We were lucky to catch up with Sara Callaway recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sara , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on, thus far has been the two weeks I spent in South Africa alongside other photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, lead by some of the greatest in the wildlife nonprofit sector. At the end of July I departed from Atlanta on a flight to Johannesburg that would change me. As a back story I have always loved animals and nature, and over the pandemic I picked up a camera left behind by my late mother in search of what I could capture of the natural world. I unearthed a new way to love the natural world around me and to tell its precious stories. After a time honing the craft I decided to embark on my first official photography trip- South Africa.
Our first stop was Care for Wild- the worlds largest orphaned rhino sanctuary. Our morning started early, feeding orphan calves, cleaning bomas, and ended late on an historic day-World Ranger Day, a celebration of the rangers working round the clock to keep our vulnerable species safe. After Care for Wild we journeyed toward Kruger National Park-over 7,500 miles of protected beauty with some awe inspiring wildlife I had only dreamed of. While in Kruger we were joined by Wild Dog, Cheetah, and Lion experts from The Endangered Wildlife Trust who did nightly presentations on their respective conservation efforts and by day they would join us on game drives(safari) wielding any questions the group may have about their work, animals, or government conservation efforts. To witness firsthand, the beauty within every animal-to follow their tracks, witness their pack behavior, and look in their eyes is breath taking.
At the end of the trip, sleep deprived, dirty, and emotional, we headed back to our respective homes, forever bonded by our time in the bush, forever changed.
With our trip the group was able to donate time and money to both Care for Wild and The Endangered Wildlife Trust. We all continue to share our stories through our photos and more importantly, we share the animals stories. In my work I want to evoke emotion, bring you to the edge and take a second to think about wildlife, earth, and our part in the complex system.
Sara , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a child I was obsessed with animals, shaped by Steve Irwin and his passion for all wildlife I dove into wanting animals to be my career. I was steadfast on being a veterinarian until I turned 16 and we had to lay to rest our 11 year old golden retriever Maxwell. I now know that I am an empath, I feel things around me more deeply than others which can be wonderful when the feelings are positive but can wreak havoc when dealing with tough subjects like death. From that moment I knew I needed a different path; jump to being 30 and that path is still weaving a bit. What I do know is that I have a background of course work in wildlife biology and conservation, a core class that actually lead me to quitting meat 12 years ago, and a passion for continuing to spread information about conservation efforts for all of the worlds wondrous creatures. Day to day I do makeup for the film industry and photoshoots, in my free time you can find me birding, traveling, hiking, or just plain exploring all that the natural world has to offer. I’m usually always with my Canon, hoping I can capture a moment of magic that may connect someone new to the world around us.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I recently did a market where I sold calendars, prints, stickers, and postcards featuring my photography. I am still finding my footing in where I should sell, and while the market may not have been a rousing success the moments I was able to share my love and stories of my time in the natural world, will always be so rewarding. I love when someone tells me they can feel the stare from a cheetah I photographed, when someone can hold in their heart the love they see between a mother giraffe and her calf, and nothing will ever compare to the joy I see on a childs face when they come face to face with animals they may have only seen on a screen and I can share my adventures with them, hoping to inspire their own journey.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My main goal is getting people to care. I want someone to look into the eyes of an elephant and feel their worth in the world. To stare into a lions gaze and advocate for them. Even locally, to see a photo I captured of a bee or bird, and want better for their future. I want future generations to experience wildlife and the natural world as we see it, or hopefully, even better. There is so much worth fighting for, but no one is going to fight if they don’t first care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ofmoonsandcreatures.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @ofmoonsandcreatures
- Twitter: @saraanncallaway