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 7 books.

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Rick Smolan

Groundbreaker, Author, Publisher, CEO, Photographer for Life, Time, National Geographic.

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Maggie Steber

Maggie is an internationally renowned and consistently honored documentary photographer.

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Donna Ferrato

Donna Ferrato is an internationally acclaimed photojournalist known for her groundbreaking documentation of the hidden world of domestic violence.

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Charles Kogod

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

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Lucian Perkins

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

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Melina Mara

Melina serves as the Washington Post’s national political photographer.

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Jodi Cobb

Jodi was a National Geographic staff photographer for over two decades.

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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

John is the former Chief Photographer of the consistently award-winning San Jose Mercury News and fine art photographer.

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Kim Komenich

Kim is a Pulitzer Prize winner, San Francisco State professor, and former San Francisco Chronicle photographer.

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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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Pedro Meyer

Pedro is a documentary and fine art photographer and digital pioneer – the dean of Mexican photography.

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Fred Mertz

Fred is a landscape
photographer and reformed photojournalist.

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James Arzente

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

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Matthew Naythons

Matthew is president of Epicenter Press and former freelance photographer for TIME.

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Hannah Rahill

Hannah has been a publishing executive and now vice president and publisher of Ten Speed Press.

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Ken Hackman

Ken is the U.S. Air Force’s former Chief Photojournalist and the recognized ‘Godfather of Military Photojournalism’.

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David Frazier

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

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David Hornback

Fashion photographer born in Los Angeles, raised in Wichita, now living between northern Spain and Berlin.

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Stephen Podrasky

Stephen is a fine art and street and commercial photographer. His pictures have appeared in notable publications and his work is held in private and corporate collections.

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Melissa Farlow

Melissa is a freelancer and
frequent National Geographic photographer.

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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 7 books.

READ QUOTE

Rick Smolan

Groundbreaker, Author, Publisher, CEO, Photographer for Life, Time, National Geographic.

READ QUOTE

Maggie Steber

Maggie is an internationally renowned and consistently honored documentary photographer.

READ QUOTE

Donna Ferrato

Donna Ferrato is an internationally acclaimed photojournalist known for her groundbreaking documentation of the hidden world of domestic violence.

READ QUOTE

Charles Kogod

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

READ QUOTE

Lucian Perkins

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

READ QUOTE

Melina Mara

Melina serves as the Washington Post’s national political photographer.

READ QUOTE

Jodi Cobb

Jodi was the National Geographic staff photographer for over two decades.

READ QUOTE

Scott Goldsmith

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

READ QUOTE

John Fulton

John is the former Chief Photographer of the consistently award-winning San Jose Mercury News and fine art photographer.

READ QUOTE

Kim Komenich

Kim is a Pulitzer Prize winner, San Francisco State professor, and former San Francisco Chronicle photographer.

READ QUOTE

Paul Kitagaki, Jr.

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

READ QUOTE

Pedro Meyer

Pedro is a documentary and fine art photographer and digital pioneer – the dean of Mexican photography.

READ QUOTE

Fred Mertz

Fred is a landscape
photographer and reformed photojournalist.

READ QUOTE

James Arzente

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

READ QUOTE

Matthew Naythons

Matthew is president of Epicenter Press and former freelance photographer for TIME.

READ QUOTE

Hannah Rahill

Hannah has been a publishing executive and now vice president and publisher of Ten Speed Press.

READ QUOTE

Ken Hackman

Ken is the U.S. Air Force’s former Chief Photojournalist and the recognized ‘Godfather of Military Photojournalism’.

READ QUOTE

David Frazier

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

READ QUOTE

David Hornback

Fashion photographer born in Los Angeles, raised in Wichita, now living between northern Spain and Berlin.

READ QUOTE

Stephen Podrasky

Stephen is a fine art and street and commercial photographer. His pictures have appeared in notable publications and his work is held in private and corporate collections.

READ QUOTE

Melissa Farlow

Melissa is a freelancer and
frequent National Geographic photographer.

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

www.menzelphoto.com

"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

Wikipedia | Amazon | Instgram | Twitter

“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

www.maggiesteber.com

"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
www.donnaferrato.com

“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 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
www.lucianperkins.com

“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

melinamara.photoshelter.com

“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
jodicobb.com AND thephotosociety.org

“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

scottgoldsmith.com

“It is rare Sandra loves photography and she loves to look at photographs. And most importantly she loves to work with photographers regardless of their "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
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
journalism.sfsu.edu/people/faculty/kim-komenich
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.

Kitagakiphoto.com

Instagram
Twitter

“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

zonezero.com/en/

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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
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

"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
www.davidhornbackphoto.com
Instagram

"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

www.podraskyfineart.com

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

olsonfarlow.com AND thephotosociety.org