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Conversations with Sariel Elkaim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sariel Elkaim.

Sariel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in Los Angeles has given me the opportunity to connect with really cool people. It all started pretty organically when I met an artist who mentioned he needed new press photos. I offered to shoot them, and that one opportunity eventually led to meeting and photographing other artists. Over time, I realized just how much I genuinely enjoyed it and wanted to keep exploring where photography could take me. A few years later, I’m still doing what I love, continuing to meet new people and create, with most of my work now centered around photographing DJs and artists within the music scene.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth path, but I think that’s all part of the process. A challenge and something I still work on, is self-doubt. There are moments when I question whether I’m capable of taking things further or if I’m doing enough. It’s been an ongoing process of retraining my mindset and reminding myself that I am capable and deserving of pursuing something that genuinely makes me happy. Photography is something I love, and I think learning to believe in myself as much as I believe in the work is a big part of the journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily photograph musicians and DJs, focusing on portraits and street-style photography. I really enjoy capturing artists in a different light than how they’re typically seen, creating images that feel a little more personal. To be completely honest, I’m not much of a talker, and speaking about myself and my work is something I’m still learning to get comfortable with. I think I’ve always preferred letting my photographs do the talking. There’s something nice about being able to communicate through images rather than words, and I hope people can get a sense of who I am and what I do through my work.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To keep going and talk to strangers… you never know where it will lead you. You really never know where a simple conversation might lead. I’ve met some incredible people through doing this – many of whom I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. I think that’s one of the things I love most about what I do.. I get to meet people, connect through a shared creative experience, and capture a moment in time.

Contact Info:

A person with curly hair wearing a purple vest and patterned shirt stands against a red slatted wall.

A person in a red dress reclines against orange cushions, with one hand resting beside their head.

A person with long hair sits cross-legged on steps in front of a glass building.

A person with short dark hair embraces a large black and gray furry object against a plain wall.

A person sits in a red chair beside a floor lamp and pink curtains.

Person wearing a patterned face covering and white shirt, raising a hand toward the camera.

Shirtless person with pink hair standing on a street, with tattoos and overhead utility wires.

Image Credits
Sariel Elkaim

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