SheFeatures: Sara Jazbar
Name: Sara Jazbar
Camera: Nikon Z8, Nikon D500 (IR)
Favourite type(s) of photography: Macro, wildlife, architecture, infrared, flowers and nature
Instagram: @jazart72
Location: Trieste, Italy
How did you get into photography?
I wanted to photograph references for my airbrushing, and then, somehow, photography became my prime hobby. I still airbrush every now and then (my car being an example), but ironically, I never had the occasion to use my photographs as references.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
Nope.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I started with analogue photography, but most of my pictures were sort of taken to freeze a memory rather than actually knowing what I was doing. It never occurred to me, in those days, that photography could be learned, had "rules" and techniques and whatever. Also, at a younger age, the circumstances in my life were such that I was not really free just to go out and shoot. So the first pictures I saw which inspired me to look further were the dreamy, magical flowers and macro images of Cinzia Torelli, who then became a very good friend of mine. Also, the infrared images of Omar Sospiri, who creates magical dimensions with his infrared images. I think those are also the photographers who influenced my photography the most, especially at the beginning. Regarding my pictures, there isn't one which I recognize as the start of my passion, it's like it was always there, just waiting to be discovered.
What do you love about photography?
Everything. The fact that it requires knowledge, but also talent. That you never stop learning new things and you can make a lot of friends with whom to share this beautiful passion. Also, it has an emotional but also an aesthetic side, and you can choose one or the other or balance them in a single shot. That it gives space to creativity and vision, or can be crude and real.
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
That you can study it. :-) I'm all for the emotional side of photography, but I also think it's very useful to know your gear and how to obtain the effects you want. As they say, it's easier to break the rules if you know them.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
Everywhere. It really depends on the mood I'm in, so my favourite places change often. But I do love to be in nature, so anywhere where I can reconnect and relax in nature is perfect.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Macro of insects and infrared are probably my favourite.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I feel like you take your image with your heart, but post-processing gives it a soul. So, in editing, I try to bring out what I felt and what my heart saw rather than just my eyes. The final image should bring me back to that moment in which I shot it, and most of the time, when I shoot, I already see it edited, so I know what I want. I think some genres need less editing than others, I rarely edit my macro shots beyond changing the usual settings.
What's your favourite lens?
This is a very difficult choice. Perhaps, my Oreston 50mm f/1.8. But I also love my fisheye, my Lensbaby lenses and my wide angle.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
That's also a tough one. It depends on what I'm shooting. Lately, it's my flash, I just discovered how to shoot flowers backlit with just a little flash light and I never had so many keepers like this year.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I don't think so, but I'm pretty happy with my Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II.
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
I think I anticipated this answer before on another question, but I might add that there is another photographer who really inspired me, and that would be Thomas Vanoost and his multiple exposures (both in camera and in post-processing). Also, there are many talented SheClickers who I follow and inspire me daily.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Angi Wallace @angiwallacephotography, Brooke Shaden @brookeshaden is one of my favourites, and something completely different: Lynsey Addario @lynseyaddario.
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Yes, the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR.
Is there a photography genre you love but haven't tried yet?
Astro and underwater photography.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
I'm always proud when my photography is acknowledged. The first place in the Butterflies category in the Luminar Bug Awards 2020 and the third place in last year's Camera Jabber Photographer of the Year are the best examples.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
Teleportation! "Hey honey, I'm off to Australia for sunset. I'll be back for dinner".
Your favourite baked goods are?
Brioches and Krapfen!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm 51 years old, and I feel like 70 with all my aches and pains and all the experiences I have had through the years, but when I photograph, I feel like I'm 20. I'm a mess of contradiction; I'm an imperfect perfectionist and a shy extrovert. I photograph for my pleasure, but I'm happy if my images are appreciated by others (especially by others with my same passion). I'm conscious of my worth, and yet I ask myself why people like my photos. I'm insecure to the bone and yet I go out with the certainty that I will bring something good back home. I'm someone who will often feel awed by nature, amazed by the human being's ability to create beauty while still being horrified by its ability to destroy everything.
