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

Hi Luis, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career for a couple of reasons. First, from a young age, I’ve enjoyed artistry and creativity, like video games, movies, novels, and imagery. Video games and novels, in particular, really spoke to me. In both mediums, game designers and authors would tap into their imaginations to bring forth a world that anyone can experience. This is why I pursued a degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing.

Once I finished college, I found my mind wandering. I felt I hadn’t accomplished much at that point in my life. I started venturing out from an introverted shell I’d constructed from a young age. I came to appreciate nature in my new explorative outlook to the world (motorcycle riding helped!). Vast and scenic landscapes here in California inspired me to capture the moments in photo. So I bought a Sony camera, took a couple of photography classes, and well…the rest is history! Nowadays, I still enjoy taking those scenic photos, like a trip I took up to Monterey at the end of the year. But, local photography groups (like @port.culture and @lm.meets) provided a safe and efficient way to network with other photographers and aspiring models. So, I work to hone my craft with portrait and landscape photography to this day!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my younger years, I typically kept to myself. But after an experience with my first client, I began to appreciate what makes each of us unique individuals. I started seeing the artistry that each person brings to their individual lives. So, this has inspired my photography: I allow the models and clients to do the poses and setups they’d like, minimally directing their movements. On occasion, I get an inspiration of a pose I feel would be great, but I enjoy seeing what clients, especially models, can do. Then, I work my magic, creating the work I feel best represents the moment captured in time. I keep my clients involved in the editing process, to get a sense of what they picture themselves. As I like to say, I’m only as good as my wonderful clients!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
California has practically everything one could want: snow-packed mountains, desert dunes, dense forests, soothing oceans, and urban nightlife. So, I’d encourage my best friend to hop on the second seat on my moto and take a ride on Pacific Coast Highway, With a week-long trip, I’d take the long way up to Monterey, passing through the sheer cliffs of Big Sur to experience the Pacific Ocean breeze. On the trip back to the South, Santa Monica gives the taste of urban nightlife and the Newport Beach area offers another glimpse of magnificent sunsets. As for eats, we just need to find a good place for tacos, because California is loaded with them!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, for always encouraging my siblings and I to always seek knowledge. Photography meetup groups on Instagram, namely @port.culture and @lm.meets for providing a safe, exciting, and inviting networking event where I’ve met fellow photographers and models, and gained extended knowledge in my photography craft. Finally, a friend by the name of Amaya Williams, who became my very first client and encouraged my growth in photography, from a passing interest to a deeper appreciation, and enjoyable hobby, and a nice side gig. Also, a good shoutout for her for pursuing her own passion and starting her own photography business!

Website: https://luischamorrophotography.com

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

Image Credits
Models, in order: Nancy Nguyen (@omgnaancy) Hailey Banuelos (@haileyaxna) Kaylee E-Khen (@kaylee_khen) Daniela Hernandez (@sensual.danii) Alexandria Bales (@alijeanb)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.