We were lucky to catch up with Adrienne Klotz-Floyd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adrienne, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I have frequently been the only woman in the room regarding film making and technology behind the camera. How have I navigated this? The best way was engaging in the conversation, finding the people in that room who were open to talking and sharing ideas and information on the given subject: lighting, cameras, the art & science of image creation.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Visual Image Creator of Photographs and in Motion Picture Production. Initially after my first degree, I worked in live production for stage with theater and concerts as a lighting designer. After getting an emergency call to help a TV show with lighting console programming I got scooped up into TV, Film, and Commercial production. When things slowed down in 2008 I pivoted to medical getting 2 degrees in nursing and woke as an ICU Neuro Trauma RN for 4 years. At 40 with no kids and burnt out I went back to grad school acquiring a Masters in Studio Art & Theory focused in Photography, then returned to Hollywood while acquiring a certificate in Cinematography from UCLA. Since 2015 I have worked behind the scenes using my cumulative knowledge of Lighting, Neuro Science, Cameras, and Production to help craft imagery you see everyday.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The skills most important for me have been People, People, & People. First is understand and accept yourself. This takes time and effort, self mastery is a life long process. Second would be network, build a strong group of folks that are also focused and growing. Think of them as your personal Board of Directors, you may not be on the same projects or even industry, but you can come to each other for ideas in problem solving and brainstorming. Third is that you aren’t for everyone, and that’s ok. You will find your tribe, trust your gut instincts with this.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Right now I am interested in collaborating with people who are interested in creating imagery be it with studio still photographs to reveal a new version of themselves or on set as a unit stills photographer for motion picture productions. You can inquire for photography sittings and find links to my IMDB at www.adriennealivia.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adriennaalivia.com
- Instagram: @adriennestillonset
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.klotzfloyd.1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aklotzfloyd/
Image Credits
Profile portrait in gold gown by Cat Ford-Coats, Image of me on-set with my DIT cart by Jessica Lopez @Steadijess, Image of me in-studio photographing client by Kristin Moody @Kristinm.mua, Picture of me photographing in mountains by Matt Floyd, all others images by me: Adrienne Alivia Klotz-Floyd
