Meet Leo Andrei Raymundo: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leo Andrei Raymundo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leo Andrei, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I do have a budget. One thing with photography though it’s that it can be an expensive art. And sometimes your budget won’t be sufficient for brand new gear. I personally use my credit to acquire my gear. I’ve always chosen interest free promotions. For example, the last Sony lens I purchased was $1,400. I could have used my budget to get it. But instead I opted to pay it off in 12 months interest free with my Amazon visa. This works for me better because I always have a budget to work with in case a new project comes up. I can also choose to pay it off at any time. This has helped my credit as well, and opened the opportunity for bigger projects in the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a lifestyle photographer has changed my personality for the better, more than i could have ever imagined. I remember at first I had the technique pretty well figured out. But i was a bit insecure when dealing with my friends and clients. I was young. But being a perfectionist also helped me a lot without me realizing it at the time. What I locked in social skills and maturity I made it up with good quality work. My friends and early clients liked my work and wanted to keep shooting photos with me. That was very gratifying for me while I knew my i had flaws and things i needed to develop in me more. Looking back now these experiences give me a smile. Things will fall in their place at one point in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends visit me in LA, I like taking them to the beach first. It’s a therapy, and also my favorite place to hang out. I love having breakfast at the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica. I love the food, atmosphere, and seeing people having fun at the beach. I think a good hike with a nice view of LA is always fun. There are many different hiking trails in LA with great views. I like to head out to Griffith park. I always enjoy the views there and it’s a great spot for some epic pictures. Portos Bakery in Glendale is close by and swinging by is a must.  One of my favorite spots to dine in lately is IKI ramen in Korea town. Their ramen and sushi is delicious. It’s a great good spot to bring friends to. Another of my favorite cafes in LA is Urth caffe. I think it’s another homerun for breakfast and lunch. I love their pancakes and salads. And Tallula’s on Entrada Dr has great Mexican food to enjoy when heading out to the beach on the weekends. Lastly I love watching a good show like Shen Yun in DTLA. I think that’s a great show to end an amazing week in LA.

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?
My mother Carmen Orozco. Her presence in my life has absolutely been a blessing. And she has supported me when things have gotten harder for me.

Website: leoandreiphotography.com

Instagram: footprintsdeleon