Meet Monica Saaty-Pizzi: Photographer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Saaty-Pizzi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Since I was a child, I have always loved attending school and learning. I used to spend hours upon hours creating artwork with different mediums outside of school. My family was always very supportive of my love of the arts and allowed me to explore these interests from the time I was a little kid. They have been nothing but supportive during the last decade as I grew my photography business into what it is today. When I was 14, my mother gifted me an old film camera from when she was in college. Since then, I have been avidly exploring the endless photographic opportunities in our world. Since my early teenage years, my mother and I would take road trips and day trips to allow me to use my camera. She helped me join my first photography club in college, land my first solo art show, and was there to help during the first wedding I ever shot. Since then, she’s been my go-to photography assistant and travel-buddy. I would not have the career I have today without her support and encouragement in my early years. She’s always been the #1 supporter of my business. I am forever grateful to her for this. As I set off on my own, I decided to study photography more seriously. My undergraduate degrees included Photography, Visual Communication, and Advertising. I have always loved the visual arts. I started building a business during my undergrad as a way to expand my portfolio and travel around the state. I also love working alongside fellow business owners to meet their marketing needs, so I also studied visual communication and advertising to increase the value of my services. During my prior work experience, I realized that I would make a positive contribution to the educational needs of individuals. I went on to obtain a master’s degree in career and technical education. I’ve always loved the classroom setting, interacting with students, and helping with the school-to-work transition. My overall goal is to develop a student-centered educational process, where content is organized around my learner’s interests and needs. I aim for my students to actively participate in enriching their education, rather than passively learning. Through effective teaching strategies and applicable knowledge, I am able to create customized lesson plans for photographers and entrepreneurs. I serve as a guide to direct my students through their learning experience – helping them understand the connection between the curriculum and its real-world application. I love the visual arts because I feel the creative process centers me. The act of looking through the viewfinder allows me to be totally connected with what I see. The experience of really noticing the world around me is the greatest inspiration of all. I truly love my line of work and welcome any opportunity to create meaningful images. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There are two things that drive my creativity. Human connection and experiencing the natural world. These factors continually inspire me to combine the grandeur of the Arizona landscapes with your intimate relationships. My favorite thing about being a photographer is that it has taught me to see beauty in everything. It’s your life that is truly beautiful. My photography simply allows you to share it with the world. I truly love my line of work and welcome any opportunity to create meaningful images.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visit Flagstaff Arizona. From the refreshing winter chill to mild and sunny summer weather, Flagstaff maintains its signature beauty all year long! With the change of each season, the Flagstaff landscape transforms. I love watching snow covering the ground in winter, the flowers blooming in spring and summer, and the leaves falling in autumn. All four seasons offer visitors a unique and exciting Flagstaff experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. 1. Catch a Lift at Arizona Snowbowl Arizona Snowbowl is one of Flagstaff’s most well-known attractions. Snowbowl receives over 260 inches of annual snowfall, making it an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders. It boasts an astounding 55 trails, 48 of which are serviced by the mountain’s ski lifts. I recommend visiting Snowbowl early on or late in the season, as the slopes tend to get crowded around the holidays. And if you plan to visit Flagstaff in the summer months, don’t fret! You can still ride the ski lift and catch some amazing mountain views any time of year. 2. Stroll the Streets of Downtown Flagstaff If you ask a resident about Flagstaff’s most iconic landmark, they will likely point you to Downtown’s “Hotel Monte Vista” sign. This area hosts a variety of shopping, lodging, and restaurant destinations. Macy’s Coffee is one of my absolute favorite places for a quick meal or a cup of European-style coffee. Another popular shop among Flagstaff visitors and locals is Crystal Magic, where you can browse a beautiful array of fine crystals. Downtown Flagstaff is a must-see to add to your itinerary! 3. Brush Up On Your Astronomy at Lowell Observatory One of our “claims to fame” in Flagstaff is that the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered here, at Lowell Observatory! The observatory is an amazing experience for all ages. It features an astronomy museum, guided tours, and fun activities for the kids. If you come at the right time, you may even get to take a look through their telescope! Not to mention, there is a lookout spot along the way that provides amazing views of Flagstaff, so you can take it all in. 4. Explore the Trails of Buffalo Park Considering Flagstaff residents’ love of the outdoors, I must include a hiking destination on this list. Buffalo Park is a breathtaking (and free!) system of hiking trails located just a few miles from Downtown. Its 2-mile trail loop is perfect for young and amateur hikers looking for a relaxing walk. The trail runs along pine trees and grassy plains which burst with beautiful sunflowers in the spring and summer months. 5. Relive Your Visit With a Photo Session! If you’re making a trip to Flagstaff, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lots of photoworthy locations. Maybe you’ve been looking to find time in your day to take family photos, or just want to capture memories of your fun in Flagstaff. If so, why not book a photo session to commemorate your time spent in this lovely forest town. You’ll be glad you did!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wonderful husband & my supportive family.

Website: www.SaatyPhotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saatyphotography/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-saaty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaatyPhotography/

Image Credits
Saaty Photography