Life & Work with Sapphire Peters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sapphire Peters. 

Hi Sapphire, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It started back in California in 2015 when I bought a point-and-shoot camera! I had dabbled with photos and videos before this point but it was almost exclusively music performances that I would capture. In 2015 my intention was to learn how to photograph people and I was introduced to a community that would change everything for me! This group was called @tfti_la on Instagram. They are a collective that hosted weekly photo collaborations where dozens of models and photographers would show up! It was perfect for those who were just starting or people who were more introverted to meet like-minded individuals. After going to these shoots downtown LA for over a year I finally invested in some professional cameras. Only 2 months later, I left California and moved to Arizona. I had two professional cameras that I barely had used, and I knew no one. One of the very first things I did was create an Instagram page called @thekreatorclique_az. My intention with this Instagram feed was to create something similar to @tfti_la. This type of collective is what Phoenix was missing! The creation of this collective would come to be a huge part of my life! I have hosted several photo meetups which have allowed me to meet some awesome and talented people out here. Furthermore, people have told me stories about how much coming to the meetups I hosted has helped them socially or professionally. This for me is the ultimate reward! Knowing I could help someone who was once in my position of just wanted to start but not knowing anything about photography or modeling makes me feel fulfilled! On top of running @thekreatorclique_az and trying to host meetups, my fiancé and I sell houseplants and have a YouTube channel called Phire And Ash on which we talk about plants. There are times where my photography shoot schedule doesn’t allow much time to plan meetups and record videos but this is a juggling act I am still getting used to! I have been hired more times in 2021 for photography projects than I ever have in any other previous year combined! I love every moment of the journey! 

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?
It has been a smooth road for the most part. My biggest struggle in the past was making the transition from doing all free shoots to getting paid for my work regularly. It took me some time to realize the true value in the art I create. Gaining the confidence, the start charging for my photography really changed everything for me. I had to learn to say no to people who don’t think my photography is worth the prices I demand. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think what truly makes my photographic art unique is the fact that I have no one style or theme. I love shooting everything from cosplay to products, to weddings. I have found that I am typically hired over Instagram for shoots that are not consistent with what is on my @phirexavierphotography feed. I am known for making my subjects feel extremely comfortable, allowing me to capture them in a way that no one ever has. I think this is something that gets me repeat customers. I get this same feedback consistently from the clients that hire me. 

I just realize that photography is part skill and part connecting with your subject. In order to capture someone in a new way, you must make them feel in a way they have never felt before. Another thing that sets me apart is the fact that most of my own creative shoots are somewhat spontaneous. I give the subject slight suggestions for outfits but besides that everything is created on the fly. This allows for my true creativity to kick in during the shoot. I enjoy planning shoots in detail as well, but I haven’t done as much creative work this year as I would like. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like the most about Phoenix is that you can drive 30 mins in almost any direction and be in a complete desert oasis. The landscapes here are breathtaking and the sunsets are inexplicably magnificent. 

I’m not a big fan of the extreme heat during the summer because it truly limits when I can shoot outdoor comfortably. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Sapphirexpeters@gmail.com
• Website: sapphirexavier.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/phirexavierphotography

Image Credits
Vanna Paij
Ashley Hein
Betzayda Rubio
Nicolle Bell