Sara Black isn’t afraid to compete in the male-dominated photography industry. When it comes to beauty and fashion, she is leading the charge—her feminine touch leaving a distinct mark via fresh, arresting portraits of women.

She brings the same delicate touch in her collaboration with Dove.

“The brand values, she said, “are very much aligned with my personal and professional values as a photographer: simplicity in beauty, being grateful for the gifts we have been given, and a ‘less is more’ aesthetic.”

It was Dove which sponsored her first book, “When I Look in the Mirror,” and the all-female photographer group exhibit she helped mount, “Women on Women.”

“I’ve done many campaigns for the brand,” she said, “most recently was the Dove ‘Play with your Hair’ campaign and ‘Dove Men+Care,’”

Backstage Pass talks to the 35-year-old photographer on her beauty regimen and her admirable take on work and life.

Inspired

That light-bulb moment that made me want to pursue photography was… in college. I dabbled in street photography and found the medium incredibly powerful in eliciting emotion, especially because there is so much poverty in Manila. I didn’t know then that it would turn into a career. It was just a latent force. When I graduated from university, my life just seemed to gravitate into this direction.

I believe that photographs should… be a natural extension of the unique life perspective of the photographer. Hopefully the photographs inspire other people to look at the world the way you see it.

I am most engrossed when I’m shooting… people, because humanity fascinates me. Human beings are a quirky bunch. There’s always something new to learn from all sorts of people.

The part of my job most people don’t know about is… not all is glamour. There are difficult and uncomfortable challenges to face—long hours and creative compromises especially in commercial work. But I accept and love all parts of it.

I try to strike a balance between… my commercial work and personal goals, and not just focus on projects that will associate me with fame and fortune. I would like to think I can strive beyond that. I’ve also recently been experimenting with video and have found it to be very challenging and stimulating. You can see some of my short films on www.sarablack.com/category/videos.

Two people who have helped me grow as photographer are… Luis Espiritu, who has always been a guiding force, a second mother, never holding back opinion and constructive criticism; and Jun de Leon, who has always been very generous in sharing his wisdom and experience.

Recent countries or places I’ve visited for work and personal travel photography are… Peru, Bolivia, US Pacific Coast, and Chicago.

Beauty care

My beauty musts include… Burt’s Bees Sweet Violet tinted lip balm, 100-percent pure Cranberry cheek and lip balm, Shu Uemura eyelash curler and Happy Skin Eye Love View eyebrow duo.

My daily baths involve these items… Dove body wash and Clarisonic body brush for exfoliation, Human Nature strengthening shampoo and Human Nature chamomile feminine wash.

When it comes to personal maintenance… I try to use  natural products because I’m concerned about toxic buildup in my body from chemical exposure.

Insanely enough, I use a lot of… different kinds of oil. I like argan oil on my face. My face really feels quenched when I apply this. Tea tree oil for the occasional spot or blemish, and organic grapeseed or virgin coconut oil as my carrier oil for lavender or lemon oil as my whole-body moisturizer. Lavender oil also as aromatherapy. I inhale it before sleeping, and lemon oil inhaled as an energizer.

Ultra-high definition

Backstage Pass got to talk to Black on the set of her latest project with Make Up For Ever.  They recently teamed up to unveil a new generation of HD foundation, Ultra HD.

What it is: A best-selling HD foundation that appears more invisible, comfortable and natural-looking than ever before.

What it does: Developed specifically for film and TV, Ultra HD Liquid Foundation (P2,700) creates a naturally flawless complexion on and off camera. Completely invisible under the latest, super-focused 4k lens, this revolutionary foundation features uniquely coated pigments that provide medium-to-buildable coverage with an even lighter weight, second-skin texture that looks just like skin. Available in a range of shades.

Make Up For Ever boutiques are at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma and SM MOA.

Sarah’s choice products come from Human Nature, Rustan’s Department Store, Beauty Bar and supermarkets nationwide. Follow Sara on Instagram @seesarablack. Know more about Sara Black Photography at www.sarablack.com