We had the good fortune of connecting with Fabiola Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Fabiola, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a driven and aspiring young Latina photographer, have identified a critical gap that impedes the progress of emerging talents – the lack of accessibility to professional studio spaces and high-quality photography equipment. Fueled by my passion for photography and a commitment to fostering inclusivity within the field, I envision an initiative named FLO Studios.
FLO Studios is a business that is committed to democratizing opportunities within the photography realm. Our mission is to provide a platform where emerging photographers, regardless of background or financial constraints, can access top-tier studio spaces and A-grade equipment comparable to what established professionals utilize.
At the core of FLO Studios is an innovative rental system designed to be inclusive and flexible. We understand the financial challenges faced by emerging photographers, and thus, we have implemented a sliding-scale payment method. This ensures that the cost of accessing our studio spaces and equipment is proportionate to the individual photographer’s financial capacity, fostering an environment where talent takes precedence over financial barriers.
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.
In my current position as the Social Enterprise Assistant at Las Fotos Project, I facilitate on-the-job training opportunities for female-identifying and non-binary youth with various clients. Simultaneously, I work as a freelance photographer and aspire to become an entrepreneur. My roles demand a prioritization of community, and I am committed to giving back and fostering inclusive spaces. I am eager to apply the insights gained from my current role to shape my future business endeavors while maintaining a steadfast commitment to community values.
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?
Day 1: Hiking at Eaton Canyon and Dinner at Daikokuya Ramen Day 2: Breakfast at Gloria’s Cuisine L.A. in Highland Park and thrifting in Boyle Heights/East LA (Espacio 1839, Earthy Corazón)
Day 3: Sightseeing in DTLA (the Last Bookstore, the Grand Central Market, etc.) and Dinner at Din Tai Fung
Day 4: see the Natural History Museum and then have a picnic at the garden
Day 5: Day at the Beach! Santa Monica
Day 6: Day in Highland Park (where I grew up) visiting Galco’s Old World Grocery, highland park theater, etc.
Day 7: Fluffy pancakes at Gram Cafe & Pancakes Los Angeles and take a chill rest day!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Las Fotos Project! LFP is a non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the voices of teenage girls & gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring, empowering them to channel their creativity for the benefit of themselves, their community, and future careers. I am an alumnus from their program and I now work on staff as their Social Enterprise Assistant. This non-profit has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as both a photographer and as an individual.
Website: https://flophotographs.com/
Instagram: @Flo_Photographs
Image Credits
@Flo_photographs Fabiola Lopez