We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elisa Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elisa, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive is a lot easier said than done. I have definitely experienced moments of creative lull and have struggled with finding ways to motivate my creative self. The best way I keep my creativity alive is by immersing myself in a vibrant community of creative minds, fostering a constant exchange of ideas and inspiration. Beyond photography, I explore diverse outlets like writing and painting to express my creativity in unconventional ways. Engaging with various art forms, from films and museum visits to music, provides a continuous wellspring of inspiration. I find beauty in the mundane, drawing creativity from everyday life. Lastly, maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal projects ensures that my creative energy remains fresh and focused in both realms.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At the core of my artistry, I am a photographer specializing in portraiture, narrative storytelling, and the captivating realm of fashion and editorial photography. What invigorates me most is the power of images and the perpetual learning embedded in photography. The medium’s constant evolution, driven by technology, offers an ever-expanding canvas of possibilities, keeping each project fresh and enthralling.
My journey began at NYU, where my fascination with images deepened into a profound appreciation for the art of storytelling through visuals. The rich tapestry of knowledge about diverse photographers and their work ignited my desire to craft my own narratives through the lens. This transformative experience not only honed my technical skills but also instilled a spark in my own creative desires.
Authenticity, for me, is the heartbeat of my creations. In a world saturated with images curated to perfection, I find profound value in capturing genuine, unfiltered moments. This commitment forms the soul of my work, allowing me to connect with subjects on a profound level and create images that resonate with raw emotion. Each photograph is a piece of my heart, an expression of encountered stories, witnessed emotions, and the genuine connections that fuel my creative passion.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that shaped my journey include the commitment to hard work, perseverance, and the invaluable virtue of patience. In the realm of creativity, the end destination or goal one might have in mind is often challenging, demanding and ever-changing. These things have helped me through setbacks and challenges, providing the ability needed to overcome obstacles and grow from experiences. Patience, perhaps the most overlooked quality has been a virtue that allows time for ideas to flourish, skills to develop, and success to manifest. For those embarking on their creative journey, my advice is simply to follow the timing of things towards a creative pursuit, stay focused, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
I think this past year has brought a lot of confidence in my abilities as a photographer. I’ve been able to work alongside some great mentors that have helped improve a lot of my technical skills as well as provide guidance and support in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.elisalopezz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisalopezz_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-lopez-b70773186/
