What’s it Like to Work With Sandra?

A variety of pros share their experiences with her to help you picture how she can help you.
Click each box to read their quotes.

Peter Menzel

Peter has worked for nearly every major publication and has about a million copies in print of his 9 books.

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Rick Smolan

Groundbreaker, Day in the Life book series creator, photographer for LIFE, TIME, NGS and CEO of transmedia company Against All Odds.

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Maggie Steber

Internationally renowned and consistently honored photographer and Guggenheim Fellow with work with the Library of Congress.

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Donna Ferrato

Documenter of domestic violence, freelancer for major publications, W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund Executive Board member, author of six books.

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Charles Kogod

Charles is the former Illustration/Photography Director for National Geographic Books.

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Eli Reed

Freelance photographer, videographer, director, educator, Magnum board member, Sony Artisan, and more.

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Lucian Perkins

Lucian is a two-time Pulitzer winner, videographer and former Washington Post photographer.

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Brad Husick

International Leica Society president, professional photographer, educator and serial entrepreneur.

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Susan Biddle

Freelance photographer for major publications and books, Susan is a former staffer for The Washington Post and the White House.

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Melina Mara

Melina has long served as The Washington Post’s national political photographer and authored a book on women in Congress.

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Jodi Cobb

Jodi was a National Geographic staff photographer for over two decades and has worked in over 60 countries around the world.

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Scott Goldsmith

Scott has been the photographer for publications like National Geographic TIME, LIFE, Sports Illustrated and more.

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John Fulton

Former Chief Photographer of the consistently award-winning San Jose Mercury News, John is now focuses on fine art photography.

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Kim Komenich

Pulitzer winner, former Knight Fellow, and professor, Kim is a former San Francisco Chronicle staffer.

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Paul Kitagaki, Jr.

Paul is a major project photographer and videographer, freelancing for major publications around the globe.

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David Hornback

Street, portrait, travel, fine art and life photographer based in Spain (and sometimes Germany,) and recent creator of the photobook remembrance “Where the Hell is Wichita”.

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Melissa Farlow

Melissa is a freelancer, frequent National Geographic photographer and Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame inductee.

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Pedro Meyer

Documentary and fine art photographer, digital pioneer, Lucie Visionary honoree, Pedro is the dean of Mexican photography.

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Stephen Podrasky

Fine art, street and commercial photographer, Stephen’s work is held in private and corporate collections.

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James Arzente

James is a fine art portraiture photographer and former
fine art painter.

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Fred Mertz

Fred is a landscape
photographer and reformed photojournalist.

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Matthew Naythons

Matthew is president of Epicenter Communications publishing and former.

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Ken Hackman

This U.S. Air Force former Chief Photojournalist is known as ’the Godfather of Military Photojournalism.

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Hannah Rahill

Hannah is a Penguin Random House publishing executive and former vice president and publisher of Ten Speed Press.

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David Frazier

David served as news editor
and San Jose Mercury
News designer.

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What’s it Like to Work With Sandra?

A variety of pros share their experiences with her to help you picture how she can help you.
Click each box to read their quotes.

Peter Menzel

Peter has worked for nearly every major publication and has about a million copies in print of his 9 books.

READ QUOTE

Rick Smolan

Groundbreaker, Day in the Life book series creator, photographer for LIFE, TIME, NGS and CEO of transmedia company Against All Odds.

READ QUOTE

Maggie Steber

Internationally renowned and consistently honored photographer and Guggenheim Fellow with work with the Library of Congress.

READ QUOTE

Donna Ferrato

Documenter of domestic violence, freelancer for major publications, W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund Executive Board member, author of six books.

READ QUOTE

Charles Kogod

Charles is the former Illustration/Photography Director for National Geographic Books.

READ QUOTE

Eli Reed

Freelance photographer, videographer, director, educator, Magnum board member, Sony Artisan, and more.

READ QUOTE

Lucian Perkins

Lucian is a two-time Pulitzer winner, videographer and former Washington Post photographer.

