Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 33 MIN

Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East

from This is How We Create · host Martine Severin

Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul.  In this episode, the photographer behind campaigns for Nike, Google, Netflix, and Dior reveals how she transformed her work from safe and sterile to moody and magnetic. Learn how she developed her mantra "I don't shoot what it looks like, I shoot what it feels like" and discover the specific techniques she used to find her signature warm, Caribbean-influenced style that makes clients like Don Cheadle and Simone Biles feel vulnerable in front of her lens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sage East's Vision  04:04 From the Medical Field to a Camera  05:30 Starting Out: Finding a Muse and Shooting Weddings  06:29 The First Big Gig: PUMA  09:10 The Motto: "I Don't Shoot What It Looks Like, I Shoot What It Feels Like"  10:25 Evolving a Signature Style: Moody, Warm, and Experimental  15:15 The Power of Color Theory and Jamaican Heritage  17:30 How to Communicate Your Vision: The Art of the Treatment  24:43 Adding "Director" to the Title  28:51 Creating Vulnerability with High-Profile Talent  31:30 Defining "Main Character Moments"   Connect with Sage:   Follow Sage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage.east Sage's Website: https://www.sageeast.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

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Capturing Authentic Emotion in Photography - Sage East

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This episode is 33 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 21, 2025.

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Ever feel trapped shooting the same bright, clean images everyone expects? Photographer Sage East knows that struggle. After landing her first big Puma campaign with perfectly lit, commercial-ready shots, she realized something was missing - soul. ...

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