Meet Diarra, a 22 year old street style photographer and painter originally from Senegal, but is currently based in New York. Diarra also has a blog where she posts her street style pictures.

“My blog is a street style blog called Le Sapphire Blue. It’s based on the power of dreams and how it is expressed through art. I chose to feature art in the form of street style photos I take, my travels across the world, my artwork and my digital photographs. I also do the photo coverage of some fashion galas in New York and blog about it if the subjects allow me to. The latest one was with fashion illustrator Don Oehl. I am also an artist (painter). What do you love most about taking street style pictures? I get to meet interesting people and get inspired.”

After checking out Diarra’s blog, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about this girl!

When did you get into street style photography and why?
I began in September 2011. I had recently moved to NYC and would get so inspired watching people so I decided to capture it and show it to the world.
What kind of camera do you use?
Nikon d3100
What’s your least fav part about taking street style pictures?
It is sometimes uncomfortable to approach people.
I can imagine. So, what do you say when you approach people and ask to take their picture?
Hey my name is Diarra and I write ‘Le Sapphire Blue’ which is a blog dedicated to Art and Street Fashion and would love to take your photo!
Where do you find yourself taking pictures most often?
In Soho.
What makes you stop to take someone’s picture?
When the person looks unique, effortless and approachable
What’s your photography style?
I tend to stand far from the subject , zoom, and take the pictures from below to elongate their figure.
You also consider yourself an artist?
Yes, I do
Who/what inspires your paintings?
All my work is inspired by dreams. I believe that reality is the platform on which we construct our dreams and that dreams are the most beautiful part of life. This is translated in my photos and artwork.
Do you ever distribute your paintings? If so where?
Most of my paintings are hanging in Senegal and a few are with me in NYC. I would consider distributing them eventually.
How long does it take you to create an average painting?
It really depends. Sometimes 2 days and sometimes a month. I tend to start painting not knowing where it is going and only consider the work complete when it starts making me dream.
What do you aspire to be or do for the rest of your life?
I see myself doing anything as long as I get to inspire others and make an impact in the world; whether it is through photography, arts, mathematics or economics (which are my other passions).
Where can we find you?
Facebook:facebook.com/lesapphireblue Twitter: @lesapphireblue
Email: info@lesapphireblue.com Blog: lesapphireblue.com