Today we’d like to introduce you to Sohmer Duran.
Hi Sohmer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I remember taking pictures growing up with a small camera sold in the toy aisle of Toys R Us. As I got older, my mom would take me with her to go take photos as her creative outlet. I was around twenty-six when I really started to get into taking pictures with her.
Between what she taught me and what I taught myself from just going out to shoot with the camera, I fell in love with photography. From there, I started my Instagram page and began to post. Now I’m trying to grow it by selling prints at the Farmer’s Markets here around Salt Lake.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The people in the photography niche in Utah have been wonderful. I’ve had people reach out to go take photos at different locations based on the photos I’ve taken, and I have started to reach out to others to do the same. The community is so welcoming and helpful to new photographers just getting their start as well as ones who have been doing this for a while.
Often, people will share newly discovered spots if they stumble across something cool. While the social aspect of my journey was pretty smooth, I struggled for some time with the settings on the camera. It was so confusing trying to navigate all the settings and buttons but after a lot of practice and shoots, I was finally able to master them.
To anyone who is just starting out, I would recommend just going out, shooting, and getting to know your camera hands-on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in Logistics in Salt Lake City. We assist in shipping freight domestically and internationally for small and well-known businesses. I specialize in Exports. I enjoy using creativity to assist in finding ways to route freight or assist in otherwise impossible moves. We always find a way to get the job done.
My goal is to finalize a website for prints of my photographs by the end of the year. I would love to eventually sell my prints and support myself by traveling to take pictures.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family and art matter most to me. My art wouldn’t be possible without my family’s support. They encourage me to keep going and are a major part of why I continue to pursue my passions. They are my rock and the best support system anyone could ask for.
Contact Info:
- Email: natsugirl2@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summersedgephotography/
