Freddie Lopez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Freddie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I believe in this moment I’m being called to my first creative love, photography, and to honor it without any fear. For years, I’ve held back from taking new photographs or accepting new clients, worried I wouldn’t reach new levels in my craft that I had created early in my career. I compared myself to my past achievements and allowed that fear to push me towards focusing only on film.
Working in film taught me to slow down and truly feel each moment. A new perspective I will carry into my photography.
Now I’m so excited to share that I’ll be relaunching my photography business later this year with a fresh perspective. Instead of competing with a past version of myself, I’ll be embracing who I’ve become, not only as a photographer, but as a storyteller.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Storytelling has never been one singular lane for me. Portrait photography was where I first found my voice and learned how to express myself. After years of working in film, I’m excited to come back to the field with a business relaunch that focuses on different areas I developed as a filmmaker.
Photography has always been more than an outlet for me. It’s where I learned how to tell different stories and to connect with people on a deeper level.
As a Hispanic artist, I prioritize celebrating real narratives that often don’t get seen. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community has also shaped the way I approach art with a shifted focus on authenticity and pride.
Mental health awareness is also a big passion of mine. I look forward to creating art that not only looks powerful but also holds space for honesty and vulnerability.
Aside from my photography business, I’m currently studying digital marketing. Which is becoming another creative outlet that allows me to create and build connections from a different perspective.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I first felt power in art as a kid. I remember looking at many art pieces in a museum on a school field trip, staring at photographs that made me stop and look at every single detail. I loved getting assigned projects that allowed creativity and interpretation. I remember losing myself entirely in creating something from nothing. All my worries would fade as I built worlds only I could see, showing others only what I wanted them to.
The first time I saw my parents react to the photos I took, or home videos I made on my iPod touch, and then seeing how others responded to my work, gave me a sense of liberation. That’s when I realized creating art was my own muse. It’s a way to leave a mark that could be seen and felt by anyone willing to listen. I think it’s a rare and powerful gift someone could have.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I’d say the fear that’s held me back the most as a creative, specifically, is trusting my own voice. At my age, it sometimes feels like everyone has it all figured out, and I catch myself comparing my journey to others’ successes or even to the success I had when I first started out.
On top of that, balancing my mental state while navigating the complexities of everything happening in the world can be draining. It honestly makes it hard to show up for both myself and my projects. I’ve learned that doubt will always be there. I try to tell myself that what matters is pushing past these obstacles and continuing to create freely regardless.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to using my voice as a storyteller and artist to shine light on authentic stories that often go unseen, especially for young people who don’t see themselves represented in TV or media. When I was figuring out my own sexuality, I didn’t see many brown boys coming out. It was difficult to find anything that I could relate to. As a Hispanic artist, I want to create genuine stories that show it’s okay to be whoever you want to be.
I hope my work can continue to reach different people and let them know it’s okay to be true to who they are. I also want to open people’s eyes to the lives of others pushing empathy and understanding one another. I want to remind people not to judge anyone simply for looking or being different. The world is harsh enough already; we don’t need to make it harder for each other.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Every shot one takes is an opportunity to capture something in time, something that might be forgotten one day. I think it’s very important to document daily, whether it’s a video or a photo. These current moments aren’t just for you, but they’re for the people you love, for your future kids, or anyone who wants to look back and feel something. That’s the magic of photography. You get to live in the moment, but also live forever through the moments us humans get to leave behind.
What I understand deeply, that most people don’t, is the power of a photograph. One has the power to create memories by taking a simple picture that we can hold onto long after they’ve passed. I firmly believe in the saying “photograph each day so we can live forever.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freddielopez.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/_freddielopez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Ru4pP9rD/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FreddieLopezOFFICIAL?feature=shared
- Other: https://linktr.ee/freddielopez
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm11406872/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
https://boldjourney.com/meet-freddie-lopez/
Image Credits
Photography: Freddie lopez
