Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Saremi.
Sabrina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I Started in Photography
I picked up a camera long before I ever considered photography a career. As an only child, I grew up with my dad constantly taking photos and videos of me, so being behind a camera was always a part of my life. By ninth grade, I officially started taking photography classes in high school and continued studying photography throughout high school and into community college.
I attended Montgomery College for two years, taking general education courses alongside photography classes. After those two years, I found myself feeling burnt out and unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to leave Maryland and move to Akron, Ohio with my now-fiancé, who was my boyfriend at the time, to continue school. The school had a strong art program, so I switched directions and became a Studio Art major. I loved being immersed in creativity and having classes that were centered around art and making things.
Eventually, the cost of being out of state became too much, and we both decided to move back home to Maryland. When I returned, I still felt lost, so I decided to take a break from school altogether. Like a lot of people in their early twenties, I was trying to figure out who I was and what I actually wanted to do with my life. I worked in retail and the restaurant industry for a while, unsure of what direction I wanted to take.
Then one day, I picked up my camera again.
I started photographing my fiancé, Isaiah, while he was playing football. I remember how different I felt when I was behind the camera. I could get lost in it. Photography made me happy, gave me a creative outlet, and transported me somewhere else when I felt like I was still trying to figure everything out.
That was the turning point.
The year before COVID, I decided to take a chance on myself and officially start Saremi Photography as a freelance photographer. I began photographing portraits and sports, eventually finding my way into the wedding industry.
What started as something I had loved since I was a kid slowly became a career—and ultimately, a way for me to combine my love of people, storytelling, creativity, and photography into something of my own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. I think even though I found photography at a young age and always knew it was something that made me happy, it has been a very slow burn for me.
The photography and wedding industries are incredibly competitive, and there have been a lot of moments along the way where I questioned myself and wondered if I was doing enough. I’ve dealt with anxiety, comparison, personal challenges, and seasons where I took on a lot of free work just to get my foot in the door. I’ve also said yes to opportunities that weren’t necessarily things I was interested in doing, simply because I was trying to figure out where I fit and how to grow.
But looking back, I’m grateful for a lot of those experiences.
The things I said yes to, even when they weren’t exactly what I envisioned for myself, opened doors I never expected. They introduced me to people, allowed me to build relationships, and put me in rooms with photographers, creatives, planners, and other people in the wedding industry who have had a huge impact on my journey.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built such a strong community around me. I’m grateful for the mentors who have poured into me, the people I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside, and every person who has trusted me enough to be part of their journey.
It definitely hasn’t been a straight path, but every twist, setback, and unexpected opportunity has played a part in getting me to where I am today. And honestly, I think I’m still growing, still learning, and still figuring out what’s next—and I’m okay with that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding and sports photographer based in the DMV, and while those two areas of photography may seem very different, they both come back to the same thing for me: people and emotion.
I think I’m most known for capturing the feeling in the room. Whether it’s the quiet anticipation of a bride getting ready, the emotion between two people during their ceremony, or the energy and intensity of a football game, I’m always looking for the moments that make you feel something when you look back at the images.
I also believe that the way we photograph is shaped by what we’ve experienced in life. I’ve always felt that women can bring a different perspective and eye to photography, and I think my own experiences naturally influence the way I see people, relationships, and the little moments happening around me.
What I’m most proud of is honestly how far I’ve come. Twenty-one-year-old Sabrina probably wouldn’t believe the life and career I’ve built or the opportunities I’ve been given. There have been so many moments where I’ve had to figure things out as I went, and being able to look back and see how much I’ve grown—both creatively and personally—is something I’m incredibly proud of.
As for what sets me apart, I think a huge part of it is my personality. I’m naturally very adaptable, and I’m comfortable walking into different environments and figuring out how to fit into the room without changing who I am. Every wedding, couple, team, and environment is different, and I’m able to read the room, go with the flow, and know when to step in and when to simply observe.
At the end of the day, I want the people I photograph to feel comfortable being themselves. I think that’s when the most honest and meaningful images happen.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m actually a huge homebody.
I think people who know me or follow my work might assume I’m constantly out, socializing, and doing something because I’m very extroverted when I’m in a room with people. But I genuinely love being alone and having quiet time to myself. I feel like I’m a weird combination of both extrovert and introvert—I love people and can talk to just about anyone, but I also really enjoy solitude and recharging at home.
I’m also absolutely obsessed with my Fiance and our dogs. They’re a huge part of my life and, honestly, probably get way more photos taken of them than anyone else.
And finally, I love French fries. Like, really love French fries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saremiphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @sabrinasaremi @sportsbysab
