Photographer Of The Month : Sharon Marrero Speaks on her photography career with Mishka

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The photographer holds the key to how brands are viewed. Meet Sharon Marrero, RESPECT Mag had the privilege to sit down with New York’s notorious brand Mishka‘s photographer to discuss how it feels to view the world from the lens of the camera and what it takes to uphold the brand’s image through her professionalism. The creative being had her plate full from covering shows to building her career as a photographer.

How did you start your career in photography?

When I was 11 life had been a bit rocky already.. I had gone to a school trip and remember wishing I had a camera to somehow document how amazing that day was. From then on I would have my mom buy me disposable cams all the time, dad had a polaroid. I was fascinated I could look back at good times whenever I wanted to.. later came out the sidekicks/ iphones.. I was the one always taking pictures with my phone in Highschool..parents could never really afford to give me my own dslr camera but I made it work. I managed to save up some money in college and the rest was history.

How did you get started with Mishka?

My boy Berto (whom I had my first photoshoot ever) hit me up one day letting me know Mishka was taking photography interns. I’m thankful to have had a friend who believed in me enough to think I even had a chance. (I know I didn’t think I would get selected to come in for an interview) But I did and started interning in April of 2012.

How long have you been doing photography for them?

I make 3 years in April, started the week after my 21st birthday as an intern, never left lol.

How does it feel to view the world through the camera lens?

Powerful, each snap captures how I viewed the world at the exact moment. I get to show the world my perception on life and shed light on what may go unnoticed .. whether it’s a smile, flower, poverty… life is incredible & not many of us take the time to notice the beauty in everything .

Do you have any other side projects going on?

I’ve actually been working for my bestfriend/videographer/assistant Tavaun Everette and his web series Coming soon.. you guy’s definitely have to keep watch for that. It’s about young New York based artist (photographers/dancers/drawing artist/models) and the journey they are on trying to pursue their craft.

You also do show coverages. what was your first big show ever that you covered? How was the first time experience like?

Joe Budden concert I was nervous, I remember I just didn’t want to get in anyone’s way on stage. I was also worried about getting good shots, I didn’t have any fancy equipment like other photographers that were there but it ended up going just fine. Had Joe Budden’s team reach out to me for more work.

Which hip-hop show is your favourite out of all the ones you have covered and why?

My favorite show has to be the most low-key out of them all. spring (2010) there was a small Rutgers University (perth amboy, nj) Greek Unity Day Festival on Campus… my friends Fiz – Hoddy invited me to tag along, they were going to be musically performing along side the school’s Greek Sorority/fraternity’s step squad’s and opening for a surprise act. Out came Kendrick Lamar/ Schoolboy q , performing tracks off of overly dedicated… I was sold, been a fan ever since.

Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q.

How difficult is it to capture and portray the brand accurately?

Not hard, I see most of the clothing as art, it speaks for it’s self, I just try and portray how the piece makes me feel by using the environment around me. I also happen to be friends with great looking guys/girls who just happen to be in the industry somehow (models/actors/artists) that also effects how the brand is looked upon.
I find it to be a privilege to have that task, I get to create a Mishka Universe of which our fans can themselves feel like they are a part of. Mishka is for the people lol , it’s all about being yourself and not caring about the world’s opinions.

What are some of your biggest photographic influences?

(street style/artist/hiphop photography) Terry Richardson , Ricky Powell , Jonathan Mannion

Hows is 2015 looking for you? Anything other particular goals/ new year resolutions?

2015 couldn’t come any faster, I see it as a new slate, a step closer to recovery from my back injury(2 herniated disc) . This year I’ll finally get back to my personal shoot’s outside of work at Mishka, something I haven’t been able to do for almost a year now. I’m super excited.