Meet Yvonne Bellido | Photographer & Creative

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

Hi Yvonne, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue a creative career when I was in college. I have never given photography much thought growing up. Cameras were always around when my grandmother was in town and my mother always wanting to capture our memories. In high school I was mostly trying out for Choir and my extend of creativity was on my Instagram. Circa 2015, were everyone was trying to emulate the best theme on their feed. And I was on the mission to have the most aesthetically pleasing look through photos. The camera at hand was my iPhone 5, passed down from my uncle, and it was the start of a little seed planted for something bigger to come.

It was the summer before college, working hours at my local mall in Old Navy and after I got my check I was able to buy myself my first ever professional camera the Canon EOS Rebel T6 Camera Kit. I spent that time wrapped up watching photography videos on Youtube and felt a desire of wanting to see where this goes. During freshman year at SJSU I took the intro to photography class and met a professor, Mape Andrews, who encouraged me to join the photography program. My time spent at the photo floor had me gain a love for the medium. I started to really want to capture people and try to learn all I can so I can do my best at it. The hours spent in the studio had my heart knowing this is what I want to do for as long as I can.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a fashion photographer and creative focused on freelance and conceptual work. What I think sets me apart from others is that I can’t be fit into one box. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades. If you’ve heard the phrase you mostly likely have never heard the full quote that goes, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” I know some would take it as an insult, but I like to see it differently. Being a specialist in your career is important but so is being versatile and adept at many things that can come at you. You take on the many rolls in this field like marketing, business, content making, location scouting, retouching, editing, and even at times styling clients. I have days where I love my studio work and want to spend my time in there. But, you have to put in the work with emailing back clients and I try my best to find a balance in handling it all.

I’m proud of the work I’m constantly making with people, but I have other parts in my life were I don’t want to just be creative through fashion photography. That is where I have conceptual work. I can express parts of myself and the journey I’ve been through growing up as a daughter of immigrants to a Mexican mother and Peruvian father. I have many stories I like to tell. Through my series like “will you remember”, I explore memories and family as a grown women in America. In addition, I love free writing poetry, playing my guitar, sing, sewing and making videos to express my feelings. When I wake up, I just enjoy creating anything and everything for myself.

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.
A week long trip with my best friend would be what I would want to do all the time! I love my friends deeply and passionately! I adore the beach so that would be the number one thing we would do most of the time! Take a dip at Hermosa beach and spend our days sunbathing! We would get the best tans and be able to get the best street tacos around the area! Afterwards we can have hit the couch for a movie night together. The next day we would take our time being tourists in the city. Buy cheesy “I Love LA” shirts and merchandise in DTLA. Then watch the beautiful sunset at Santa Monica Pier. Of course during this time I will have my film camera at hand and will be taking all the photos of our adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s many people I would love to shout out! First being my friends (Britney, Leon, Mel, Estefania, etc!), family and anyone who has supported my career so far for believing in me. Now more specifically I want to shout out Jonathan Fung a mentor and friend. I’ve had the pleasure of being his student when I was going to SJSU for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography. He has helped me immensely even now being post-grad and still staying in touch. Next, Matt Langford my close friend I was able to meet during my time in the photo program. I love and care for him deeply and appreciate him for always being there for me. From creative projects to being a safe space when I need a laugh. Similarly, Edwin Benavides for always encouraging me and helping my search in finding work in the photo industry. He’s been always had my back for creative endeavors and plant enthusiasms. Lastly, Vero Lechuga for being a big support during high and low times in my life. From running around the photo floor together to now being able to show up for each other.

Website: https://www.yvonnebellido.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-bellido-13y16bz/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yvonne-bellido/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/yvonnebellido/

Image Credits
Photography by Leon (@theartistleon) and Mel Chircop (@creatourmel)