Today we’d like to introduce you to Sammy Saladino.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I stumbled into photography during college, a time when I was really struggling to find direction. I felt directionless because I had a lot of interests, but I never felt truly motivated to pursue any of them. Photography, strangely enough, appeared out of the blue.
I vividly remember seeing powerful images of war in a textbook, and that was my “lightbulb moment.” It wasn’t just the visuals; it was the storytelling of fighting, exhaustion, and death that came along with those photos that utterly captivated me. Although photojournalism isn’t my path, those images gave me a sense of direction I’d never experienced before. It was an undeniable feeling: I can do this, and I should be doing this.
Just two months later, driven by this newfound clarity, I bought my first starter camera kit for $500 at Walmart. In those early days, I used my friends as test subjects, approaching our small, themed photoshoots with an artistic view. I was just going out there and experimenting. Without much formal knowledge, I quickly realized I had a knack for framing a shot—which, as I’ve learned, is one of the most crucial aspects of photography.
Once I started to grasp composition, I dove into online research, watching countless YouTube videos and tutorials to better understand my camera and refine my technique. It wasn’t long before my dedication began to pay off. Within my first two years of starting photography as a hobby, I had my first photo published in Off the Coast Magazine. From there, it just slowly but surely took off.
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?
Was it a smooth road? Absolutely not. Self-doubt has been a persistent companion throughout my photography journey. I think it’s an inherent part of being an artist; most creative individuals would likely say the same.
No matter how skilled you become or how much confidence you build in your abilities, that voice of doubt invariably creeps in. It’s the one that makes you question if you’re truly as good as you believe, or if that photo you just posted online—the one already racking up likes—is genuinely as good as you initially thought. It leads to those moments of asking yourself, “Why am I even doing this?” Over time, I’ve learned to recognize it as part of the creative process, a sign that I care deeply about my work, rather than a definitive judgment of its quality. It’s a constant battle, but one that pushes me to continually evolve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a photographer specializing in Portraits and Landscape photography. I’ve become particularly known for traveling the country to capture its most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes.
My work has been fortunate enough to gain significant recognition, with features in over 75 art exhibits across 40 cities worldwide, and my images have been published in over 20 different magazines.
Despite these milestones, I think the thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m still actively improving and evolving my skills. The journey of learning in photography is endless, and I find immense satisfaction in consistently pushing my boundaries.
What also sets me apart, particularly with my portrait work, is the incredible connection I feel when I deliver photos to a client. There’s an amazing and deeply rewarding feeling when I see someone genuinely smile at the images I’ve created for them. That direct, positive impact on another person is truly special.
Ultimately, whether I’m capturing the grandeur of a sweeping landscape or the subtle nuances of a portrait, my goal is always to evoke emotion and tell a compelling story through the lens.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
To your readers, I’d simply say: find what truly sets your soul on fire and pursue it with everything you’ve got. For me, that’s photography. It’s more than just taking pictures; it’s about connecting with people, exploring the world, and translating what I see and feel into something tangible. Don’t be afraid to carve your own path and let your unique vision shine through. The most impactful art always comes from a place of genuine passion.
Pricing:
- * 1-hour session: $250
- * 2-hour session: $450
- * 3-hour session: $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photographybysammy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammyjr_artist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sammysaladinojr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammysaladino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sammyjr_artist
- Etsy: https://photosbysammyjr.etsy.com/
