Meet Lester Guijarro

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lester Guijarro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lester below.

Hi Lester, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

During the pandemic, I was in the darkest place of my life. I sold all my gear and didn’t want to pick up a camera again. I convinced myself I didn’t want to be an artist anymore—that I was choosing a life where I couldn’t truly be myself.

But I couldn’t let go. I still can’t.

Life hasn’t been easy, but no one’s is. Still, the belief that things will change—that they have to—has always kept me going, especially when things got bad. I was stuck in a situation where I felt like I had regressed. I almost didn’t make it. But the value I saw in what I create, and in the people I care about, gave me a reason to keep going. Finding stability again made me realize just how much I can handle—especially when it comes to not giving up.

Music pulled me out of that dark place. It always has. It’s my security blanket.

By fall of 2023, I had a new job and was regaining my footing, but I was still unsure if I wanted to continue taking photos or telling visual stories. Then New Blue Sun by André 3000 dropped. I was up at three in the morning, listening until it was time to go to work. It was everything. The fact that he made such a bold creative shift later in life hit me deeply.

I’m 36, and much of my adulthood has been spent figuring out my next move. There have been setbacks—plenty—but I can’t give up. My optimism comes from believing I can do it, no matter what.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I got into making small photo books and publications in college. During a critique, a cohort told me, “You should put your body of work in a book.” That idea stuck with me. Over time, books have helped me find my voice as an artist. I see them as the natural endpoint for any project I create—bringing everything together into a cohesive collection. What excites me most is the freedom in that process. A book can be structured with harmony or embrace chaos, yet even within its rigid form, there’s movement when the pages turn. Even when untouched, a book has presence—its cover, its shape, its weight—something to be revered. That’s why I love books, whether they’re art books, photo books, or graphic novels.

For me, a collection of work isn’t complete until it’s brought together as one more piece—the photo book. That’s why I started ladarlo, my independent imprint, to showcase my own books and zines. But beyond that, I want to create a space for other artists—those I believe are pushing photography forward. It’s a bold ambition, but if that’s the vision, why not share it?

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, and self-belief.
1. Resilience – There were moments when I wanted to give up, when I questioned my path as an artist. But learning to push through setbacks, rejections, and personal struggles has been essential. Art is a long game, and the ability to keep going, even when things feel uncertain, is what separates those who make it from those who don’t.
Advice: Build resilience by reminding yourself why you started. Create for yourself first, not for validation. Accept that failure and rejection are part of the process, not the end of it.
2. Adaptability – Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. The creative industry shifts constantly, and being open to change has helped me grow. Whether it’s learning new skills, shifting artistic directions, or navigating life’s unexpected turns, adaptability has allowed me to keep moving forward.
Advice: Stay curious. Be willing to try new approaches, experiment with different formats, and embrace the unknown. The ability to pivot will keep you from feeling stuck.
3. Self-Belief – This has been the hardest but most important one. If you don’t believe in your work, no one else will. I had to unlearn a lot of self-doubt that came from external voices and replace it with trust in my vision.
Advice: Trust yourself, even when others don’t understand your path. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Your voice and perspective matter.

For those just starting out—be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and the best thing you can do is stay consistent, stay open to learning, and keep creating, even when nobody cares.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

I’m trying to figure out the book publishing game. It’s one thing to start with an idea or a thought, but making it happen is a different challenge—especially with something as niche as art books and photo books. That world tends to cater to a specific audience, but I don’t want it to stay that way. I want accessibility, for these books to reach beyond collectors and enthusiasts.

Books come alive when people engage with them—they shape perspectives, influence lives, and hold meaning beyond just the pages. That’s what I want to be part of. I want these books to matter to everyone who picks them up, not just those already interested in books or art. My challenge is to create something that transcends class and exclusivity, something that makes everyone in the room feel equal. Because a powerful book shouldn’t just be for a select few—it should belong to anyone willing to pick one up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ladarlo.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: @betoladarlo

Image Credits

Photo By Lester Guijarro books made and designed by Lester Guijarro