Cecil College alumna on a journey through the lens
Published on September 9, 2024
Sarah Capparuccini
WARWICK, Md: Growing up in Cecil County, Sarah Capparuccini always felt a deep passion for photography. As a child, the dream of capturing moments through a camera lens seemed more like a fantasy than a feasible career path.
Encouraged by her mother’s belief in her natural talent, Ms. Capparuccini transformed that dream into reality as the staff photographer for the fastest-growing company in Cecil County, SunMed Growers, a licensed cannabis cultivator and processor located in Warwick, Md.
“Joining SunMed felt like being in the right place at the right time. Every photography gig I had before this was preparing me for this role. I carved out a position here that didn’t exist before, and I’m incredibly proud of what I do. This experience has been a personal and professional journey fueled by my deep passion for the cannabis and photography industries,” said Ms. Capparuccini.
While Ms. Capparuccini’s journey began at an early age, her pathway to realizing that dream took shape when she enrolled in the Visual Communications program (VCP) at Cecil College, where she majored in photography. There, she encountered Adam Jacono, Assistant Professor II, whose influence was profound.
“Mr. Jacono’s approach to teaching and mentorship was instrumental, not only in refining my skills but also in helping me secure real-world assignments,” said Ms. Capparuccini. “He provided a clear perspective on how to market oneself as a freelancer or self-employed professional. He taught me how to price my services effectively, account for my time, and ensure I’m properly compensated. As someone with great success in freelancing, his guidance gave me a clearer understanding of how to get started and how to build from there.”
These lessons expanded on Ms. Capparuccini’s success while attending Padua Academy a year prior. Chris Wills, her graphic design teacher, worked with her on photography techniques and style and encourage her to display the work. Her photographs received an honorable mention in a scholastic contest before going on to take top honors at Delaware College of Art and Design’s Young Artist Competition. This earned her a full scholarship to Delaware College of Art and Design’s pre-college summer program, cementing Ms. Capparuccini’s commitment to photography.
“Support from my parents has been incredibly important throughout my journey. I remember back in high school, they took me out to lunch to discuss career paths, because they weren’t sure if a career in photography was viable or fulfilling. Their skepticism was evident, but as I demonstrated my dedication and passion, they began to accept and support my choice. Now, seeing how far I’ve come and the recent opportunities, they are immensely proud and fully believe in me. Their encouragement means the world to me, affirming that I’m on the right path and validating all the hard work I’ve put in,” said Ms. Capparuccini.
Upon graduating from Cecil College with an associate degree in photography in 2018 and new-found confidence, Ms. Capparuccini, with the help of Mr. Jacono, landed her first professional freelance job photographing a four-day nursing convention in Philadelphia.
“It was stressful at the time as I didn’t know what I was getting into. It was my first major photography job, and it gave me a lot of confidence and direction regarding where I wanted to go,” said Ms. Capparuccini.
Despite her growing success, Ms. Capparuccini faced challenges, including a back injury during her last semester at Cecil College. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, leading to the closure of her job with Bella Baby and forcing her to navigate the uncertain landscape of freelance work. During this period, she ventured into social media management at a cannabis dispensary in Elkton, Md., which unexpectedly led her to combine her passion for photography with cannabis.
It also exposed her to the expanding industry of legalized cannabis production and landed her a job interview with SunMed Growers. Having mentioned her photography background during the interview, she was hired to work part-time in the greenhouse and part-time on promotional projects. Her role evolved as the company grew, ultimately leading to a full-time position integrating photography and marketing. Ms. Capparuccini now handles a diverse range of responsibilities, from product and packaging photography for compliance with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) to creating engaging content for social media and promotional materials. Her work has even been featured in Canna Cribs, a popular YouTube documentary on the cannabis industry.
“The studio classes I took at Cecil College were instrumental in helping me learn professional lighting setup and the proper equipment I need for my product promotions. Now, I am going out in the greenhouse and understanding the value of natural lighting photography. I also do product photography in a little studio I set up,” said Ms. Capparuccini.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Capparuccini acknowledges the importance of adapting and continuing to learn. While she initially took video production classes in the VCP program for granted, she now recognizes its significance in modern photography. Her evolution into video work and stop-motion has allowed her to stay current and creatively challenged.
“Another professor who helped me in the VCP program was Jonathan Cone, whose class taught me the basics of html,” said Ms. Capparuccini, who utilizes those skills in managing the email marketing aspects.
Ms. Capparuccini credits her success with her foundational education and mentorship, particularly the lessons learned from Mr. Jacono and her VCP studies. She appreciates the traditional techniques she mastered before the rise of new technologies, preferring to rely on her creative skills rather than AI.
Her work has been featured in Leaf Magazine, a nationwide publication tailored to specific states, including making the cover of the 2021 Harvest issue. This accomplishment has played a significant role in her growth within the SunMed Growers company and was one of the first significant boosts of confidence in her career.
Today, Ms. Capparuccini embraces the complexities of her career, combining technical skills with artistic vision. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the impact of supportive mentors and family. From the early days of dreaming with a camera to making a mark in the cannabis industry, Ms. Capparuccini’s journey vividly illustrates how dedication and creativity can shape a fulfilling career.