READ QUOTE

Brad Husick

International Leica Society president, professional photographer, educator and serial entrepreneur.

READ QUOTE

Susan Biddle

Freelance photographer for major publications and books, Susan is a former staffer for The Washington Post and the White House.

READ QUOTE

Melina Mara

Melina has long served as The Washington Post’s national political photographer and authored a book on women in Congress.

READ QUOTE

Jodi Cobb

Jodi was a National Geographic staff photographer for over two decades and has worked in over 60 countries around the world.

READ QUOTE

Scott Goldsmith

Scott has been the photographer for publications like National Geographic TIME, LIFE, Sports Illustrated and more.

READ QUOTE

John Fulton

Former Chief Photographer of the consistently award-winning San Jose Mercury News, John is now focuses on fine art photography.

READ QUOTE

Kim Komenich

Pulitzer winner, former Knight Fellow, and professor, Kim is a former San Francisco Chronicle staffer.

READ QUOTE

Paul Kitagaki, Jr.

Paul is a major project photographer and videographer, freelancing for major publications around the globe.

READ QUOTE

David Hornback

Street, portrait, travel, fine art and life photographer based in Spain (and sometimes Germany,) and recent creator of the photobook remembrance “Where the Hell is Wichita”.

READ QUOTE

Melissa Farlow

Melissa is a freelancer, frequent National Geographic photographer and Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame inductee.

READ QUOTE

Pedro Meyer

Documentary and fine art photographer, digital pioneer, Lucie Visionary honoree, Pedro is the dean of Mexican photography.

READ QUOTE

Stephen Podrasky

Fine art, street and commercial photographer, Stephen’s work is held in private and corporate collections.

READ QUOTE

James Arzente

James is a fine art portraiture photographer and former
fine art painter.

READ QUOTE

Fred Mertz

Fred is a landscape
photographer and reformed photojournalist.

READ QUOTE

Matthew Naythons

Matthew is president of Epicenter Communications publishing and former.

READ QUOTE

Ken Hackman

This U.S. Air Force former Chief Photojournalist is known as ’the Godfather of Military Photojournalism.

READ QUOTE

Hannah Rahill

Hannah is a Penguin Random House publishing executive and former vice president and publisher of Ten Speed Press.

READ QUOTE

David Frazier

David served as news editor
and San Jose Mercury
News designer.

READ QUOTE

There is no one in the world who can give better advice on how to improve a portfolio or make better photos. I learned more from Sandra Eisert’s editing of my work than from any other teacher, class, or book.

Peter Menzel

Website | Books | Instagram | Wikipedia

Every once in a blue moon, someone comes along who’s abilities and skills put everyone else in their industry to shame. There are many people who call themselves picture editors but there is only one Sandra Eisert.

Sandra has not only been an invaluable asset and guiding spirit to Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers including David Hume Kennerly, she has also helped fledgling photographers (including yours truly!) at the beginning of their careers.

Sandra was an invaluable member of the DAY IN THE LIFE team and worked tirelessly to ensure that every photographer whose work she edited benefitted from her incredible eye.

For any professional photojournalist wanting to move to the next level of accomplishment Sandra is by far the best editor any shooter could wish for. I can’t sing her praises loudly enough!

Rick Smolan

Books | Instgram | Twitter | Wikipedia

Sandra Eisert is a photograph whisperer. Pictures talk to her. They tell her where they want to sit on a page, or in a lineup of related pictures, what size they want to be, and why they are important.

I learned this about Sandra from a presentation she made and working with her after that, I found it to be so. She has created concepts and programs that are major components of the digital world today.

She knows photography as though it were born in her heart and intellect and she is a guide who can take you by the hand – or the eye – and lead you toward the goals you seek. Not working with this woman is a missed opportunity.

Maggie Steber

Website | Instagram | Wikipedia

Sandra is a living legend in the kingdom of brilliant bad-ass photography editors. We first met in NYC when she was a judge for the W. Eugene Smith grant. She’s frank but supportive and I’ve certainly profited from her wisdom. I hope her words I remember from our last conversation will open your mind to the simple clarity she can offer: ‘Just because you snapped the shutter doesn't mean you made a picture.’ What she knows is what is matters when it comes to storytelling par excellence and she always has your back.

