Today we’d like to introduce you to Red Chua.
Hi Red, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Two decades ago, I was presented with a set of painting tools allowing me to externalize my inner realm onto canvas – an avenue to transform my thoughts into the sublime. This juncture marked my initiation into the visual arts, a transformative journey that would enable me to impact lives through creative expression.
Growing up within an Asian household, the guidance was to pursue stable professions and veer away from art, perceived as unpredictable. Nonetheless, my family had a history of embracing camcorders, a tradition I inherited. From a young age, I captured personal moments on film, establishing a YouTube channel at the tender age of 12, a pursuit I continue to this day.
At 14, I applied my photography skills to assist my mentor in shooting my inaugural wedding event, marking my entry into a professional artistic realm. By 16, I was privileged to work under the esteemed Filipino celebrity photographer Erron Ocampo. Earning my first remuneration of P1,000 (equivalent to $20 back then) was an indescribable thrill – a cherished milestone.
At 17, I embarked on a journey to the United States, a period that allowed deep introspection regarding my life’s path. While familial expectations leaned towards nursing, a well-trodden Filipino path, my desire for distinction fueled my divergence.
Encountering Vincent Gotti, a prominent high fashion photographer for luxury publications, was a pivotal moment. Assisting him during my formative years in the States forged a mentoring relationship that shaped my photography journey. I was able to get my first two magazine covers with his help.
Enrolling in UC Santa Barbara for Film and Media Studies, I actively participated in numerous student productions. Amidst graduation seasons, I seized the opportunity to photograph graduates, supplementing my income.
A notable endeavor during my time at UC Santa Barbara was the creation of a short documentary film, “805 Strong,” born within my Blue Horizons class. This poignant film highlighted the resilience of the Montecito community in the face of the devastation caused by the 2018 California wildfires and mudslides. Its recognition at the Santa Barbara International Festival underscored its impact.
Amid the challenges wrought by the pandemic, I relocated to Los Angeles in the winter of 2021, a move that rekindled my artistic flame. Reuniting with old friend Victor Yuan and forging a new friendship with Will Pepper heralded a new phase. It was during this period that a serendipitous moment occurred. Will was in need of a video editor for content featuring Jimmy O. Yang’s collaboration with Uncle Roger. Seizing the chance, I offered my skills, aspiring to showcase my craftsmanship in video editing.
The ensuing video achieved a remarkable 2 million views on YouTube, marking a turning point. Will and I embarked on a journey of crafting multiple YouTube shorts featuring talents such as Ali Macofsky, Ari Mannis, Chelsea Lyn, Kassem G, and more, all of which achieved millions of views.
Our creative journey extended to collaborating with Brianne Kimmel, CEO of Worklife studios.
Throughout this evolution, I have remained faithful to photography. Assisting Santiago Sanchez in capturing the essence of weddings and photographing LA-based models continues to be an integral part of my creative landscape.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I undoubtedly underwent a substantial learning curve along the way. There were instances where I needed to devise strategies to navigate the initial stages of my time in LA, eagerly embracing any available work that came my way.
Balancing the pursuit of my art’s excellence while securing my foothold during my early years in the US demanded significant effort. Many nights were spent sleeplessly, each day was dedicated to work without respite. While some connections were strained and bridges were crossed, new relationships also blossomed. These experiences have collectively forged the individual I am today – someone enriched by a profound understanding of life’s intricacies as a creative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I encompass the roles of a photographer, video editor, and videographer, with my expertise centering on the realms of photography and video editing. My reputation has been built upon the portfolio of magazine covers and wedding photographs I’ve captured throughout the years, as well as the engaging shorts I’ve crafted alongside Will. Of these accomplishments, I hold a special sense of pride for my collaborations with Jimmy O. Yang and Uncle Roger. My skill set extends to trend spotting within the online landscape, allowing me to discern elements that possess the potential to go viral – whether it be a phrase, word, image, or other factors.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I learned that as a creative, you shouldn’t be in it just for the money. That you should be in it because it is your passion – your lifeblood. Something that you breathe, live and survive on. It needs to be something that consumes you for the better, a burning passion that you must share with the world so that you can make a difference in people’s lives.
Pricing:
- Professional Headshots $400 per session
- Family Photos $400 per session
- Weddings $2500 (Photo and Video)
- Commercial Videos $1000 per session
- Birthdays $1300 (Photo and Video)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theredselection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theredselection/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBUFYI-Ccs8hs7cN-fv6svQ
Image Credits
Joe Molinari, Red Gaviala, Audrey and David, Kameryn and Cole, Irina Cherniaeva, Lauren Leung
