Sarah Sta Ana

Captured with Authenticity: A Photographer's Unique Style

As a documentary photographer, I wanted to tell stories that would make a difference. I wanted to create images that were raw, pure, and beautiful. Ones that would forever echo the story that they represented. I came to Washington, DC in order to continue developing my craft and to surround myself in the world of nonprofits where I felt my work would be best suited. I had plans to travel and document every corner of humanity; changing the world through the lens of my camera. Although I loved it, there were sacrifices to this lifestyle. And as I grew, so did my perspective. The appeal of globe-trotting and living out of a suitcase was fading. I fell in love, got married, and started a family. I no longer wanted to be everywhere; I wanted to be here. To be home. I had to reexamine who I was as a photographer and what I wanted. I started to witness the raw beauty that existed in my own life as well as in the lives of my friends and family. I started to bring what I had done on a large scale, down to a smaller and more intimate level. I knew my passion hadn't changed. I was still a story teller. I still wanted to change lives. I knew I could still make a difference; intimately, and one love story at a time. Whether it was through capturing authentic family moments or the moment when two families collide into one on a wedding day. Life and all it's perfect imperfections became my inspiration. And life is beautiful.