Ukrainian-born Sacha Stejko has a background in New Zealand's film and theatre industry that dates back to her childhood. She enjoys forging genuine connections with the people she photographs, which leads to thoughtful and insightful portraits that capture the essence of their life stories.
This connection allows her subjects to feel comfortable enough to open up and allow her lens to reveal their personal stories. Stylistically versatile, Sacha’s commercial work ranges from artful visual storytelling to raw explosive action. This range is a testament to her remarkable talent and adaptability, making her a sought-after photographer for a variety of commercial campaigns.
Having worked with international brands such as Opdivo, Standard Chartered Bank, Warner, Spark, Anchor, Adidas, Audi, Bose, and Fonterra. Sacha Stejko’s work has garnered recognition and accolades both locally and internationally. Her ability to craft captivating images and tell stories through her work has cemented her as one of the industry's most coveted photographers.
Aupiki Grace - The brief for this shoot was to capture the intensity and action of a rugby game from a unique angle, getting up close and personal with a wide-angle lens. The shots were used to promote the Rugby Women's final, which was set to be live-streamed on TikTok. As the first event of its kind, the imagery needed to have a certain energy to match.
Photographing Grace Brooker’s powerful kick was an unforgettable experience. I was lying down right next to the kicking tee, and I could feel the wind surge past me with every swing. Given how close we had to be to capture the action, the shoot was filled with adrenaline.
From having Niall Williams Guthrie soar over my camera to narrowly dodging rugby balls as they skimmed past my head, every moment was worth it to get the perfect shot. The energy and passion these women brought to the campaign were truly inspiring, making it a real honor to be part of this project.
Jima - This portrait series was inspired by the film Moonlight, and the use of colour to create a striking visual narrative. My model Jima was fantastic to collaborate with and he had such a strong camera presence. This shoot was a testament to the power of colour and its ability to evoke emotion and tell a story. It was important to get into the studio and see how the different tones work together. After a bit of a play around with the different hues, I was able to create a cinematic collection of images I am enamoured with.
The image I present, serves as a reminder of the devastation and lasting impact of conflict, the enduring grief that will reverberate through generations to come.
Kyree - This portrait of Kyree was part of a campaign that holds a special place in my heart. The girls depicted in the images were not only talented athletes, but also individuals with immense passion for the game of rugby. At the age of 12, they were already facing limitations in pursuing their rugby careers, a reality that was both disheartening and frustrating.
Through this campaign, I was given the opportunity to capture the raw emotion and determination of these girls, showcasing their talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
It is moments like these that remind me of the power of photography and storytelling in driving change and raising awareness. It was such an honour to hear their stories and be able to capture these young inspiring individuals.I hope that their stories will encourage others to advocate for more opportunities for female athletes in the future.
I was drawn to the graphic nature of the lines on the race track, and how the runner's body intersected and disrupted them. It added an extra layer of dynamism and interest to the composition.
To achieve this shot, I had to get creative with my equipment. I constructed a makeshift rig using a scaff pole to elevate the camera above the runner. It was a bit of a logistical challenge, but I was determined to get the shot I had envisioned. I was battling the sun, and used a light from the other side to lift some of the shadow.
I ended up with a double shadow which I don't mind - it looks as if his silhouette creates more of an impact in the shot. When the moment finally came, and the runner fell into frame, everything aligned. The lines on the ground, the posture of the runner - it all came together to create the image I had hoped for.