Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Salvas.
Hi Sandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As far as I can remember, I’ve been a documentarian. I don’t recall the “ah-ha” moment or maybe there wasn’t even one. I feel like growing up it was more what I enjoyed most. I took a lot of art classes and have always known that was going to be my path. When I applied for art school, the portfolio reviewers said in so many words, my best chance of acceptance was through my photography. And I think it was that simple of how I made that decision.
I studied commercial photography at the School of Visual Arts in NYC and worked with several celebrity photographers, rep agencies, and studios learning all sides of the business.That’s what I loved about SVA- the opportunity to learn creativity but also the business side of the industry. And I actually loved that side too. I learned all about photo production, marketing, and portfolio building and editing for specific clients. So much so that I actually spent the first 15 years of my post college professional life not just making photos, but working on the editorial side of things as a photo editor driving direction and process for magazines such as Skiing Magazine and Warren Miller and then in house leading the visual direction of Black Diamond Equipment. I really honed my skills as a creative producer and worked alongside world class creatives in the outdoor industry. I went freelance for a little while and then was offered an opportunity to build up the photography and video content for the Utah Office of Tourism. Again I was much more of a creative director and producer here- but slowly started giving myself some more creative assignments as I grew into the position. I was lucky to have leadership for most of my time there that empowered my vision and gave me a lot of autonomy to develop and create some of the best work I’ve been a part of. I loved driving and producing the creative, but I wanted to create more myself. After 7 years there, in 2023 I left to pursue my own work in photography and production. I continue to split my time shooting stills for commercial and editorial both travel and outdoor brands and producing commercials for a few film companies I’ve been working with throughout my in-house career. While I currently split my time between photography and production, I really only market myself as a photographer. I hope there is a future where I can just focus and grow the photography part of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is a gravel dirt road at best, and it’s often full of sand and washboard. It narrows and it widens and there’s inevitably a giant pot hole just as you get comfortable. How good are your navigation skills? Are you prepared for plan b, c, or d when shit goes down? And it will. You’ll always have that person in the office who doen’t quite understand what you do. There’s always going to be budget that doesn’t quite meet your expectations. There’s going to be a time while you are freelancing that you might not get a call for months. It’s hard and it’s a constant hustle. I think this is either an environment you thrive in or you fold. I like the challenge. There is nothing more satisfying than bringing an idea to a life where a common goal was met, and your clients, agency, self are psyched on the result.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My focus is commercial and editorial lifestyle photography. I work with travel & tourism organizations, magazines, and outdoor and pet food brands.
I’d say my style is a journalistic approach with commercial intent. I am adaptable, and nimble and usually work with a small crew. I try to direct people into a space but let their natural interactions come through. What you get is real emotion and connection that highlights the place or product we’re there to photograph. It’s bright, and joyful and I think it just feels approachable.
I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built and the clients that keep returning. I’ve worked on a few campaigns now for Garfield County Tourism, Visit Salt Lake, Carbon County Tourism, and pet food brand Reál Mesa. But equally am proud of the new clients I land based on targeted networking and outreach. I just completed a shoot with Oboz Footwear and have also done work with Reader’s Digest.
I’m also working on a couple of documentary films, one with the Salt Lake Climber’s Alliance on the history of climbing in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons (premier 2026) as well as one on the History of Trails in Park City with Director Ross Downard.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of my core values is Integrity and I bring that to each project. I’m transparent and clear in my budget and communications. I like to lay out all of the details of what’s included and what’s not. I also feel like outlining a schedule gives everyone a timeline of operation and what they need to expect to work into their calendars. I’m very open minded and collaborative in what the client’s needs are, and will certainly explore a way to make all budgets work. This is their money and their creative to work with, but I also don’t shy away from being honest and straightforward about expectations. I think this creates trust and an understanding of value of the work. I’m there to craft work for them so I’m always going to champion success in the best way.
Pricing:
- Transparency is key! Pricing ranges based on deliverables and usage. It’s helpful for clients to define their budgets up front and I can let you know what scope fits into that number.
- Prioritize if you want it Cheap, Fast, Good and you only get to pick 2.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sandrasalvas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrasalvas/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-salvas/
