Rising Stars: Meet Elizabeth Beristain of DTLA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Beristain

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I often get asked how my journey as a photographer started, and I guess the simplest way to put it is that it all came together naturally, like pieces of a puzzle. I was born in Mexico City to a Portuguese father and a Mexican mother, so from the very beginning, I was surrounded by diverse influences. Art, culture, and creativity were always part of my world. But it wasn’t until I picked up a camera thanks to my mom that I realized how deeply I wanted to connect with the world through my own lens. I went to school to Escuela Activa de Fotografia in Mexico City and my first job was at Periodico Reforma as a staff photographer where I had the chance to meet so many interesting people. I eneded up photographing a Mexican Director of Photography already established in Hollywood. I landed in LA for love initially and this year will be 23 years of living in beautiful Los Angeles and both my personal life and my professional life has been transformed and evolved. Being a freelance photographer all my life has been the most rewarding and most liberating form of life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a freelance photographer and artist in a competitive city like Los Angeles presents unique challenges, especially when coming from Mexico. The journey often begins with learning a new language, navigating a foreign culture, and starting from scratch in a city where networking and reputation are everything. In the early stages, many artists must work for free, volunteering their time and skills to build trust, forge relationships, and get their foot in the door. Establishing a network without an agency can feel like an uphill battle, as every connection and gig becomes a stepping stone toward more significant opportunities. It’s a constant balancing act of proving oneself in a saturated market while finding ways to stay true to one’s art and vision. But with persistence, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the hustle, opportunities slowly begin to unfold, leading to gallery exhibitions, private commissions, and—eventually—recognition in the industry.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography has always felt like the perfect medium for me because it allows me to tell stories in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about the entire process: the conceptualization, the styling, and especially the collaboration. I’ve been lucky enough to work with incredibly talented hair and makeup artists, and each shoot becomes a team effort where everyone’s input shapes the final image. It’s all about creating something that resonates, not just visually, but emotionally. Also collaborating with other artists has been an enriching experience.

Over the years, I’ve drawn inspiration from so many places—paintings, chiaroscuro lighting, old films, even music. These influences come together to create a harmony in my work that feels uniquely mine. It’s amazing to me that my portraits have been featured in magazines like Hola, Quien, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Nostika. Each time I see my work published, it’s a reminder of the journey I’ve been on and how lucky I am to share my vision with a wider audience.

But photography for me isn’t just about capturing celebrities or public figures. Over time, I’ve felt a pull towards creating more personal, artistic projects—those that truly reflect my own emotions and experiences. These works have been displayed in galleries in Los Angeles, Mexico, and Paris, and each series allows me to explore a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. My art series “Madonnas” have been my most representative body of work that usually people remember me the most.

A few years ago, I took a leap into experimental filmmaking, something I’d always dreamed about. I co-directed a short documentary film along two amazing artists, Lourdes Hernandez (Russian Red) and Valentina Pelayo. Shot on 16mm, the film “LISBOA NUEVA” was selected to compete at the International Film Festival of Morelia in 2023, and in 2024, it won an award for Best Direction at the Portugal Indie Film Festival. That experience was both humbling and exhilarating, and it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of storytelling.
Most recently I have created a couple of pieces in the medium called “Artist’s Book” these are works of art that take form of a book, like an objet D’art and my first one name “Matriz” has been selected to be part of the collection at Biblioteca Nacional de Mexico (UNAM) which I feel incredibly proud.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a quiet observer, content to sit back and take in the world around me. I found joy in the little details, often lost in the intricacies of people’s faces, fascinated by their stories and expressions. I think that’s why I always gravitated towards drawing and writing. Watching movies and music videos.

As a kid, I was also drawn to the colorful world of fashion. I’d spend hours flipping through fashion magazines, There was something magical about how clothes could tell a story, express individuality, and set a tone for who you were. I remember I wanted to create pictures like that.

And while I was often quiet, I was never without friends. I loved being around people who could make me laugh — funny, joyful individuals who could lift the atmosphere with a single joke or a silly comment. There was always a special energy in the room when those friends were around. I felt surrounded by warmth and good vibes, and it was those moments that made childhood feel carefree.

One of my favorite things to do was dance around my living room, blasting records and losing myself in the music. Vinyl records were my gateway to new worlds, and I loved the whole ritual of buying them, flipping through the selections, and feeling the joy of putting a new one on the turntable. It was a simple, pure kind of happiness.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, before smartphones and constant connectivity, I feel incredibly lucky. There was a freedom back then — a sense of exploration and creativity that came from simply being unplugged. We spent hours outdoors, or just hanging out, making up games, or letting our imaginations run wild. It wasn’t about having the latest app or device; it was about real connections and experiences.

Looking back, I see all these pieces of myself — the artist, the storyteller, the friend, the dreamer — and I’m grateful for the way those moments shaped me. Growing up when I did, with the freedom I had, felt like a treasure, and it continues to influence the way I look at the world today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethberistain.com
• Instagram: @elizabethberistain
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethberistainstudio
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-beristain-0074a113/
• Other: https://www.elizabethberistain.net