Meet Starla Fortunato of Star Images Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Starla Fortunato.

Starla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you for this opportunity to talk about my work in Voyage LA. I appreciate your time and commitment putting this monthly publication together for artists in Los Angeles.

From the moment I discovered crayons, I loved making pictures. Coloring books lead me to a small pocket camera where I photographed friends and family, then to painting classes where I discovered beauty and composition. I was selling original paintings at 12 years old but never felt connected to that medium as I did with a camera.

Looking back and connecting the dots, I was an artist looking for the best in people. It took until I was in my 30’s to realize there was a future for me in a photography career. San Diego City College is where I studied the basics of the technology. I found a teacher who understood my gifts as a portrait photographer and felt I needed to understand lighting before I could call myself a professional.

In 1997, I began accepting commissioned projects and saw the value I was creating for my clients. Capturing people in their best light elevated their confidence to be seen online and in print.

In 2001, I moved to Los Angles and began managing a studio for a celebrity photographer in Beverly Hills. This was a life changer for me. Harry Langdon Jr. was shooting for several magazines and was the go-to beauty photographer for women in Hollywood.

Hale Berry, Ann-Margaret, Jamie Fox, Mary J. Blige, and so many others came to Harry’s studio to sit for portraits. I learned how to work with celebrities, their teams, and came to understand the visual needs of branding in the entertainment industry. I soon began making my own contacts and growing my business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
On the Spiritual side – Coming to believe I could make a living as a photographer was an obstacle for me. I’m the first professional artist in my family, though many in my family are creative. Choosing “Art,” as a career was not on their radar for themselves or for me. I had to learn to believe in myself.

One powerful book is “The Artist’s Way,” by Julia Cameron, helped me overcome the false evidence appearing real (FEAR). Sharing new work and taking risks is all part of an artist’s life. Cameron teaches us how to care and listen to our inner voice and have courage.

I also found a Higher Power along the way and began taking better care of myself, my artist and got clear hearing my inner guide.

On The Business Side – Social media content, marketing, networking, creating new work, and continuing to grow as a photographer are important elements of my business and can be challenging to keep up along with a busy shoot and travel schedule. Creating consistently and on demand requires personal maintenance. I find balance in my yoga practice, beach walks and time with my two loves my husband Jimmy and our dog Lola.

Star Images Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Star Images Photography began in 1997 and had been continually growing in an organic way ever since. Learning to work in the Entertainment industry shapes my branding photography & creative work today.

No matter who is in front of my camera I feel it’s important to understand their story, products or services, in the best light in the most beautiful way possible.

I book one on one-photo sessions, branding media campaigns, and advertising projects. My unique perspective brings my clients creative solutions without losing sight of the magic.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Defining success for me happens in a few ways:
Success requires attention to detail and planning for every project.  Clients trust me with their brand, precious time and investment. Their success is my success.

Creating prosperity through my photography services also defines my success. My clients prosper from working with me, I prosper, and my team thrives as well. I put artists to work every time I shoot: make-up, hair, photo assists, videographers and it makes my heart sing to bring all this talent together. We learn, we grow, we thrive, we create and collaborate  – to me this is also success.

Contact Info:

• Website: starlafortunato.com
• Phone: 310 908-7827
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @starlas_la
• Facebook: Star Images Photography

Image Credit:
Main photo: Niki Cram

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