Meet Piero F. Giunti: Photographer, Director, and Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Piero F. Giunti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Piero F., how do you think about risk?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a risk-taker. From being an athlete growing up, being one of the first to lead a school walkout against the Iraq war in the US, to being a musician, and now a filmmaker and photographer. When I hear “taking a risk” I automatically think of seeking discomfort. Coincidentally, my father reminded me recently that growing up, of all the kids from their circle of friends and family, I was the one who innately wanted to climb trees, try out various sports, and was encouraged to be curious. Without risk, I wouldn’t have met my musical heroes who are now clients and good friends, or gotten the courage to start my own podcast, Through Rebel Eyes, something that I had been wanting to do but hesitated to do so. Risk has also allowed me to sneak into concerts and take some amazing shots and have the epic stories they come with. Seeking discomfort and taking risks has been an inherent part of my life as it has molded not only my professional career but how I see and live life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a photographer, I am most proud of the photographs that I have captured when shooting my childhood heroes, the people that have allowed me to photograph them when I have traveled, and the amazing locations that I have visited. As a film-maker, I have been lucky enough to work on films and music videos. The project that I am most proud of and have been fortunate to be a part of for the last 8 years, has been Hollywood Forever’s, Dia De Los Muertos. As a board member for Hollywood Forever, my role has been director of film and photography which has allowed me to further explore and embrace my Mexican culture. Filming this event has gone around the world reaching every continent and seen my work. My crew and I have made the world see how beautiful our culture is. I strive on all my projects to capture the soul of what I put in front of me, every shot I take. Most recently I have started my very own podcast, Through Rebel Eyes. In this podcast, I speak to creatives and people of different industries to get insights about their industry and life. Discussing successes, challenges, and failures in hopes that someone in their own industry or outside their industry can find the answers on how to navigate life. People always say that following your dreams takes alot of blood, sweat, and tears. I’ll tell you one thing, it’s alot more tears than blood and sweat. Overcoming these challenges was not easy and I had to rely not only on myself but a great support system that included my family and friends. Being in this field you are faced with many challenges and obstacles. One of the most important things that I have learned is that networking is key because you never know who can give you your next big break. Also, know and value your worth of yourself and your work. No one will be your biggest advocate other than yourself. It’s ok to say “No” if you feel the client’s rate is too low, if you’re already booked with other projects or if you simply don’t feel like you can execute the project with quality as your work is a reflection of yourself.

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?
East L.A… East L.A…East L.A.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Always, the first shout out goes to my parents who have always had my back and as I stated they have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. The second goes to everyone who I have come across in my life who good or bad have molded me into the person I am today. From the artists who have shown me how to hone my craft to the people who have taught me the business side of things. And third me. Yes …me. To take it from Snoop Dogg, the person who needs to be shouted out is you. You made the decision to take those steps, you were the one to get out of your own way, and you are the one who is living the life your decisions have created.

Website: www.PieroFGiunti.com
Instagram: @VisionaryRebel2
Other: Podcast IG: @ThroughRebelEyes

Image Credits
The portrait of me is taken by: Ingrid Arevalo All other photos are taken by me: Piero F. Giunti