Through Her Lens: The Vibrant World of Photographer Sarel Moon
By Maddie
Today we will explore the vibrant and imaginative world of Sarel Moon, an outstanding photographer known for her bold use of color and dynamic compositions. With an eye for the unexpected and a passion for showcasing vibrancy into every frame, Sarel’s photography stands out for its ability to evoke joy and movement. Through her unique perspective, Sarel shares how she finds inspiration, the creative process behind her work, and the challenges that come with pushing herself to keep things fresh and dynamic.
Photo of Sarel Moon
Originally from San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, Sarel moved to Phoenix to expand her creative opportunities and immerse herself in its thriving artistic community. “I’ve been passionate about photography for over 20 years, working across various styles, including portraits, fashion, artistic photography, and branding projects.” She finds joy in experimenting with light, color, and geometry to create visual stories that captivate and inspire. “Photography, for me, is more than just a profession—it’s a way to capture emotions, celebrate the beauty in everyday moments, and highlight the extraordinary in the ordinary.” While she holds a degree in graphic design, much of her photography journey has been self-taught, shaped by years of practice, exploration, and learning from friends and colleagues in the field. She also spent about 3 to 4 years teaching at universities in Mexico, which helped refine her skills and gave her a fresh perspective on the craft. For Sarel, inspiration comes from everywhere—whether from fellow photographers or people with no photography background—and she believes that staying curious and open to new ideas is key to her creative process.
Photography by Sarel Moon
Sarel’s style is deeply rooted in authenticity, with a focus on light, color, and emotion. “I see photography as a dance between light and time, capturing ephemeral moments and transforming them into timeless works of art. I began my journey working exclusively with natural light, which taught me to adapt and find creative solutions in challenging situations.” For her, photography is not just about capturing a subject, but about conveying the essence and collective energy of a moment. When asked about her initial fascination for photography, she shared, “Photography first captivated me because of its ability to freeze time and tell stories without words. I was fascinated by how a single image could convey emotions, narratives, and perspectives in a way that transcends language.” Over time, her inspiration has expanded to include music, fashion, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Photography has become her form of therapy, a way to merge these influences into meaningful art that resonates both with others and herself. One of her most memorable experiences was collaborating with stylist Ness de Luna in Mexico City. Having admired his work for years, the opportunity to work with him and an incredible team felt like a dream come true. The warmth and kindness he showed reaffirmed her belief that she was on the right path, reminding her of the power of photography to create connections across cultures and inspire growth.
Photography by Sarel Moon
As an artist, it’s inevitable to face challenges. Sarel’s biggest challenge is the uncertainty that comes with the creative journey. “There’s no roadmap, and everything depends on having confidence in who you are and what you can create. It’s about trusting your natural abilities while continuously working on your discipline and personal growth.” Her sensitivity, which allows her to connect deeply with the world, is both a gift and a challenge—it enriches her art but requires constant self-awareness and resilience to manage. What keeps her grounded is the countless hours she’s dedicated to her craft, which reflect her commitment and authenticity. Overcoming these challenges has taught her to embrace her individuality and trust her vision. “These experiences have helped me grow not only as an artist but also as a person, reminding me that uncertainty is part of the journey and that every step contributes to the bigger picture.” When asked about the hardest part about being a photographer, she stated it’s managing the emotional and psychological aspects, as each session demands capturing not just the subject but the energy and atmosphere around it. “It’s like creating an X-ray of space, time, and energy,” she explains. The best part, however, is the ability to evoke emotions and inspire others, with her sensitivity shaping a style that feels both genuine and impactful. An additional highlight of her journey has been forming friendships and collaborations with creatives from diverse backgrounds, which has enriched her growth both personally and professionally.
Photography by Sarel Moon
Storytelling is at the heart of Sarel’s photography. She approaches every project as an opportunity to capture not just the visuals but the essence of the people and moments involved. “To create a compelling narrative, I strive to be empathetic and perceptive, reading the mood of everyone involved in a session. By channeling that energy into my work, I aim to reflect the unique essence of each person or project in the final material.” This ensures that every image feels authentic and tells a story that resonates with both the subject and the audience. When it comes to role models, Sarel is inspired by photographers like David LaChapelle, whose bold, vibrant, and unapologetic approach to visual storytelling encourages her to push creative boundaries; Jessica Kobeissi, who excels at directing models naturally, creating polished, captivating editorial work; and Alessio Albi, whose mastery of natural light and atmospheric imagery has deeply influenced her understanding of light and emotion. “Each of these artists reminds me of the transformative power of photography and the importance of staying authentic to my style while continuously challenging myself to grow,” she explains. As for her dream project, Sarel envisions a large-scale fashion or branding campaign for a global brand, blending photography, design, and video to create something visually striking and narrative-driven. She also hopes to expand into the music scene, collaborating with musicians to create visuals that amplify their artistry and emotion, further integrating her creative passions into her work.
Photo of Sarel Moon
Sarel draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including the music she listens to, the work of other artists, fashion, and the raw emotions of simply being alive. “Photography is therapeutic for me,” she says, “a way to unify all these elements and transform them into something meaningful.” At the core of her creative drive is the love and support she receives from her family and friends. “My mom, my brother, and my friends—who feel like brothers and sisters—are an essential part of what keeps me grounded,” she shares. Their presence fuels her creativity, especially during challenging times, reminding her of why she does what she does. Looking ahead, Sarel plans to continue pushing her creative boundaries, working on international projects, and mentoring emerging photographers. “My goal is to keep exploring authenticity, pushing my artistic vision, and inspiring others through my work.” For those just starting in photography, her advice is simple: shoot as much as you can, experiment with different styles, and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. “Build a portfolio that reflects your passion, focus on staying authentic to your style, and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you,” she advises. “Photography is about more than just taking pictures; it’s about telling stories and connecting with others.”
It's clear that for Sarel Moon, photography is more than just a career—it's a way of seeing the world, a deeply personal expression of emotion, creativity, and connection. Through her lens, Sarel not only captures moments but also tells stories that resonate with authenticity and depth. With a constant drive to push her boundaries and inspire others, she’s a photographer who embraces both the challenges and the beauty of her craft. As she continues to evolve, her work promises to leave an imperishable mark on the creative world, inviting us all to look a little closer, feel a little deeper, and see the extraordinary in the everyday.
Edited by KBR on February 10, 2025