Donna Ferrato

The insightful critiques I received from Sandra Eisert had a profound impact on both my photography and my life.

Unlike other critiques, Sandra addressed me as a whole person, not just a photographer.

Her suggestions were spot-on and certainly helped me grow and obtain the professional success I've enjoyed.

Charles Kogod

Sandra Eisert is a special kind of enlightenment in the journalism world. She carries a kind of ultimate truth that lives deep within the core of our humanity with a keen understanding of the value that ensues.

Sandra is a person who has a unique vision of our projected place in the future of journalism. She truly understands the nature of visual communication and its power. Sandra has worked in the highest halls of the journalism profession delivering truth and a proper justice to the visual world at large. She is a gift to the journalism world that comes from her understanding and belief in the power of truth.

Sandra Eisert is the person in the room that you listen to when you need an accurate sense of direction. She will bring to you a sweet ocean breeze that will help enlighten and broaden the things that are necessary for clarity in a true understanding of what is possible.

Eli Reed

Website | Instgram | Twitter | Blog | Wikipedia

Sandra Eisert is an invaluable asset for any photographer, and she was certainly one for me. Whether you are working on a book, photo story or portfolio, her advice, care, and passion will move your photography project to a higher level that can become the difference between success and failure.

Lucian Perkins

Website | Books | Instagram | Twitter

Sandra burst my bubble. I showed her my portfolio and her reaction was, "eh." She said they were technically good, but none of them told a story or showed how I felt about the subject. Of course, she was right. She told me to go make photos of people, and I said that was a hard thing to do. She knew it, and I went on my way.

Working with Sandra caused a renaissance in my photography and made me fall in love with making photos again. She's not afraid to tell you the truth and make you better.

If you really want to become the kind of photographer you dream of becoming, don't buy a new camera or lens. Invest in yourself by spending some time with Sandra. It won't be easy but it will change you forever.

Brad Husick

Website | LinkedIn

I am so fortunate to have known Sandra Eisert almost my entire career. We were accidental roommates at a workshop years ago. Helping each other with our workshop stories and edits and would be the beginning of a long, treasured professional and personal relationship. Over the years Sandra has advised me not only on picture and story choices but also on career choices, always in such a wise way.

Sandra takes the time to learn who a person is, what they are trying to do or say and advises accordingly. She is a tough and thorough editor. I’ve sat with her while she’s editing, not only my own work, but that of other photographers - their stories, projects and portfolios and I’m always amazed at her wisdom, care and thoroughness. She’s firm but supportive, finding ways to move a project forward. Her taste in photographs is simply the best.

Susan Biddle

Website | Instgram

For more than a decade, veteran photo editor Sandra Eisert has been a mentor, colleague, and now friend. When my book, "Changing The Face of Power: Women in the U.S. Senate," needed to be designed I called Sandra. As a prominent book editor and designer, I hired her to not only to design the pages, but be a consultant on the entire project.

Sandra also became one of my three main editors on the book and the Smithsonian exhibit of the work. During my long tour at The Washington Post as their national political staff photojournalist, I have relied on Sandra for professional insight on a constantly evolving media industry.

Melina Mara

Website

She is the ultimate photographic professional, and I am just one of surely hundreds of photographers, students, educators, and editors who have benefited enormously from her guidance, advice and judgment.

Jodi Cobb

Website

Visual communication and Sandra Eisert are synonymous. She is one of the most respected picture editors in the world. Sandra is able read between the lines of people and photographs. This unique ability makes her portfolio critiques powerful in many subtle ways, no matter what level your work is on.

Sandra has worked with some of the best photographers in the world and edited for several US Presidents on both sides of the aisle. Her ability to communicate visually is unparalleled.

Scott Goldsmith

Website

Sandra looks at photographs but she really *sees* photographs and sees the photographer. But most importantly she loves to work with photographers of any ‘level’.

