Meet Axel Rivera | Cinematographer & Photographer

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

Hi Axel, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Jalisco, Mexico. I also feel very fortunate that I grew up in the city. Guadalajara is a place full of artistry, passionate people and beautiful spots to get inspire from all around. In addition to this, my house and my parents encourage me to be creative. Using only the few tools I had back at that moment I wanted to tell stories using a camera. From there on I started building my career and wanted to expand to new places and opportunities.

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.
I create still and motion photography. Elements, textures and places inspire me. Vibrant and warm colors also fascinate me. I really aim to portray that through my work. Showcasing diversity and real life stories with my subjects and characters.
It brings me excitement when I get to collaborate with other creatives, also when I get to work with brands and being able to add my personal look to their ideas.
It definitely takes risks and uncertainty when you are working in the media and entertainment industry but I’ll say it is worth it and meaningful at the same time. We need real life stories now more than ever and I want to create that for myself and others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d say I repeat this itinerary almost every time a friend visits. I love driving by the coast, stopping at Manhattan beach, Venice and Santa Monica and even going on a Saturday to Abbot Kinney Blvd to grab some coffee and shop.
I am taking all of my friends to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, it is the best in my opinion. After that we can have lunch at KazuNori which is close by.
I am a huge La La Land fan so you know we are watching the sunset at Griffith Observatory then heading to Los Feliz for dinner. I like going to Figaro Bistrot for their drinks and pasta. Some other places I like visiting are Amoeba at Hollywood Blvd, the Arts District, Silver lake and Echo Park.

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?
I want to give a shoutout to the film community of latinos that work hard in Los Angeles. I have received immense support and advice from fellow filmmakers and friends. met a few of them at film festivals like LALIFF and GLAFF.
A very special shoutout you to my family that is supporting me from Mexico and also the ones here in LA, what I have accomplished now is thanks to them.

Website: https://portfolio-lwovnnu.format.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelrivvera/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axelrivvera

Image Credits
Models names: Beto Gutierrez, Tristan Longwell, Gavin Casalegno, Eric Jackson, Mariana Carrillo