Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Lopez Viveros.
Mario, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m currently residing in Bakersfield where I was born and raised my whole life. I was living in LA but then covid hit and all of my projects had to come to a brief pause. But aside from all of this, I started my photography journey when I was around the age of 11 and the story is a bit funny when it came to starting my journey. I wasn’t gifted or passed down a camera just a little fact since that’s common to happen in a lot of photographer’s journeys. My mom actually wouldn’t let me use the family disposable cameras because I would take excessive pictures of myself and my surroundings so I wasn’t allowed to use the cameras. I was gifted my first digital camera when I was 16 a canon rebel bundle pack from Costco, I still remember. I never saw any kind of progress when I was taking photos with my digital camera I usually hated most of them, they always seemed really unflattering and not my style. I got into film around 2018 and wouldn’t stop shooting more specifically taking portraits of others, it’s something I felt most comfortable with. Ever since I started this journey, I had opened so many great doors and met so many lovely people and it has been so beautiful. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me in this chapter year, this year has been so challenging but also I’ve learned so much about myself and the direction in photography I want to go. I’m not going to lie it hasn’t been easy its been a challenge but it’s something I’m willing to work hard for since being behind the camera is something I love doing.
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 hasn’t been not gonna lie it can get challenging and very draining but I know that I can work at my own pace and take my time in whatever it is that I’m doing. I have encountered a lot of death this year and it has been so emotionally draining but I have noticed that having a camera with me has been so powerful and helpful for me to take my mind off of things. But I like challenging myself and telling myself that I need to keep going and motivating myself even if I’m going through something so traumatic.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So my work is more leaning towards editorial and portraiture I like to tell everyone that I don’t have a specific style because I don’t just take portraits I take photos of literally anything and everything if it catches my eye. But I think I’m more known for my vibrant photos and photos that are very in your face and you can take them as you’d like. I’m most proud of most of my recent work because even when having a low budget and little to nothing gear, you can create beautiful work you just need to have the angles, lighting, poses and that should work out fine. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m big on perfecting an image and thought process of most of my photos and just all in all stressing myself out with making something look really good and candy to the eye thats something I love most and do most.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Something that makes me happy is my surroundings such as life and my day-to-day life and of course, my friends and family. I’m so inspired by all of them. I think it’s so beautiful being able to document my friends and family and capture real life in most intimate times and see life happen and capture it in time. Them and my Mexican roots inspire me so much and I’m going to keep on taking photos of them until I can’t anymore.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindings0n_/
