Life & Work with Samantha Solmar of West Plaza, KCMO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Solmar

Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first started experimenting with photography nearly 15 years ago, using Lomography toy film cameras. Back then, my friends and I would save up money to develop film at drugstores, which was only like 5 bucks a roll back then.

I’ve always been drawn to creative outlets like photography, fashion, hair, and makeup, and portrait photography has become the perfect way to bring all those passions together. When I was a teenager, I was super active on Tumblr, posting my film photos, outfits, thrift hauls, and all things riot grrl.

In high school, I went to cosmetology school and started doing hair professionally, which I continued while earning my bachelor’s in psychology. I went on to get my MBA, and now I work full-time in marketing. Even with a full-time career, I still freelance as a hair and makeup artist and photographer—it’s a well-rounded balance that lets me explore everything I love.

Lastly, during the beginning of the pandemic, I started writing poetry and taking virtual singing lessons. In 2023, I released my zine called Sour Fruits featuring my photography and some of my (very rudimentary) poetry. It was a fun way to explore another creative outlet and share a more personal side. I’m always open to new creative mediums and hobbies.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been challenging at times, especially finding the balance with a demanding schedule. In some ways, I feel less pressure to aggressively pursue photography because it’s not my sole source of income. But at the same time, that gives me the freedom to be selective about the projects I take on, which is important since my time is limited.

Early on, when I was in college and just starting out, I didn’t have much disposable income, so I had to get really creative with props and locations. I had to make the most out of what I had, and it forced me to be resourceful without any major budgets.

I’ve also been chronically ill since I was 15, living with conditions like lupus, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and others. For a while, shooting in the heat or being on my feet for long periods was incredibly challenging. People didn’t really understand why I looked so young but would get winded or need to sit down. There was definitely a period where I had to limit myself to working indoors because I couldn’t keep up with the physical demands of photography. Thankfully, with treatment and better management of my health, I no longer feel as limited by my disabilities. It’s been a journey, but it’s taught me to adapt and work in ways that honor both my creativity and my body’s needs.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work focuses primarily on creative portraits and fashion. I’m drawn to anything colorful, avant-garde, or projects that reference iconic pieces of media. I’d say my style is perfect for someone looking for photos that are unique, imaginative, and a little ethereal and escapist.

Rarely do I shoot on a simple white backdrop. At a time when simplicity and minimalism are ‘in,’ I prefer to lean into maximalism, incorporating tons of textures and bold colors to create a dynamic, layered vibe. to tell a story or set the scene.

Every photoshoot feels like a science experiment, where I get to mix creative elements and see how they come together in the end. I try not to cling too tightly to a specific outcome at the start—I prefer to let the project evolve naturally. The model, the vibe, the mood, and even the energy of the day all play a role in shaping the final result. It’s this sense of openness that keeps the process exciting and keeps me from being too hard on myself when things don’t turn out “perfectly”.

One thing that sets me apart is that I frequently do the makeup for my own shoots. Because I’m also a photographer, I understand how to do makeup that captures well on camera. This gives me more creative control over the entire process, ensuring everything from the makeup to the set design aligns with the overall vision.

Some of my work also incorporates themes of aggression and intensity, which are emotions that women aren’t always given the space to express. I want to challenge those expectations and show that femininity can exist alongside power, boldness, and unapologetic strength. It’s about creating a space where clients can fully embody and own every aspect of themselves.

Beyond the visuals, I’m also committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment where models (who are predominantly women) feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated. I am very aware of the power dynamic that can exist between photographer and model and it’s my goal to respect that. My goal is to create images that make my clients feel beautiful and embodied in their unique way, free from the constraints of the male gaze or societal pressures.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been drawn to arts and science equally I would say. My aunt was a designer at Hallmark, and I thought she was the coolest person in the world. I was also really into mysteries, ghost stories, and cryptids, which definitely fueled my imagination, and then eventually psychology and social science, which led me to go to school for research psychology. I was one of those kids who was always jumping from one interest to the next, as little neurodivergent kids do lol. Looking back, I think curiosity and love of exploring new things shaped a lot of who I am today.

Pricing:

• Photoshoot: 1.5 hours. $350. Includes 15-20 final edited images, along with styling, hair, and makeup guidance.
• Makeup Application: 60 minutes. $125 (or +$100 if booked with a photoshoot).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samanthasolmar.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthasolmar/