Sara Woodmansee is iofoto’s editor. She sorts through thousands of images every month to select the very best images for the collection. Not only does Sara look at photos, but she provides key input to the production team on future shoots.
What do you like about photography?
io:
Sara: Capturing the essence of a person or a moment in time.
Much like Henri Cartier-Bresson spoke of the decisive moment: “The decisive moment, it is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organization of forms which gives that event its proper expression.”
For much of my life I was more enamored of film (moving pictures), but I now find myself more drawn to photography’s ability to simplify and distill one moment in time.
Plus, the many different ways a photographic artist can express themselves through color, composition, point-of-view. I never tire of it.
What makes a good stock shot?
io:
Sara: There may be many good shots in a series, but the one that makes me stop, the one that instinctively makes me go, “Yes!” …that’s the keeper.” Many elements are important in creating a great stock shot: Great expressive models, wonderful composition, interesting and varied POV, interaction between subjects, copy space, cropping.
And fresh takes on the classic themes of life are always good: Birth, School, Marriage, Taxes, Growing Old, etc.
It’s also important to pay attention to popular culture… what is going on in the world? What sorts of images are people responding to? What are people wearing these days? What is the new Technology? We do constant research, whether it’s internet , magazines, or MTV.
Sara’s Favorites
Click here to see more of Sara’s favorite stock photos.
What’s the most fun aspect of editing?
io:
Sara: Seeing all the great photos that come through, but also witnessing the EVOLUTION of the shoot! Sometimes a model starts off rather shy and reserved, but by the end of the shoot their personality has blossomed. It’s a fun process to watch! I consider it a real skill on the part of the photographer to bring a model’s personality out.
How many images do you look through every year to find the best ones?
io:
Sara: At least 100,000!
What type of shoots are the hardest to edit?
io:
Sara: Ones with large groups of people. You may have a great shot overall, but there is always that one person with their eyes closed.
Do you shoot pix yourself?
io:
Sara: Yes, and I love it! My own style is influenced especially by photojournalism and documentary photography. Being a photo editor teaches me more every day about what makes a great picture, so I feel lucky to have such a great job!
What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
io:
Sara: Only chirping birds, but my voice mail sound is a snorting pig!