You will learn about your photographs. You will learn about yourself. But don't be intimidated by her background and credentials. She is NOT one of those photography guru experts who try to motivate by tearing you down. She builds on where you are as a photographer. Instead of telling you that a photograph is no good she might tell you that "you should be doing more of this type of photograph.

Whatever it costs to learn from Sandra is cheap. What you will learn is priceless.

John Fulton

Website | Twitter | LinkedIn

At the beginning of my career, the half-hour phone conversation we had about a story she was assigning me [while Sandra was Picture Editor at The Washington Post] literally transformed me from student to pro.

I was asked not to merely “look” for moments but to see them as they were about to happen…[to] set these moments together in a cohesive story and, above all, to get to AP to transmit by 2:00 p.m. the next day…

Naturally when it came time to create a retrospective book on my Pulitzer work, I called Sandra to guide the editing, design and the details of the publication. Given her extensive experience in every level of the process in multiple formats, her work with the best photographers, editors and publishers in the business, Sandra is uniquely qualified to help photographers and major publications take the next step in visual presentation in print, on the web and beyond.

Kim Komenich

LinkedIn | Facebook | Wikipedia

I knew of her national reputation as a picture editor extraordinaire and couldn’t wait to work with her. But working with her was an experience beyond my expectation... Sandra showed me what it was like to work with a first-class editor. I have held her standards and creative eye as a measure of other picture editors with whom I’ve worked. She is the best.

Paul Kitagaki, Jr.

Website | Instagram | Twitter

Driving with Sandra to a meeting one day in San Jose she turned around and asked me, with her own quiet intelligence and intuition, what I wanted to do with my life. To my surprise, instead of suggesting major jobs and big travel, I said that some day I would really like to set up a quiet life somewhere where I had time and freedom to do portraits of people.

Years have gone by but still I always have to think of her special insight: how did she know what to ask? Now I live in northern Spain, and I do travel a lot, I shoot a variety of jobs, I do exhibitions and I teach, but the core of my pleasure is the one-on-one with new people when I take them out in the city or into my studio to shoot portraits. And so many times when I am shooting, I think of Sandra. She has always had such a finely tuned insight, a precise intelligence, and a way of getting right to what you need to hear or think.

Yesterday I photographed a 21-year old fashion model from Chicago. She found me on Instagram and was planning on passing through Spain and so hired me for the photo session. The dream I confessed to Sandra so many years ago is now my life. Down to the last detail. I wish I could consult her on everything in my life. Her wisdom is immense.

David Hornback

Website | Book | Instagram

It is rare to find a gifted editor. No one is more thoughtful and inspiring to work with than Sandra Eisert. I am grateful for her sage advice and the opportunities over the years that have followed.

All photographers want someone who can find the gems in their work. Sandra’s abilities as an editor go far beyond that basic talent.

She finds subtlety and nuance in photographs but also grasps broad concepts. She can help guide a photographer to organize their thoughts, assess priorities and build a strong project.

Sandra is extraordinarily adept at helping photographers identify their strengths. She applies her intellect and focuses on clarity in a project—yet she sees limitless possibilities.

Her professional experiences are varied in managing, designing, art directing and photo editing. She worked in award-winning newsrooms of The Washington Post, San Jose Mercury News and other newspapers. At the White House, as its first editor, she edited David Kennerly’s photographs of President Gerald Ford. She has coordinated, edited and designed countless books and projects.

Whether a developing photographer who can use guidance to make portfolio selections or a seasoned professional who needs advice from a tough editor on a project, Sandra is caring but always honest in her assessments.

Melissa Farlow

Website | Books | Instgram | Twitter | LinkedIn

I met Sandra decades ago, when we both were jurors for the W. Eugene Smith Grant. To stay relevant as the nature of photography has changed so much over this period of time is no small accomplishment in its own right.

It has required her to display a maximum amount of knowledge and flexibility, required her to understand the very nature of what has been going on. Someone with lesser skills would have not been able to overcome such a complex reality.

