Escape from Reality
FEATURED IN STAYCATION | VOL.2 | ISSUE.17
My name is Adolfo Varela. I’m a local photographer based here in LA. I recently moved about a year ago from Dallas, TX to start something new with my life. I’m currently just living this dream that I’m pursuing.
Q. How did you stumble upon your passion for photography?
As a young kid, I was never interested in photography. All I cared for was my drawing books, my skateboard, and just having fun. My interest in photography didn’t start until a year after I graduated high school. I was watching a documentary about traveling and what the world has to offer. That’s when it hit me and I knew. Fashion later grew on me and I just fell in love with it.
Q. Have you made many relationships while pursuing your passion?
Yeah, It’s how I managed to move to LA. I’m blessed with the people I’ve met throughout this journey.
Q. Where do you find your inspiration?
Through films, music, artists I look up too. It really just depends on the mood I’m in. Sometimes I’d have nothing and I’d just find it on the day of the shoot. Very risky by the way…
Q. What is your go-to set up for equipment when you do portrait work?
My go-to and only setup is my Nikon D850 with a 35mm 1.8 DX lens. Yeah, I know, why am I using a DX lens on a full-frame camera and not an FX. Money...
But I do enjoy my 35 a lot and it hasn’t failed me yet. If you’re on a budget and own a Nikon I do recommend this lens. It runs for less than $300.
Q. What are some etiquettes for a beginner photographer extending a photoshoot request to a model?
Be straight forward and respectful when asking to shoot. Don’t be afraid to ask or think your work isn’t good enough. The worst they can say is “no”. Okay, move on to the next one.
Q. Your edits and creativity complement each other so well, how did you find your photography style?
A lot of trial and error. That’s the process of finding your unique style. Try not to copy other’s edits and just do you. That’s how you’ll get noticed.
Q. Are there any tips you have for beginner portrait photographers?
Join a photography community in your town! Trust me. If it wasn’t for my Dallas community team, I wouldn’t know what I know now. I’m grateful to have them in my life.
Q. Do you ever run into creator block (having a hard time generating ideas and content for yourself and your audience)? How do you overcome it?
I run through this problem very often. You HAVE to take a break from it or else you will slowly ruin it for yourself. What I do to keep the spark lit is to get out and hang with friends, read a book, hit coffee shops, art shows. Doing that will refresh your mind. You never want to force yourself to create something that you have no passion for. It will show in your work.
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Photographer: Adolfo @adolfoto
Models: @elinafedorova, @allyrubbo
@modelinterrupted, @thekrisondra,
@judesalazar_, @allyrubbo, @lil_bit_of_wisdom
📍Los Angeles, California
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