, leadership, confidence, creativity and intuition align. Sarah Silver is a 'magic maker.' She's alarmingly talented and beautiful to the core!" --Jan Nordstrom Arnold, Co-Founder; CND

"Working with Sarah? Well, you always know it's going to be beautiful, to-die-for lighting with the kind of detail in the finished image that makes real art directors cry. But that's only half the story. The other part of working with Sarah? A clear vision of what works, what doesn't, and an unwavering fearlessness in propelling the picture from strong to arresting." --Jana Jarosz, Art director/VP Associate Creative Director; Publicis

"Not only is Sarah obviously and especially talented as a photographer (have you seen her lighting?), but she is also remarkable with her ability to transform any objective with this talent of hers! Sarah is the best at listening, processing and ultimately materializing anything you, as a client, have in mind – even above and beyond what you were envisioning. Truly she possesses a perfect combination of talent and emotional sensitivity." --Aida Moudachirou, Vice-President Marketing, Cosmetics; L'Oreal Paris USA