I give my full support for such a strong and dedicated woman, one who is capable to standing up for all that needs mending in our present world, a world that is in dire need for people such as Sandra Eisert.

Pedro Meyer

Website | Book | Instagram | Wikipedia

Working with Sandra has truly empowered my vision when I photograph.

Her wonderful in-depth critique strengthened my work and my why. Her skills as an editor brought a new perspective in the telling of my story. I truly believe my work and portfolio is now so much stronger.

Sandra has the ability to challenge you as an artist, to dig deep and find your voice. She has an incredible eye and will expand your vision. I believe all photographers need to spend time with Sandra before portfolio reviews.

She has a special way of talking you through the portfolio and guiding you to assemble a richer body of work. I believe the way she talks you through the why of your photography is so important. Sandra will challenge you to push your photography further and help you hone the vision of your portfolio.

After working together, now I am able to study the scene more deeply when I am out shooting.

Stephen Podrasky

Website | Instagram

I've worked with Sandra Eisert on editing images for an upcoming book. Although I’ve worked as a photographer for several years, I come to photography from a painting background so my circumstance were a bit different.

Sandra brought new eyes to my work and, with her various questions and observations, we were able to review the work from a personalized view geared towards my specific goals. Her ability to help me to see my work more objectively helped in both composition and telling a story.

One statement that stays with me while reviewing an image is that “Cropping, gives one the ability to take the shot over” I have found this to be extremely helpful in fulfilling the goals I had set when beginning my working with Sandra.

James Arzente

Website | LinkedIn

If you’re serious about photography and want to take your photos to the next level, contact Sandra. I did. And working with her is a very special and helpful experience. While working with hundreds of photographers and their images, Sandra has honed an acute ability to spot the potential in you and in your pictures. In a friendly, fun and nonjudgmental way, she can clearly guide you on how to improve your vision, elevate your photography and give shape to your projects.

Fred Mertz

Website

On two days’ notice, Sandra unpacked her computer and sat down at the telephones. Within five days our project was on track. By Inauguration morning, it looked to the Inaugural Committee as if we had been in production for six weeks… The success lay almost entirely on the capable shoulders of Ms. Eisert…

One of her invaluable strengths is the ability to take a project from idea to completion and give a sense of unity to the product. Her skill at bringing stories to life has been invaluable.

Matthew Naythons

Website | Books | LinkedIn | Wikipedia

I first met Sandra, a number of years ago when she, Eddie Adams, and I were on the faculty for a California photo workshop. Prior to that I knew her by reputation and she far exceeded what I had heard.

I found that she was intelligent, insightful and an articulate, perceptive commentator on visual images. As a newspaper picture editor, she not only maximized photographic impact and transformed her publications, but she also did outstanding work in advancing informational graphics.”

She lent her considerable expertise to the Department of Defense where she helped establish the DoD Public Web Program. As I said, she is smart and aggressive in pursuing visual and journalistic excellence.

I recommend her without reservation as a learned commentator on the value and impact of visuals on our increasingly visual society. She is the best!

Ken Hackman

As photo editor for a number of titles in The Beautiful Cookbook series, Sandra Eisert has heightened our understanding of photography and graphic design and succeeded in stretching the book designer into new ways of thinking…

Sandra has the eye to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in any given body of work and her critiques are spot-on. She understands the way creative minds work and has the knowledge and people skills to manage creative people effectively…

What speaks volumes is that the most sensitive and meticulous photographers we work with have respect for Sandra’s vision and trust her. She taught me how to look at a picture and judge its quality. Her organization, attention to detail, knowledge of photography, and editorial eye were a great asset to the production team.

Hannah Rahill

LinkedIn

She knows journalism. She knows pictures. She knows art and design. She can conjure those elements in a way that is truly special, in a way that reaches right to the heart of communication…

I can’t say enough about Sandra’s talent for bringing the best out of people. For all her great skills and there are many – I can’t think of anyone, anywhere, who’s better at showing people “the way.

David Frazier