Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Velardes.
Hi Angelina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey as a Music Photo & Video creator started when i was 15. I started my own small business back home in Wildomar, CA. I started with local family photoshoots as well as working on sports and personal photos for my High School. My interest in Concert Photography and Music Video Directing started after attending a live taping of ‘American Idol’. It was then when i knew i wanted to be apart of the show. Not in front of the camera, but behind it. I was mesmerized by the synchronicity of each person on the team, working together to make this show so magical. After that i immediately started watching youtube videos on how to get started in this industry of producing videos and being behind the scenes. That’s when i found Concert Photography. I fell in love! Since then i’ve done over 80+ shows and have worked personally with so many talented artist. Bringing their music to life in a single Cover Art, or showing important milestones in their careers through video and photo is something i cherish the most.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road. It still is rocky at times, but the thing that keeps me going is the people i have around me who hold me up when i’m doubtful. In a career like this one it’s not easy to get into. Especially as a woman, there isn’t many in the industry. The hardest thing to get over was the realization of that. Seeing so little women offered the opportunities i was striving for was very discouraging. But then i found more and more women represented in the industry later one, who i now look up too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After almost 9years in this industry, I am a whole lot of things. I am a Concert Photographer and Videographer. I am a “On Set Music Video Photographer”. I am an Artist Photographer working on Cover Arts for Albums and Singles. And lastly i am a Music Video Editor and Assistant Editor.
I am most proud of my work with Lil Nas X and Skaiwater. I worked on a music video for their song “light!” together as their BTS photographer. In doing that i provided their cover art for the song. It was my first major artist i’ve done a cover art for. It was very rewarding and that was just the start for me.
What sets me apart from others is that i will always want to learn more and more. I have always wanted to know and learn every job in this industry. I always want to be a versatile person on set. I know if someone needed me on set as a PA, i could do it, just as much as i could be a Director, or a DP, or an Editor or Set Photographer. I am confident in my ability to learn and grow.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to just get up and start! My biggest advantage was starting so young. I knew what i wanted and i did it. I immediately started writing emails, and getting to work. It doesn’t matter what camera you have or how big of a budget you have. Art doesn’t have a price tag. You are the price tag! Know what your art and is worth and get creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://halophoto.studio/photo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagesbyhalo?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
