Today we’d like to introduce you to Isa Dimaranan.
Hi Isa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first started my career as a social media assistant while taking photos of products at a small Japanese restaurant in Orange County while attending college. This sprouted an idea that I could incorporate my hobby of photography in my professional work. It wasn’t until a few years later after I landed a tech job and was working there for two years, that I realized my undying need to work solely as a photographer. The path to this wasn’t easy, and I’m not entirely there yet. It took me two years after quitting that job to find a job that would fulfill my needs while bringing me financial stability, and it wasn’t three years after that that I actually felt like my life was headed to where I wanted it to be.
When the pandemic started, I began working with Rachael Finley, who owns a bunch of brands and businesses, and that’s where my real journey began (I was hired days before the pandemic started). Rachael hired me first as a digital intern, and over the months and years, my position developed into what it is today. Today, I still work in the realm of digital marketing and production, but a huge part of my job is photographing models, products, events and projects in between. Last week, I shot my first real magazine feature and I’ve started to work more freelance jobs since November. It’s been such a satisfying experience being pushed into different roles and businesses where I can utilize my talents, and especially my love for photography.
I’ve grown so much as a fashion photographer over the past three years and continued to shoot street photography on my own over the past eight years. This upcoming Fall, I’ve decided to go back to school for fashion and documentary photography so I can combine my two loves of photography into one specific style. In all places — Paris, France!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has been an ebb and flow of highs and lows. I guess I would say my lowest time was when I was unemployed for about a year, trying to figure my life out after quitting my tech job and trying to pursue freelance. I didn’t really have a road map or plan – it’s something you learn the hard way when you’re fresh out of college and have had your first real job. It must have been a blessing to find that job with Rachael because she really recognized that I had untapped potential and a passion to integrate photography into my work. When I started to work with her, I felt that all the skills I’d learned from past jobs really set me up to do what I knew but also what I loved.
When I was first introduced to shooting campaigns, I was a really nervous person. It took some assisting other photographers and some not-so-great photos to learn the ropes: to understand what lights to use, where to set them up, how to direct models and how to overall please my client. Practice makes perfect. I’m not near as perfect with what I do, but the learning process has been so rewarding. I have a better idea of what I want to do when I go into a shoot, and sometimes I let the magic of my knowledge of lighting and photography do its thing to create an impressive photograph. I’m still learning, but isn’t that the unending fact of life?
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Isa and I’m a Fashion & Documentary photographer in Los Angeles. When it comes to fashion, I work in the realm of social media, products, and events. I shoot social campaigns, photograph new product launches, and take photos of events – whether it’s book launches, product launches, engagement parties, or event space openings — you name it. When it comes to documentary I’m passionate about creating projects that highlight the beauty in the ordinary. I love to take photos of strangers on the streets and exploring places, native and far, and finding my unique way of showing people what’s out there. I guess you could call me a jack of all trades, but what I’m especially passionate about is fashion and travel.
I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished in the past three years working with clients. I’ve been able to shoot campaigns including with Lime Crime Makeup and Birdhouse Skateboards and some of my photographs have been featured in magazines like Office, Nylon and Hypebae. Whenever I get to share my work with a larger audience, it’s been so very rewarding. It feels like I can finally share what I love with the world.
I am currently working on two personal projects: one is a documentation of the hardcore music scene worldwide, and the other is a book entailing portraits and interviews of parent/child pairs surrounding the topic of intergenerational trauma and healing bonds. I try to incorporate my other passions in my work, such as giving people a chance to tell their own story and sometimes telling a story of my own. I’m really grateful to have all these opportunities to do what I love and hope to see my efforts grow so I can help share and inspire others to do the same.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve mentioned Rachael Finley as one of my bosses and biggest supporters, I owe a lot of the projects I’ve worked on to her ability to see the best in me and willingness to share opportunities with me. I’ve never really had a photography mentor, but being surrounded by others who are pioneers in their industry while not being set up to have the same resources as everyone else, I’ve learned that just doing things on your own and pulling yourself to show up is the best way to learn.
My family is my biggest support and constantly shows up to congratulate me on my endeavors. My family is a big reason why I continue to pursue my passions and why I feel ready to take the next step to furthering my journey with photography. Shout out to all people pursuing their passions and not letting anyone stop them to owning their own business (including my sibling Youthful Metals and my best friend Kelly!).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.igvd.me
- Instagram: instagram.com/isa.dimaranan
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/isabeldimaranan/
Image Credits
Isa Dimaranan
