Patrick Rivera shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Patrick, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve started appreciating having time to myself. Lately, I’ve been going to the park, enjoying picnics, and reading “What Are You Looking At?” by Will Gompertz. The book explores the history and motivations behind the rise of modern art in the late 1800s. I was never a fan of modern art and have never found it particularly impressive, but I’ve always been curious about its origins and the purpose behind the movement. I enjoy the idea of enriching my mind creatively while relishing time outdoors and soaking in nature.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Patrick Rivera—a portrait, lifestyle, and advertising photographer. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising, and a Master’s Degree in Studio Photography. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from international photo competitions, which has been both humbling and motivating. I’ve also lived on three different continents, and that exposure to different cultures and environments has definitely shaped the way I see and approach my work.
Right now, I’m working with a local beauty brand, “Down South Suga” and really enjoying being involved in the creative direction. While portrait photography is my main focus, I also enjoy product and still life photography. There’s a unique kind of satisfaction that comes with setting up a scene, playing with light, and styling the products. It pushes me creatively in a different way, and I love that challenge.
With my background and experience, I always try to bring a fresh perspective to each project—both in concept and execution.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
For thirty-two years, I was surrounded by the comfort of familiarity and routine in the Philippines. But in 2013, I took a leap—I moved to France to live on my own and study photography. As an introvert, it was overwhelming at times, especially since I had little to no knowledge of the French language or culture. Still, I embraced the challenge and stayed open to new experiences.
My classmates came from all over the world—Asia, Europe, North and South America. We shared our backgrounds, beliefs, and creative viewpoints, and there were plenty of funny and eye-opening moments where our cultures clashed or blended. It was diversity at its best, and what stood out most was how respectful and accepting everyone was.
That experience didn’t just help me grow personally—it completely expanded my creative vision. Being exposed to such a mix of cultures, aesthetics, and ways of thinking challenged how I saw the world and, in turn, how I approached photography. It taught me to be more open, more observant, and more intentional in the stories I tell through my work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
This might sound cliché, but it really means a lot to me: “Be kinder to yourself. Learn to breathe and relax.” It’s something I constantly need to remind myself of, especially during moments of self-doubt and self-criticism.
There are times when I feel stuck—creatively and emotionally—when I’m uninspired and unmotivated to pick up my camera. I’ve learned to accept those moments instead of fighting them. Now, I take them as a sign to slow down, go with the flow, and give myself space to recharge. Sometimes that means meeting up with friends, reading a good book, playing video games, or just spending quiet time browsing through bookstores. It helps me reconnect with myself—and eventually, with my creativity.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I remember something my professor, Marc Prust, said during our Visual Identity class that really stuck with me:
“Think of an idea first, then do the appropriate execution.”
When I was just starting out and interested in studio photography, I had a tendency to do things the other way around. I’d come across a lighting technique in a magazine or online, think it looked cool, and then try to build a concept around it—regardless of whether it actually fit the theme.
I’d find myself saying, “I have this assignment, and I want to use this lighting technique. I don’t care what the theme is—I just want it to look like this.”
The end result often looked forced and disconnected. Over time, I realized that what Mr. Prust said it made sense: you start with a solid idea, and then let the execution—like lighting—support and enhance that concept. When you work this way, everything flows more naturally and cohesively.
Another piece of advice that shaped how I work, though I can’t remember exactly who said it, was:
“Once you’ve finalized your ideas, stick to them—but be flexible enough for unforeseen events.”
That flexibility is crucial. A big part of my job involves researching and developing concepts, especially when clients or models give me full creative control with no strict brief. That freedom is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. I’ve learned how important it is to narrow down a clear direction while still leaving room for spontaneity during the actual shoot.
Interestingly, it’s often the unexpected things that happen on set—changes in light, unpredictable weather change, a sudden shift in mood—that end up making the final image even stronger. Being prepared but adaptable lets you turn those surprises into opportunities rather than setbacks.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I’ve been a photographer for over 10 years now, and for most of that time, I’ve been creating primarily for myself. There are moments when I share something I’m really proud of—work that feels deeply personal—and the response can be underwhelming. That used to bother me more, but not so much these days.
I’ve never created with praise in mind. What matters most to me is sharing my passion. That’s actually one of the reasons I joined an international photography competition—not necessarily to win awards, but to give my work a larger platform and reach a wider audience.
Recognition or praise is always nice, of course—but it’s not the goal. For me, that’s just icing on the cake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patrickrivera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photopatrivera/
Image Credits
Fabian Leon Torres, Down South Suga, Zhané Nicole, Timothy Clark, Dawn Faith, André Reyes, Selima Smith-Dell, Zach Nelson, Logan The Leo, Ethan Carlos Cameron
