FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER CLAUDIA CORTEZ
Fashion Photographer Claudia Cortez
Claudia Cortez is a Venezuelan fashion photographer. She is eighteen-year-old, living in the city of Miami, for a little over a year now. Throughout her life journey, she has had the opportunity to continue developing her career as a photographer, which not only fascinates her but also represents her lifestyle. She defines herself as a creative, persevering and visionary woman. She is an independent photographer with a fascination for architecture. She defines her style in photography as fashion-forward, but also she like editorial and gastronomy photography.
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the “Museum of The Great War” where I had the opportunity of photographing its fascinating details (which are some of the first pictures in my Instagram profile). Later that day, I showed my mother the photos I had taken with my cell phone (which was a Samsung S5 at the time). She asked if I had ever thought of entering the world of photography, she thought I had an eye for photography and a possible future. I already had some time thinking about the idea, and I enjoyed looking at the work of my favorite photographers, but I had never considered taking this step, so my mother did not hesitate to buy my first DSLR camera. I began to photograph sunsets, animals, and eventually lead me to photograph people as well, and that was how I knew I wanted to be a fashion photographer.
What is most important at the moment you take a picture?
I think one of the most important aspects is the bond you create with your model. It does not matter if you have the best makeup artist, the best stylist, or the best location, if there is no bond, you’ll never achieve the best results possible. In addition, I think that there should be empathy between the team so that you will always get the best result after each “click”.
From where you get your inspiration
Fashion inspires me; the modern infrastructures for designs and the attitude of the model when she gets into the character of what she is wearing.
How do you look for the perfect spots?
Everything depends on the theme of the photoshoot. If it is a clothing brand, I would choose a scenery that conveys the same feeling like the brand; if it is a make-up product, I would choose a well-lit study with white or pink backgrounds, and in the case of gastronomy I prefer to use the same establishment to capture its essence since they are usually decorated with the theme of their roots.
Describe a typical shoot.
If it’s the first time I work with the model I like to talk a little before the date to create more confidence at the time of the photoshoot. If this is not the case, once we arrive at the place that we chose, we started doing the makeup, hairstyle and organizing the outfits.
Were you educate in photography, or are self-taught?
I’m self-taught.
What camera do you use most of the time?
My Nikon D3300 and 35mm lens.
Which photo are you currently most proud of?
It was hard! But this is one of my 40 favorite photos.
Comparing where you are now with where you are when you first started, what could you have done differently to get to where you are sooner?
Nothing. I arrived in this country just over 1 year ago which means that I had to start my career from scratch. However, I think the timing has been perfect. I do not complain or regret my decisions. Choosing to come to Miami was one of the best things I could have done for my career.
Favorite photography book?
I do not have a favorite book, as I said before, I never took classes but it is worth noting that I have learned so much by reading certain blogs on the internet. Of course, I do not rule out the possibility of reading a few photography books.
With whom you would like to work the most?
I would love to work for Kylie Cosmetics, Vogue Magazine, and Shay Mitchell.
To know more about Claudia, please visit: Claudia Cortez
