Sarah Simon
A series of short, quickfire interviews with photographers we admire, who push boundaries with their work and continue to develop and grow as artists.
This week’s interview is with New York Street Photographer and Ricoh GR ambassador Sarah Simon
If I had to describe Sarah’s images in a few words it would be gritty street-noir. I think you are really going to love her work and thoughts. (GL)
You can follow her at @_sarah_simon on IG
A book every photographer must read: I will say Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act is wonderful. I love the way he emphasizes that so much of the work of being creative is about letting go of our egos (I can vouch for this book - it’s a cracker - GL)
An album to edit to: Marc Ribot Y Los Cubanos Postizos
Shout out an Instagram photographer: Shoutout to the women who curate the @ricoh_gr_women instagram gallery with me @ontheway.today @rio_cam1991 @orietta.gs @tuna_alp_angel. Also shoutout to everyone who follows and contributes and supports that page, it may not seem like much, but I know the page is having an impact in several really cool ways.
Your favourite photographer of all time: I can’t pick a favorite of all time, but I can say that the first time I cried looking at photography was a solo trip I took to the Mario Testino museum in Lima, Peru. Both his photos and personal story touched me and have inspired me ever since. I’ll also say that first time I felt personally validated in my own style and process as a street photographer was from discovering the work and learning about the thought process of Daido Moriyama, who also became an instant favorite.
A photo accessory you can't do without: I’m a minimalist at my core … My Ricoh GR is really all I’ve ever needed. Lately I’ve had a lot of fun playing with the wide angle lens and flash too though.
Something we probably don't know about you: I’m a bit of a Neuro-hacker. I had a significant case of chronic Lyme disease for many years, and along with complex ptsd and some other things, I still suffer from crazy brain fog constantly. The last ten years I have been devoted to healing and rewiring my neuro-pathways. I could tell you all about my experiences with nootropic potions, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy chambers, poisoning myself with bioactive peptides from frog secretion, psychedelic therapy, meditation, ping pong… and so much more. Street Photography for sure has also been helpful on this journey.
What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you because of photography: I discovered I have inattentive ADHD. Shooting with and getting to know so many other street photographers with ADHD, I was surprised to realize that I am neurodivergent In more ways than I thought, and finally got diagnosed last year.
If you could photograph anybody past or present, dead or alive, who would it be: I would go back and photograph my dad when he was alive.
Your desert island item: My camping hammock.
Round Table Dinner: Cleopatra, Janis Joplin, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol
(Editors Note: What an intriguing little interview. Do not forget to follow Sarah on Instagram.
Remember to check out Sarah’s IG
More Q-Shot Interviews
Check out this awesome quickshot interview with Larry Callinan. His work is pure, uninformed, gritty street work that is pure ‘heart of the matter’ stuff.