Sydney Krantz
Sydney Krantz
Photographer / Web Developer
Mar Vista, Los Angeles, CA
www.skrantz.com
instagram @seeeyudddd
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a commercial and fine art image maker.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I first got into photography in high school when I took my first dark room class. I had a couple of my dad and grandpa’s film SLRs and the moment I saw my prints appear in the water, I was hooked. I eventually got my first DSLR and couldn’t put it down. One summer in Vermont, we were staying at a family friend’s. They had a small lake on their property, so My dad and I went out there with a tripod one night. He showed me how to make long exposures - we hit the shutter once, and it was perfectly exposed. I’ll always remember that as a pivotal moment in my decision to pursue photography.
I went on to study fine art at MassArt where I majored in photography. The first thing they told us was the majority of us won’t make it in the art world. By the time I graduated, I was pretty burnt out, so I decided to focus on traveling and photography as a hobby. I wasn’t sure what path I wanted to take, with anything, so I tried food photography, fashion, travel, I even worked in a greenhouse and at a florist for a bit. After a very windy path of eliminating other interests, I’m finally starting to hone in on what I truly enjoy doing.
Commercial photography as a freelancer is not for the faint of heart. It’s tumultuous, stressful, and sometimes you need a break, which is not always doable because you lose out on money. A friend got me interested in coding, which seemed like the perfect job for me. I loved it, so I decided to fully commit to a bootcamp. I am still able to be creative, and the challenge is so fun for me. It also provides me with the resources I need to work on my photography, and since I travel a lot, I’m able to work remotely for most projects.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm infinitely curious and am always trying to learn. I am also very straightforward and blunt, and while it may not always be received well, I think that's what most people remember me for - I'm certainly not upset about it! I also have a unique background and have taken a different path than most, so my perspective is quite different at times which can be vital in an oversaturated industry.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Launching a creative dinner party series/salon in 2020, publishing a zine, redoing my website, about to start coding bootcamp classes, and constantly trying to photograph and make new work.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love color and manipulating reality in my work. My series 'We Might Call It Reality' is a work in-progress, but it's my favorite series to work on. When photographing people, I love capturing the raw emotion and vulnerability. I like to bring a little softness to my subject, and tend to enjoy photographing men more. It's personally much easier to connect with them than most females I encounter. I try to bring all these aspects into every shoot I work on.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Definitely photography. I'd love to have the resources and means to work more on my personal projects, and would also love more commercial jobs that push me out of my comfort zone.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The writing aspect and sequencing/editing my photos. I get extremely overwhelmed when speaking/writing about my work, and also editing/sequencing photos or a project/series.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Write emails/reach out to potential clients. update my instagram. spot out the dust in my film scans.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I don't have any regrets, but if I had to choose, I would tell myself to save my money back in high school when I worked and had no bills, instead of spending frivolously.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to hear about their creative process, what kind of books they like to read, how they stay motivated, and who they lean on for creative support/critiques/feedback.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Photography jobs and possibly web design.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I previously shot a job for Vans. The women that I had to coordinate with were so chill and straight forward. The shoot was on the beach very early in the morning and it only lasted a few hours. I had no equipment, just the model and product - it was the best. A very rewarding experience, and I also loved that it was an all-female shoot.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My day rate depends on the client, and their budget. My priority is to build relationships since I am still so new to LA. I am willing to work with smaller budgets, as long as it's not completely undervaluing my skills.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just reach out and ask to meet. I love to chat in person, and a good joke or GIF will go a long way with me. Budget and scope of work is important, as well.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Smoke weed, grab my camera, and go out and shoot. I read a lot, too!
This member profile was originally published in November 2019.