Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul.

In this episode, the photographer behind campaigns for Nike, Google, Netflix, and Dior reveals how she transformed her work from safe and sterile to moody and magnetic. Learn how she developed her mantra "I don't shoot what it looks like, I shoot what it feels like" and discover the specific techniques she used to find her signature warm, Caribbean-influenced style that makes clients like Don Cheadle and Simone Biles feel vulnerable in front of her lens.

00:00 Introduction to Sage East’s Vision

04:04 From the Medical Field to a Camera

05:30 Starting Out: Finding a Muse and Shooting Weddings

06:29 The First Big Gig: PUMA

09:10 The Motto: "I Don't Shoot What It Looks Like, I Shoot What It Feels Like"

10:25 Evolving a Signature Style: Moody, Warm, and Experimental

15:15 The Power of Color Theory and Jamaican Heritage

17:30 How to Communicate Your Vision: The Art of the Treatment

24:43 Adding "Director" to the Title

28:51 Creating Vulnerability with High-Profile Talent

31:30 Defining "Main Character Moments"

Connect with Sage:

Follow Sage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.east

Sage’s Website: https://www.sageeast.com/

Support the Show

Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives