Local Talent / Sasha Israel
Sasha Israel is a portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Providence, RI. Her ability to capture honest, organic portraits stems from her fearless attitude and passion to photograph the most natural essence of a person or situation. Sasha was the principal photographer for the New York Times Bestseller, "In The Company Of Women”. She most recently photographed the cookbook, “Body Harmony” and her work has been featured in publications such as VOGUE, ELLE, SELF, GLAMOUR & New York Magazine.
Sasha Israel
What is the best thing about working with other creatives?
Collaboration. Although I usually have a strong vision for what I want coming into a project, I’ve learned to always make space for collaboration. There isn’t a project I have worked on that hasn’t been improved by the amazing people I’ve been lucky to cross paths with.
How do you prepare for your work days on set?
It’s all about battery charging. Both literally and figuratively. I make sure my gear is ready - and I make sure I am well rested.
What makes a shoot day better?
The vibe. The best shoot days are always when everyone on set is happy and having fun. The work is usually better too.
What is your biggest pet peeve on shoot days?
When the subject is late and time is limited.
How do you avoid burnout?
Maintaining work-life balance, and staying inspired. I’ve learned to look ahead at my schedule and not overbook myself. You can’t be afraid to say no to shoots. I’m very inspired by new environments, so I put in extra effort to find and use new locations.
Image by Sasha Israel of Linda Rodin shot for Grace Bonney's book "In The Company of Women.”
How can your clients be more prepared for their shoot day?
Moodboard! It’s always helpful when people share images and give references to the vision they have in mind.
How do you get inspired?
New York City. I lived in the city for 10 years and it’s where I really honed my craft as a photographer. I always get one photo I love if I just walk around NYC with my camera.
What is your advice to creative business owners trying to build their brands?
Don’t worry so much about your “brand”. In my opinion, social media drives us all to go a little overboard with our branding. Focus on making the best work you can, and make the experience feel easy, positive, and fun for your clients. You are your brand, and word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool.
How much of your success would you consider luck, and how much would you consider hard work?
I think luck can help open some doors, but my career has been mainly a lot of hard work. I’ve been lucky to cross paths with people who connected me to bigger projects or clients, but at the end of the day it’s the work that books the gigs.
Describe your ideal client or project.
I love environmental portraiture, and I love Jewish Delis. My Ideal project would be some sort of series that combines my passion for these two things. I took a portrait of Ben Platt behind the counter at Russ and Daughters on the Lower East Side of Manhattan… I’d say that’s getting close to the bull’s eye for me.
Image by Sasha Israel for Ben Platt in Russ and Daughters, NYC
What should a potential client consider when hiring a photographer for their project?
Photographers and videographers all have their own styles. Besides the obvious things like budget and timelines… it's really important you try to work with someone whose style naturally aligns with your end vision.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Blundstones
Favorite song or music genre on set or location?
Ooooh. depends on the set and who’s there. We go from Beyonce, to Jon Batiste, to Andy Shauf.
Beverage of choice during a shoot.
Coffee in the morning, water during the day!
Beverage of choice after a shoot.
I usually forget to drink enough water on set so I always drink tons of water after we wrap
Favorite artist.
Joel Meyerowitz
A place to unwind.
Beach
A favorite hidden gem in Rhode Island.
I can’t say where it is, but its a quiet place to take a dip and go clamming on a hot summer day.
Favorite book for inspiration.
Joel Meyerowitz : Where I find Myself / Annie Liebovitz: AT WORK
Favorite museum.
Right now its the Providence Athaneum ( Historical Library that feels like a museum)
Favorite places to travel.
I find inspiration in busy environments, so I tend to gravitate towards bustling cities. But I do love a good relaxing beach vacation.
Dog or Cat lover?
DOG
