Meet Pamela Bautista | Photographer

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

Hi Pamela, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me, when I can’t stop thinking about what I want to do, I’ll keep going even if I don’t have everything figured out. Right now I feel like I’m no where near where I want be in my photography career. There is still a lot that I want to do and learn. In all honesty, there have been so many times where I wanted to give up photography. It’s very likely I’ll have this battle with myself again, but that’s just me being impatient. It’s like I have goal and dreams ‘fomo’ where I’m afraid I’m gonna miss out on some amazing opporunities then live just in regret. So I rather just try and keep going without straining too hard on my expectations. Like that one saying about how success is the journey— I’m basically trying to live by that. But you know how I said that I’m impatient? I really do psyche myself out a lot because I often don’t feel like I’m good enough, not creating enough, or just feeling stagnant. I am really my own enemy sometimes. I’m who drives myself to want to give up because I can get too fixed on the pressure and imposter syndrome, its easy to forget what I have achieved so far. I’m currently working on unlearning some negative habits in order to keep going towards my dreams.

One example is learning not to take on more than I can handle. I learned that saying no is okay! If the project does not serve or benefit me, move on. Saying no is not giving up. Saying no is being more clear with what I want, and knowing what I want will push me where I want to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Right now, I’m goal is to develop my artistic style to where people will know its my work when see it. I think my editing is what really catches people’s attention when they come across my photos. I try to replicate the high quality I feel when I’m inspired by work that I admire. I’m often inspired by high fashion editorials, music videos, and media from older time periods. A lot of my work is inspired by 80’s & 90’s. Everything was much cooler then.

Over the years I have learned that I’m pretty meticulous when I retouch and edit my photos and I damn hope it shows! I personally just feel like my portfolio is a little all over the place right now and outdated so I want to start on some projects that will attract the work I want to do with a new, niched style. One of the biggest lessons I learned is to stay connected and keep good relationships because you never know what can come out of it. I can get very anti-social which you can’t really be as a photographer if you want to put yourself out there. It’s very much learning how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and I’m doin’ it!

Phiftysenses is evolving, I want to make some big moves one day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You know what, I’m still getting to know LA even though I’ve lived in the area for a couple years, there’s still a lot I need to see! But okay so if it ain’t cold, we going to the beach forsure, maybe Santa Monica Pier. Later we’re gonna catch a music show, hopefully a good DJ because we’re dancing and going to to Academy LA. At some point we’ll get mimosas probably.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out all my friends and family who said I got an eye for this stuff. I never would have believed in myself if it wasn’t for them. Also, shout out to my hometown of Santa Maria, I feel like I hardly represent my hometown but now I don’t want to forget where I came from.

Website: www.phiftysenses.com

Instagram: @phiftysenses

Twitter: @phiftysenses