Behind Every Stunning Shot: Meet Shingai Choto

At Sage and Stone, we believe that every piece of jewelry tells a story, and the right photographer helps bring that story to life.  That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to Shingai Choto, the creative eye behind some of our most fun and creative product shoots.

Shingai Choto has played a huge role in shaping the visual identity of Sage and Stone. In this exclusive interview, we dive into his journey, creative process, and what it takes to photograph jewelry in a way that feels both timeless and bold. 

From the Owners:

"Shingai didn’t just understand our vision, but he brought it to life in ways we never imagined. His talent behind the camera goes beyond what we could have asked for. He added his own creative touch, giving us more photos and videos that go beyond what we dreamed. We’re so grateful for the way he believed in us and worked with us to make everything a reality." - Molly Johnson, Co-Founder & Owner

"Shingai’s personality and good heart shine through in everything he does. He makes our photoshoots so much fun and creates a relaxed, comfortable space for our models. Beyond that, he’s opened our eyes to creative new ways to capture our pieces, always pushing the boundaries of what we were used to. Working with him is the best!" - Gracie Phillips, Co-Founder & Owner

For business inquiries, please contact Shingai through his Instagram (@shingai.c). 

Where are you from and what year of college are you in?

 "I am an international student from Harare, Zimbabwe, currently in my
sophomore year."

How did you first get into photography, and what drew you to it as a creative
outlet?

 "While running our mug cake business in Zimbabwe, my sister and I had a
friend who volunteered to create a video and take product photos for us.
Watching his process and the final product fascinated me, and
immediately after I started saving for a camera. In the meantime, I started
learning phone photography and videography, and I've been passionate
about it ever since."

How would you describe your photography style, and how did you adapt it to
capture Sage and Stone’s brand?

 "I've only had my camera for about a year and a half, and I wouldn't say I
have a particular style yet. I've been trying many different things and
seeing what I like most as I learn. Working with the Sage and Stone brand
has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I love it. I could see their
vision, and I felt we could achieve something great together while learning
essential skills."

What role do you think photography plays in shaping a brand’s identity?

 "I believe storytelling is super important these days, and photography is a
key tool for companies to show their personality and what they care about.
It helps people see themselves as part of the company's community and
understand the brand's identity and goals."

Are there any specific inspirations or photographers who influence your work?

 "Big shout out to Jared Bunga, Shane Mushunje, and YB from back home.
They've had a massive impact on how I work, and I'm super grateful for
everything."

What are your future goals in photography, and where do you see yourself taking
your work next?

 “If it's free, you're the product.” I remember watching a video that
explained how free apps not only consume your time but also generate
revenue from your data. As a college student, I was initially just searching
for ways to earn extra income. I decided to learn, and I believe that
anyone with proper guidance can easily do the same. In the future, I hope
to teach and share the knowledge I've acquired with others. My goal is
that everyone in this digital economy can leverage their personal story to
generate additional income from an industry that has become a gold mine
for those who have capitalized on it."

What’s one project or concept you haven’t done yet but would love to try?

 "I'm a huge car enthusiast, and it's always been a dream of mine to create
a video featuring a supercar. I'm fascinated by the engineering, the design,
and the sheer power of these cars. My vision for the video involves
showing not only the car's performance but also its aesthetic beauty."

How can people find your work, and are you currently open for bookings?

 "I mainly post my work on Instagram (@shingai.c), and people can contact
me there about projects they may want to pursue." 

Explore more of Shingai's work below!