ABOUT

Samantha Zauscher (zowsh-er) is a ballet, dance, fine art portrait, and commercial photographer based in San Diego, additionally working in Los Angeles and New York. Imbued with a love of dance and movement before birth, Sam’s work interweaves fine art aesthetics with contemporary / editorial style, bringing a unique, modern eye to dance and portrait imagery.

Before photography, Sam was a full-time professional ballet dancer in southern California (California Ballet), dancing in full length productions such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Giselle, Dracula, and more. Though classically trained, work from more contemporary choreographers such as Forsythe, Wheeldon, Kylián, and Pite remain as some of her favorite pieces. Facing injury and an opportunity to expand into photography / film, she retired early to better serve the art form, fellow dancers, and dance makers. With the same drive she applied to dance, Sam lives for producing striking visuals that further the art and inspire and attract audiences both old and new. Her own dance passion and experience allows her to innately connect with dance artists, provide artistic and technical support, and make the photographic experience a true collaboration.

Additional professional experience in design and art direction give clients, companies, and artists an added, valuable resource for further visual styling and strategy. Always drawing a mix of inspiration across mediums and moods, all work is rooted by purpose and aesthetic goals. When not in the studio or on location, she can be found working on other visual art, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her husband and kid. Sam is available for commissions and collaborations worldwide. For news, updates, and up-to-date work, subscribe to her personal quarterly-ish studio emails below.