Meet OFFBEAT Contributor: Sara Kempner
What are some tips that you would give to a beginner photographer?
This may sound obvious, but spend a LOT of time taking photos. There’s really no better way to learn and grow than to spend time behind the lens. I always try to critique my own photos so that I can do better the next time. What worked? What didn’t? How could the shot be made better? I still do this every time I’m editing my photos.
If you can find someone who will allow you to assist or who will mentor you, do it! I was never interested in wedding photography but I applied to be a wedding photographer’s summer assistant when I was just starting out. It was one of the best things I ever did.
Not only did I learn more about photography, but I also learned about running a business and made an industry friend whom I still am close with. My mentorship with Dave has also been life-changing in so many ways, it’s truly an invaluable experience to be able to learn from someone that you admire.
Seek out feedback and constructive criticism on your images. This can be really scary to do but it’s such a great learning tool. We are emotionally attached to our images and it’s incredibly valuable to have objective perspectives and opinions on what we’ve created.
Photo by Sara Kempner.
What kind of photography do you specialize in?
I started out in landscape photography and continued to learn and evolve as a photographer from there. Currently, I do a lot of sports photography, specializing in the mountain bike genre.
What does being OFFBEAT mean to you?
Someone asked me a few years ago what my dream job would be and I literally said working with OFFEBAT. The community that OFFBEAT has created is really something special; it’s incredibly supportive and a great place to learn. I attribute a lot of my evolution as a photographer to being a part of this community. If I can give back and support others on their photographic journey, even in a small way, then I’m really stoked. So at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, being a part of OFFBEAT is a dream come true!
How do you get out of a creative rut?
Winter tends to be my slower season and the time that I’m feeling the least inspired. To combat this lull, last winter I made myself do a personal project that involved another person. This forced me to get out and shoot a bunch, and kept me accountable to follow through because I was working with someone else (it was an off-season documentary-style project with an athlete). I ended up really enjoying it and I’m going to continue it as a series every winter. And sometimes, if I’m in a creative rut, I just take a little break from the camera. It’s okay to do that too!
Photos by Sara Kempner.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
My first career was supporting people with special needs, both in the schools and in the community. I still do some respite care with one client as we have a great relationship and it’s important for me to be a part of his life.
Anything in your gear kit that might surprise people? Why do you include it?
I always carry large garbage bags in my photo bag. I use them as ground cover to sit on when it’s wet or muddy, to cover my camera/gear in a pinch, to clean up garbage that I find in nature etc.
Is there something you always ask yourself or think about just as you’re pressing the shutter?
When I’m photographing biking, I’m always making sure to think about the background for my subject. Capturing the athlete is key, but an image can be dramatically better or worse depending on the background. And sometimes it’s a matter of moving yourself ever so slightly left, right, up or down. This of course can apply to a wide range of photographic genres, not just biking. Nailing focus and exposure on your subject is critical, but don’t forget to analyze the background as well.
Photo by Sara Kempner.
Can you describe the moment when you felt that photography was calling to you?
I don’t know that there was one particular moment, but I know that I fell in love with photography while I was learning to use my camera out in the forest. For someone with a very busy brain, I found myself engrossed for hours at a time out in nature, learning the intricacies of photography. I liked focusing on the puzzle of each shot, fine-tuning and tweaking compositions. Having an image that I was proud of afterwards was the icing on the cake.
Describe a challenging situation that you overcame when shooting and what you learned from it.
I went out to shoot astro one night with a planned shot in mind. I drove to the location, hiked up to the lookout point and realized I had forgotten my tripod. Initial disappointment led to getting creative with some rocks and a stump to MacGyver a tripod. And while I didn’t get the shot that I wanted, I still got one that I was decently happy with. Then I took the time to enjoy the view with my husband who had come along with me. It was a good reminder to always enjoy the experience, regardless of the photographic outcomes.
How has photography changed your perspective on the world and on life?
In a literal sense, photography has changed the way I look at the world in terms of light, shadows, movement and potential compositions. I see the world through a lens, even while doing routine things like walking down the street.
On a deeper level, photography has really changed who I am as a person. It’s made me face fears (like public speaking!) and in turn, I'm a more confident person. I’m constantly being pushed outside of my comfort zone but with that comes growth so I’m thankful for it. I can wake up every day knowing that I’m pursuing something that I’m passionate about and that’s a pretty amazing feeling.
Photo by Sara Kempner.
Do you have a favourite resource/blog/podcast you to turn to?
Aside from the amazing contributors a OFFBEAT, I do like the teaching style of Matt Kloskowski, especially when it comes to Lightroom and Photoshop updates or features. He has a bunch of stuff on YouTube.
Where can we find out more about you and your work?
About Sara Kempner:
Sara Kempner is a freelance photographer based on Vancouver Island, BC. Initially a self-taught landscape photographer, Sara’s photographic journey continues to evolve and now includes sport, event, and commercial photography. While she can often be found in the forest shooting mountain biking, Sara enjoys exploring a diverse range of genres and is more driven by the unique people and places that photography affords her to experience. Whether it's photographing solo athletes, starry night skies, large events or sunrises over the ocean in faraway countries, she is most content when outside, camera in hand.
