Life & Work with Anais Covarrubias

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anais Covarrubias.

Hi Anais, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Anais Covarrubias, but as an artist, I go by Siana. I was born and raised in Los Angeles County and grew up primarily in the San Gabriel Valley. When I reflect back to my adolescence, I’d like to think my sister was my inspiration and introduction to photography. She used to take photos of our family and make these slide shows with the perfect song that really sparked my love of visual storytelling.

I would have never imagined the little girl who spent all of elementary and high school watching music videos in her room all day and night would be following her passion today. When a majority of your life was spent struggling with fitting in and waves of social anxiety not just in person but at the beginning when social media became more popular, it was really hard to find happiness in anything or feel at peace. I felt my entire adolescence was spent watching films, and music videos, consuming poetry, exploring the horizons of music, and learning to draw. Social media created new waves of anxiety that I was always being criticized, and I must admit there are times I still feel that.

After years of struggling with who I was and what I wanted to be, I feel myself finally putting the pieces together at 26. I decided to take control of my life and push towards achieving my dreams. I was originally studying Criminology and Justice Studies at Humboldt State now CalPoly Humboldt.

One day I was talking with my amazing friend Bianely about how I was struggling with my courses and was losing interest in what I thought was my passion. It was at that moment when she hit me with, “Maybe this path isn’t for you.” I remember feeling angry and confused because I wanted to be that difference in a justice system that was designed to fail marginalized communities like my own. I am thankful every day since then because I believe she opened my eyes to what I’ve always wanted to do which was to be creative. She told me I could make just an impact through storytelling and visuals like many artists do with their platforms.

I moved back to Los Angeles, where I attend community college and switched my major to Journalism. It opened an entire world for me and provided me with valuable skill sets. When I transferred to Cal State Northridge, I struggled with Photo Journalism; every time I saw the pictures I took, I would be frustrated the shots didn’t do my vision justice. This is when I had to acknowledge that it took practice and dedication to execute my ideas.

When I decided to take myself seriously as a photographer, I was doing public radio for a non-profit called The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory. The show I was a part of was a youth collective that connected me with other creatives in the Los Angeles region, which opened doors. I met Edgar there and Edgar has also played a huge role in uplifting my work and nurturing my creative endeavors. They always provided me with opportunities to practice my craft by asking me to photograph their show Queer Line when they had guest speakers to being a creative director on my sets.

Everything I have done from when I started to now has been trial and error. I’ve made bad connections and I’ve made amazing ones; the creative process is a learning process. I’ve learned to not compare myself but instead be inspired by those who may be more ahead in their careers than me. I admit I couldn’t have done it alone; the support I’ve received from my family and friends has pushed me to believe this is the path I was meant to lead. I know it’s hard to believe in yourself when no one judges you harder than you judge yourself, but if I would have continued that mentality that I wasn’t good enough, I would have never had the courage to host my own gallery.

The months of planning, shooting, printing, and advertising were worth it because, in the end, I did that. My producer Kristina Paul, also known as Tina Rabel, played a huge role in the success of my gallery, and truly grateful our paths met. It is 1000% terrifying to host your own event with your own money and your personal time. It is terrifying to hear what people think about your work, but if Journalism taught me anything, it is to always take criticism as a learning opportunity.

As of now, I am working towards expanding my portfolio in videography, directing, and producing. I know I’m often recognized as a photographer but I’d like to believe I am a multifaceted professional who knows how to do a bit of everything. That’s what I love about being creative, there are so many mediums that are parallel to each other. And to be frank, when you’re a local artist you are your own team and you are the one to wear all the hats. It’s hard sometimes but it really forces you to grow and expand your skill set.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is never a smooth road, but like I said the creative process is a learning process. I’m often told one of my biggest strengths but my greatest weakness is my kindness. When I first started to expand my network I never realized when I was being taken advantage of for free labor. It was a tough lesson to learn but I am glad I went through it because I only came out stronger.

I think sometimes when we’re starting out as beginners we often offer free work to build our connections and credibility but if I had to offer a piece of advice to anyone trying to get paid is get paid. There were times I lowered my prices because I was afraid they would cancel their booking or end up offering a free shoot. I really began to value my craft and, specifically my time and funds.

There were days I wanted to give up and never touch a camera, but I didn’t.

I think it’s also hard to not compare yourself when you don’t produce content at the rate other people do. I think artists/creatives who struggle with the pressure of creating, like myself, need to remind themselves why they started in the first place. And that everyone’s journey and timing are different and that is more than okay. My friend Branden Black, who is an amazing artist, shared with me once that you never know what resources people have that they’re able to do the things you aren’t able to do. Someone could have a financial backer who funds all the equipment or has a team of people to do everything all they have to do is shoot the content.

That alone helped me realize it’s not worth stressing over how much content I’m releasing.

Community is important; build that community with genuine people. You don’t have to do it alone, because it gets hard, it’s not impossible but it’s nice when the load is taken off your back.

I believe the universe will challenge us constantly and it may seem in the moment that it’s a struggle but it usually is a lesson that had to be learned. I think if my father taught me anything, it’s to always push forward even at my lowest points.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work for a non-profit as a Communications Coordinator which helps me sustain my creative projects. My role also provides me with the experience of running social media campaigns and elevating my skills in graphic design. A goal I’ve set for myself this year is to build my client base and book more gigs. I offer a variety of services whether that’s photography, video, editing, and/or producing. As I mentioned before I believe I am a multifaceted artist who brings a versatile range of skills to the table.

I’m most proud of the set of photos I displayed at my first gallery, I felt like each set was a piece of me and who I am. I shot all of them on 120mm film with my Fuji GX680 III. The reason I am so proud of these sets is because shooting films takes patience and precision. A roll of film I used has 12 shots, only one of them developed and it was the shot. Most people assume I started photography with digital but I’ve actually been shooting film longer than I’ve used digital cameras. The photos can be viewed on my website for folks who weren’t able to make it to the showing!

What I think sets me apart from others is how quickly I’m able to adapt. I may freak out internally or even externally when something goes wrong but I will always find a solution. I think on any type of set whether it’s a movie, event, or photoshoot if something goes wrong and everyone is freaking out there needs to be one person who is willing to fix the problem and I believe I’m that person. I know what it’s like to work with deadlines and hiccups; with experience, I’ve learned to be adaptable and collected. I believe overall my intentions with anyone are always good, my heart is so filled with love and kindness I want to be able to share that with others.

Pricing:

• Portrait Session / 1 look / $150
• Portrait Session/ 2 looks/ $350
• Event Coordination / $35 per hour
• Videography / varies on needs
• Photo or Video Editing / $35 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sianashoots.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsjust_anais
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anais-covarrubias-280b38213/

Image Credits
All photos were shot by me, sianashoots. The only photo that wasn’t shot by me was the group photo which was shot by Jahmario Bent.