We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sebastian Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sebastian , thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
I am fortunate to say that I have never been fired or pushed out of any position I have held. Unfortunately, In 2020 I was on a furlough for an extended period of time from my full-time job as an administrator at a university in Southern California. It was a miserable, scary time filled with many questions. The Pandemic was in its early stages when we were notified that we would stop being paid. In that moment, I remember a deep sense of worry taking over my spirit, but for some reason my optimistic and positive spirit carried me through this challenge. Months before ever considering the economic challenges the Pandemic created I purchased my first full-framed Canon Camera, the EOS R. At the time, it was still relatively new and expensive. I purchased it to photograph images of my children, and occasionally photograph graduates for whatever they would pay me. Usually in the ballpark of $50.00.
The year I was furloughed from my stable job, was the year I got serious about my photography business and I did a ton of free Time for Photographs (TFP) shoots to build my portfolio. After two years of grinding and making as many pictures as I could, I finally launched srph0t0.com in January 2022. Fast forward to today, and my photography business remains a side-hustle, but it has expanded. I photograph weddings, quinceañeras, boudoir, maternity, real estate, and family portraits, but despite all the various types of photography I do, graduation portraiture remains my absolute favorite to capture.
I used my passion for photography to overcome a furlough from a stable, safe job. It was my passion and optimistic outlook on life that helped me to find opportunity, despite daunting economic circumstances. At the same time, my wife and I were responsible for caring for two sick children and we were in and out of hospitals constantly, but we continued to support each other and we overcame the layoff as well as many of the health issues our kids faced.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a photographer, I enjoy working with clients to capture a moment in time that they will hold onto for the rest of their lives. I do my best to create photography packages that provide value for my clients by offering affordable rates without sacrificing quality. I launched my website, srph0t0.com, in January 2022 and since then I’ve been blessed to work with so many different clients from across Southern California. I am an adventure-seeking individual, who carries my camera everywhere I go. One of my favorite places to visit and recharge is Joshua Tree National Park. Since 2020, my family and I have frequented the park and hiked hundreds of miles. In 2022, I was fortunate enough to photograph an engagement session in Joshua Tree. That photoshoot opened my eyes to the many opportunities I had to expand my business and include this natural wonder as a backdrop to amazing photo sessions for my clients.
With that being said, new to 2024 I am going to expand my photography services, and am offering adventure elopement packages in Joshua Tree, CA. The first couple to schedule their Joshua Tree Adventure Elopement with me will receive a $300 discount. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to me either on my website or via Instagram: @sr_ph0t0.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It is always easy looking back, but I have to say when you are just starting the barriers you have to overcome just seem so high. For entry-level photographers, the first hurdle is buying your gear. My advice is when you are starting, don’t worry about getting the best of everything. Start with a solid used or refurbished full-frame camera and focus on learning the ins and outs of your machine. The next hurdle I see newer photographers having to overcome is trying to stand out in a saturated market.
I believe the three things that would be helpful to anyone trying to become a photographer at this time are, 1.) Believe in Yourself, 2) Persevere through the rough patches, 3) Get Organized. If you can do these three things, then I really believe you could be successful with this line of work.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking to collaborate with creatives who want to work together to create beautiful images. As we move into 2024, I’m specifically looking to work with influencers needing portrait photography work in the desert. My dream clients would be someone who allowed me to document their Coachella 2024 adventure. I’m a versatile photographer who can work in almost any lighting situation, and is comfortable photographing in downtown LA and is equally as comfortable photographing in areas of remote wilderness.
Contact Info:
- Website:srph0t0.com
- Instagram: @sr_ph0t0
Image Credits
All Image credits go to Sebastian Rivera Photography
