Meet Grace Aguilar | Photographer & Director

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

Hi Grace, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I still have so much more I’d like to accomplish, but I think my enduring desire to continue learning, experimenting, and developing as an artist has helped. Collaboration is also extremely important to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of every friend who entertained my ideas and allowed me to either take their photo or bring them onboard as collaborators and crew members. I want to pay all of that kindness forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was always drawing and playing instruments as a kid, but I don’t think I felt obsessed with the process of making art until I tried photography and directing shoots in middle school. It didn’t matter if I was shooting on my flip phone, a family point and shoot, or a borrowed DSLR from my yearbook class- I was in love with taking photographs. I didn’t think it could become a career choice until after I started college.

It was after my first year in college when I could finally afford my own camera and I began shooting pretty frequently with friends who were down to model for me. At that point I realized that I didn’t want to pursue medicine when photography (and subsequently filmmaking) made me feel more present and passionate than anything else I had tried. I was pretty stressed about making the decision to change my major, but now I’m relieved that I pursued my interests. I don’t think I’d be content with myself otherwise.

As far as the journey goes, it’s been a challenge for me to stay consistent. I was personally struggling with a lot in my life during my early college days. Thankfully, everything is much more stable now and I’m able to prioritize my creative pursuits. For one year I challenged myself to say “yes” to opportunities instead of holding myself back due to anxieties. I’m really glad that I pushed myself and threw myself into new environments because I met so many incredible technicians and artists on set. I did burn out though, so don’t forget that it’s important to prioritize your health above everything else! It’s ok to say “no” if you need to take a break. More opportunities will come. I learned that it’s important to ask questions if you have them. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll get from sending someone an email. Ask to treat them to coffee in exchange for a conversation. Even those who don’t have time to sit with you might be able to recommend someone else who can help. Let people know what your goals are and don’t be afraid to learn from others who’ve been down a similar path. Also, please take a chance on yourself. I didn’t think I’d do most of the things I’m doing now, but I gave myself a chance, showed up and tried, and was open to whatever the successes or learning opportunities could be.

These days I’m finishing up my senior year as a Cinema and Television Arts student with an emphasis in Emerging Media Production and a minor in Photography and Video. I’ve been collaborating with several dancers to make dance films and the process has been incredibly inspiring for me. In the next year or two I’d love to work with more dancers and musicians- hopefully make some music videos too!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, there are so many possibilities here… I would probably take them to Culver City first to grab some tacos from Tito’s Tacos. I went there a lot with my family growing up and I’m so relieved that they made it through the pandemic. Next would be trips to the Griffith Observatory, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. We’d go hiking in the hills along PCH and then get dinner to go at Malibu Seafood and eat along the shore while watching the sunset. A couple of nights could be spent taking photo walks and eating in the city: K-Town, Santa Monica, Little Tokyo. If there were any local dance battles going on we’d check those out too. Maybe a night of dancing in West Hollywood? I’ve been wanting to go to Mid City Mercado for a while, so we’d plan for that as well.

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?
Firstly, I’d like to thank Chir Yan Lim for mentioning me. She’s one of the hardest working women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and her presence on any set is so radiant and supportive. I remember watching her work in the camera department while I was a PA and thinking she was such a badass that I could learn from. I’m lucky to call her a friend. Please go support her!

Additionally, I’d like to thank my mum, Evelyn, for supporting my creative efforts from the very beginning. She has always allowed me to express myself without judgement and I know that I’m successful today because of her unconditional love and shared interest in the arts.

Thank you to the Television Academy Foundation, Irene Phan and the Illumination Training team, my academic mentor Elizabeth Leister, Tema Staig and the entire Women in Media crew, and my industry mentor and friend Joe Delgado and the rest at Geiger Post. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them and many more.

Website: https://graceroams.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/graceroams

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1_XLV70AdQw4M4ZxFsV5wA

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13796511/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Image Credits
Leena Nesh (personal photo), Grace Aguilar (other 6 photos)