Photographer Interview:
Cheril Sanchez
BIO
Cheril Sanchez is a Dominican Bronx-raised photographer and director. Inspired by women and driven by developing personal connections with her subjects, her signature style is characterized by gentle and vibrant touches coupled with a timeless energy. Her personal work is focused on beauty, fashion, and portraits centering people of color. Some of her commercial and editorial clients include NIKE, FILA, Pinterest, The Zoe Report, and Highsnobiety to name a few.
Tell us a little about yourself? Where you’re from, where you’re based now?
I was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the states with my mother when I was 8. I lived in the Bronx up until last year. Today I reside in Brooklyn.
Tell us a little about yourself beyond the what/where and bio info?
I am a huge goofball who loves to eat and talk about food for hours. Food to me is the ultimate form of connection between humans. I’m also secretly a hair stylist. My mother is a hairdresser so growing up I spent a lot of time in a hair salon. I can do it all; braids, hair colors, hair cuts, blow outs, you name it.
How long have you been shooting for?
I’ve been shooting for over 10 years.
Did you buy your first camera or was it a gift? Who gifted?
My first camera was a gift from one of my cousins' boyfriend at the time.
Any specific moment stands out where you knew you wanted to pursue photography?
I knew I wanted to officially pursue it when I decided to major in communications and after graduating still gravitated towards the arts. The feeling of creating was far more gratifying.
How has your photography evolved since when you first started?
The biggest difference between then and now is that I’ve really tapped in and embraced my authentic style. I had always felt that shooting mostly-women would box me in but in fact it’s that soft/feminine gaze that I can bring to any project no matter the subject.
Do you find inspiration from your culture - upbringing?
All the time! For one, being from a tropical country I always gravitate towards warm tones. Being surrounded by people who look so different from each other and come from many backgrounds really influences my casting decisions.
Does your environment influence you as a creative?
It definitely does. Most of my life I've been surrounded by female energy. I was raised by a single mother whose job is to make women feel beautiful. I feel this is something I always aimed to accomplish with my work.
“I want others to know that beauty isn’t monolithic, that instead it is an energy and presence you carry within.”
Are you a self taught photographer? Any advice you would like give to all the beginners?
While I’ve taken a handful of classes here and there I’m certainly self-taught. One advice I can give to beginners is to photograph your friends and photograph them often. Find muses that you feel comfortable with and grow your skill set with them.
What's one thing that you want to do with photography that you haven't done yet?
I want to transition from stills to video. I’ve already started with my latest project and am really excited to share that with everyone.
Do you find more comfort - freedom in shooting women?
For sure. I really enjoy connecting and bonding with other women. It creates a safe space for us both.
Most of your photographs are of women. Is that a preference?
It’s a preference but I am open so long as my subject is also comfortable and open. The photo industry is very male-dominated and growing up it was rare to see women being photographed by other women.
You have a knack for capturing your subjects in their purest forms. How do you make your subjects feel comfortable behind the lens?
Thank you! I like to make sure my subjects know they too have a say in what we create. This way it feels collaborative and we can both feel proud of what we produce. When my subject isn’t feeling a look or is in a pose that doesn’t feel natural to them it always translates onto the pictures. I want them to feel that their authentic self is being photographed.
What is some changes you’d like to see in the creativity industry?
There have been a lot progressive strides this year especially with putting more people of color in influential positions so I'm thrilled to see more of that evolve. There are already so many talented creatives but what’s been lacking is the people of different ethnic backgrounds who can hire them.
On Set…
What camera would you want to be your last?
My Pentax 67!
Candid or posed? Flash or no flash? Why?
Posed for sure. And no flash, I am a natural light lover.
What mood/vibe do you like to curate on set? And how do you do it?
I prefer laid-back vibes on set. I try to accomplish this by playing old/groovy tunes and music we can dance to. I also think that shooting film with continuous and/or natural lighting adds to the chill energy on set.
During the selection process what makes the final cut? What details do you usually look for in the images..
I try to get a little bit of everything: eye-contact, no eye-contact, movement, posed, etc. My process involves selecting images that already have an overall great shape and composition. From here I narrow down some more and make sure to always include one really strong portrait.
When it comes to photography what moves you to shoot?
I’m inspired by individuals that I meet which drives me to want to capture their essence, or better yet my interpretation of their essence. The same way I’m moved by people, I am also moved by the amazing work my peers produce. This could be another photographer, a designer, a makeup artist, etc. This feedback keeps me inspired and pushes me to create and collaborate more.
Is there any particular element of shooting you’d like to tackle or explore that you haven’t?
I want to get into the habit of printing my work and experiencing it this way. Seeing your work in physical form or even thinking about it hanging in someone else’s home is a beautiful feeling I'd like to foster more. This along with photographing more individuals and environments that carry inspiring and powerful stories with them.
What would you like people to take away from your work?
I’d love for people to see my work and either see themselves or feel inspired to create. I want others to know that beauty isn’t monolithic, that instead it is an energy and presence you carry within. On this plane we may all appear physically different from each other but are really much more alike than we think.
Any upcoming projects we can expect from you?
This month I've been focused on a new series centering single-motherhood. It’s been such an enriching and touching experience which I'll be turning into my first-ever photo exhibition.
Interview by 35s & 45s
04.07.21