Meet Claudia Chávez: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia Chávez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a very long time I’ve been interested in photography but leaving in a third world country like El Salvador, where artists doesn’t get support as much, it’s almost impossible to dream about it. There is always that phrase “you will not make a living out of it” or “Is that even a carrier?”. For a long time, I was confused on what path to take because of the negative comments that others kept saying. However, one day without a plan I took the courage to apply to a college to study photography in Los Angeles. Till this day, it has been the best decision I’ve made! not letting my fears to take control over me is what has taken me where I am now. So really why did I choose to pursue an artistic carreer? simple, it’s what I’m the most passionate about, it’s the place where I know I belong, where I’m free to use my imagination and lastly where I can be myself without letting people’s negativity to get on me. It’s my work and I love what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since I was a child I have always been a determined person which has influenced my artistic journey. Whenever I get an idea, I can’t stop to think about it and that’s exactly what I show in my pictures, ideas that can’t get out of my head. However, my preference of photography concentrates in the fashion and beauty of a person. At the end, I want to be someone known for showing the beauty of people of both genders and from different races. For that reason what I’m most excited right now is on a project I’m working, which will be part of my thesis, because it is going to include different cultures in one frame telling the story of a certain topic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m usually a person so would choose a place because of their food, I mean who doesn’t like to have really good food?. That is why, the first place that comes to my mind is Koreatown. If you want to enjoy eating a variety of foods, Koreatown is the right place to do so, from Korean bbq to delicious desserts. Another one would be no other than the beach. Here it is known for their beautiful beaches which is where many tourists go to. However, for a best experience it would better to find one that is hidden and not much people not about so that we can appreciate the view more. After enjoying the view of the sunset, to end up the night in a fun way I would take her to Santa Monica Pier to get on the rides and then eat. Ofcourse, I would take her to the famous places that every tourists likes to go such as Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, Disneyland or Universal, The Getty and so on. There is so much that you can do it LA that you will never finish to explore the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my parents. They have been a big support through my photography journey, if it wasn’t because of them I wouldn’t have been able to study abroad. Their constant support has been an inspiration for me to continue making work that will make them proud. Also to my teachers at my school, New York Film Academy, that have taught me a lot not just about photography but to also be professional with my work.

Website: www.claudiasphotograph.com

Instagram: @claudiasphotograph

Image Credits
Personal photo: Self portrait Additional photos: My work