PaletteLife Inspiration #2: Beauty, Portrait & Events Photographer: Esteban Allard-Valdivieso
WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM AS A CHILD AND ARE YOU THAT PERSON TODAY?
As a kid I really wanted to be a veterinarian, preferably of exotic animals. I loved and still love animals, however on the first day of college, I realized that that was not the path I wanted to follow. So no, I’m not that person, however, I also loved art as a kid and I was able to pursue that.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR COMPANY?
The name “Fiestaban” is an amalgamation of “fiesta” or party, and my name (Esteban). The idea of becoming a professional photographer happened well into my twenties, while assisting other photographer friends with their work. Several of them told me I had a good eye and shot a good B-roll, so I bought a DSLR and a couple lights and started taking pictures of my friends. I took the moniker ‘Fiestaban Photography’ to mean that I would use my camera to capture happiness, beauty, color, energy, movement, diversity, and community — all the things that make life a party. I love the idea of each image being a short story or poem about the people in frame, and about seeing the best in people.
WHAT WOULD YOU DESCRIBE AS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF YOUR COMPANY?
I would say it’s working with San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral (and the larger Episcopal Diocese) in 2013 when the Cathedral’s board offered an artist residency to installation artist Anne Patterson for her “Ribbon Of Light” project. I was brought on by a friend to shoot the artist as well as her grandiose project, which included miles and miles of colored ribbon and tapestry hanging from the ceiling nearly all the way to the floor of this nineteenth-century seven-story cathedral. At the commemoration, there was a musical gala event accompanied by light projections on the undulating ribbons, the full Grace Cathedral Men’s Choir, and several members of the San Francisco Philharmonic performing. A few of the photos ended up in Casa Vogue Brazil, various architecture magazines and as the official Christmas card for Grace Cathedral that year. If you don’t know much about this amazingly forward-thinking, open-minded and diverse church, look it up. They’re doing good work.
HOW ARE YOU STAYING ON TOP OF WHAT CONSUMERS WANT?
I typically keep up with consumer trends by following other photographers and what’s trending on social media. At times, it can be confusing to keep up with trends in photography because there are so many niche markets to follow. The kind of events or portrait photography I primarily do tends to be less about current consumer trends, and more about being professional, punctual, and getting pictures back quickly. However I definitely try and see what’s new on the market, both stylistically and technology-wise.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMPANY?
I have a day job with the County of LA, but I’m an avid weekend traveler, hanging with friends here and in the Bay Area, hiking, going to galleries/museums, grabbing a drink, the usual LA stuff.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY?
I think about this so often, you have no idea. Basically, I would have it divvied out over time and use the interest to start small foundations and scholarships for arts programs, buy new equipment for my friends, obviously I would trade up my camera (I currently shoot on a Nikon D700, would definitely go mirrorless). I think the trick of winning the lottery is a lot like the genie’s wish: you’ll become miserable and a slave to it if you only use it to benefit yourself. I would just want to invest it in the people I love, develop or help out struggling non-profits and I don’t know, get an accountant to figure it out. I’m saying this to PALETTELIFE, so I’m speaking it into existence. Show me the money!
WHAT UPSETS YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION?
I totally understand cell phones have made quality images and content ubiquitous, but it’s really an age-old problem of people not recognizing value and paying for it. A lot of people and organizations want to “collaborate” or have you work in exchange for “exposure” or likes, but at this point, it doesn’t pay the bill.
YOUR TOP FOUR (4) INDUSTRY ICONS?
In terms of photography at large, I would say: Gary Allard for his Commercial work (full disclosure, I’m shouting out my cousin, but his work is amazing); Michelle Shiers (Her concert photography is consistently next level); Michael Donovan (an amazing LA-based Fine Art Photographer); and Thomas Peschak (a NatGeo nature photographer). If I’m honest, I would include Diane Arbus as an unparalleled genius who changed the whole photography game.
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF?
“Go get a cheap film camera, or the disposable ones and keep it with you at all times. When you go to college, take a photography class or design workshop and talk to the professors. Don’t just stick to writing, you’re a visual person too!”
WHAT SHOULD WE BE EXPECTING IN THE NEXT ONE YEAR?
A bit more of the same. You should see more booked gigs and portrait sessions. I’m focused on booking a lot of events (cultural, runway, commercial or private) as well as more local concert photography. And many more pics of my beautiful friends!
HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?
You can find me here: website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or shoot me an email.
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