I can’t skip the prominent photographer Sorcha Augustine when writing about Sarasota's vibrant community. Sorcha is known for her dynamic stage and promotional photography for dance and theater companies. She brings a unique, authentic approach to capturing performers and artists, highlighting their skills, personality, and passion in every frame.
Sorcha's influence extends beyond Florida’s Gulf Coast, with her work gaining recognition nationally and internationally. Her collaborations with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe have solidified her reputation. Notably, she was the first woman to hold an official photographer’s badge at England's prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, and she recently showcased her talent as a guest artist at Miami's 2024 National YoungArts Week.
Over the past 15 years, her work with dancers has focused on capturing the energy and spirit of the movement, emphasizing the gesture rather than the lines of the pose. Sorcha’s stage photography has been described as “electric” and “alive,” allowing viewers to feel the movement within the image.
Her decade-long experience as a figure model and her background in dance, theatre, and choreography have deeply influenced her approach to capturing movement and expression. Famous magazines such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Architectural Digest, The Washington Post, and USA Today have featured Augustine and local favorites like the Sarasota Herald Tribune, SRQ Magazine, and Sarasota Magazine. For the complete list of her features, visit Sorcha’s portfolio: https://sorchaaugustine.com/portfolio-publication
For this interview, we met at Sorcha’s photo studio—a space that perfectly reflects her artistic talent and passion. Sorcha, a captivating storyteller, had me listening to her every word with bated breath. Beyond sharing her journey, she touched on a fascinating topic: Psychology in Photography. I’ve never heard it explained as clearly as Sorcha did, so I’ll let her take it from here:
“I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in the Midwest, a quiet, family-oriented region. Though both of my parents had traditional jobs in shipping, they were incredibly artistic and adventurous. From trips to Europe and theater shows to regular visits to museums, I was exposed to far more high and local art than most of my peers. This upbringing profoundly impacted me, shaping my appreciation for diverse cultures and people. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that this exposure has made me a bridge between communities. Today, I have friends from every continent, many different backgrounds. Looking at my portfolio, I see this diversity reflected in my work—it celebrates different perspectives and ways of moving through life. For this, I’m immensely grateful to my mom.
My passion for photography began when I was 17. I was initially drawn to various art forms like fantasy illustration, acting, choreography, and writing. I became obsessed with capturing movement and decided to focus on ballet photography. After attending Ringling College, I began photographing dancers, though initially, I found it challenging to gain access to the ballet world due to inexperience. I reached out to local dance and theater companies, and soon, Sarasota Contemporary Dance allowed me to photograph their dancers. This opportunity opened the door to other dance forms, like indigenous, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Eventually, I spent eight years as a ballroom photographer before returning to Sarasota in 2016 to open my studio.
Since then, I’ve built my career by working with clients like Urbanite Theater and the colleges in the Gulfcoast. I’ve also collaborated with smaller independent companies, and my client list has expanded to include a wide array of performers—actors, dancers, singers and musicians to name a few.
During this journey, I also worked as a figure model, which allowed me to connect with illustrators and painters. This experience profoundly influenced my approach to photography, focusing on capturing the essence of movement, gesture, and expression.
My work often explores my subjects' spiritual and archetypal identities, not just their physical appearance. When I photograph someone, I aim to celebrate their authentic self. I don’t just want to show what they look like—I want to show how they feel and who they are inside. Modeling gave me an intimate understanding of how vulnerable people feel in front of the camera. It’s not just about the pose; it’s about how the person relates to their body, their emotions, and how they want to be seen.
During our sessions, I aim to celebrate their unique, authentic selves, pushing them to embody mythological figures or deeper personas. In photographing dancers, my focus shifts slightly. While I capture their skill and professionalism, I encourage them to express their individuality, which is often stifled in dance. My studio has become a sanctuary for artists, a safe space where they can be themselves away from the pressures of directors or audiences. Many of my clients leave their sessions surprised by the authenticity they see in their photos, often expressing that they didn’t know they could look like that.
My diverse clientele, which includes actors and artists across different disciplines, means I’m constantly encountering new perspectives. While this makes me feel like an outsider in any group, it also enriches my life and allows me to connect with people from all walks of life.
I’m constantly focused on personal growth, with my current goal being to compile a photography book. This project will showcase my work and the archetypal characters I see in the people I photograph, making it a blend of visual and written art. A lot of times, when I'm looking at old books about Martha Graham or dancers who transformed ballet into modern and contemporary styles or explored other forms, I realize that the photographers capturing them had no idea of the magnitude their subjects would have in the future—the influence they would come to wield. There's a kind of magic in photography, knowing that the people I photograph now might go on to do great things or inspire others, leaving a lasting legacy. These images will speak to the next generation.
Photos: iruphotos.com
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