We recently connected with Amieliana Rivero and have shared our conversation below.

Amieliana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Leaving my hometown without a job or a clear direction was the boldest move I’ve made. While my hometown will always hold a special place in my heart, it lacked the queer community and healing environment I needed. Carrying the weight of past trauma, I knew staying there would hinder my growth. So, I embarked on a journey, traveling through LA, San Diego, and New York, before landing in Mexico City with just $200 to my name in January 2023.

Wandering the streets with my film camera, I embraced the uncertainty, relying on my skills in freelance graphic design and photography to make ends meet. Eventually, I scraped together enough to sublet an apartment for a few months. It was in Mexico City that I found not only a sense of belonging within the queer community but also a wonderful person who showed me the beauty of the city and became my partner. Documenting my experiences on film felt like capturing magic in a frame.

Fast forward to today, I find myself in San Francisco, where I continue to pursue my passion for film photography. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s through these experiences that I’ve made incredible connections and cultivated meaningful friendships. Leaving my hometown was a risk, but it was the catalyst for the transformative journey I’m on, one filled with self-discovery, resilience, and endless possibilities.

Amieliana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Amieliana Rivero, a queer, first-generation Latinx photographer and graphic designer from from Sonoma County, California. My passion lies more in film photography so I will speak on my experience as a photographer.

My journey into the world of photography began at a young age, blossoming during my time in high school art programs where I discovered the magic of capturing moments on film.

As a queer person of color, I’ve always felt the weight of being different, of not quite fitting into the societal norms. But through my photography, I aim to celebrate that uniqueness and offer a sense of belonging to those who may feel like outsiders. It’s crucial to me that people understand that being different is special, and through my lens, I strive to showcase the diverse experiences of being Latinx in the U.S.

Living at the intersection of queerness and Latinx identity, I navigate a space that often feels like it’s neither here nor there. I want to capture the nuances of this experience—the feeling of not quite fitting into the American mold yet still feeling disconnected from my cultural roots. While many of my hometown friends are settling down and starting families, I embrace a different path, living an independent life that challenges conventional norms.

For me, photography is more than just a creative outlet; it’s a means of connecting with my communities and finding solace in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Through my work, I seek to bridge the gap between different identities, offering a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

I’m incredibly proud of the connections I’ve forged through my photography—the moments of understanding and empathy that arise when people see themselves reflected in my work. My hope is that my art serves as a reminder that we’re not alone in our experiences, and that there’s power in embracing our differences.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Apologies for any confusion. Let’s focus on your response to the prompt about funding your business:

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Starting my photography business wasn’t easy, especially when it came to funding. Coming from a background without financial privilege, I’ve had to work multiple jobs since the age of 16 just to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, my determination to pursue my passion never wavered.

Without a college degree, I relied on my belief in myself and my art to propel me forward. I became a sponge for knowledge, soaking up every resource available to me, from YouTube tutorials to seeking guidance from mentors. Through this journey, I discovered a valuable lesson: you don’t need the latest and most expensive equipment to create compelling art. True creativity comes from within.

One of my most cherished possessions is my Canon AE-1, a camera gifted to me by a friend years ago. While film photography can be costly, I’ve found ways to make it work. I’ve learned to develop and scan film myself at a local communal darkroom, saving on expenses while honing my skills.

Above all, I’ve embraced a mindset of perseverance. No matter the obstacles, I keep shooting and doing what I love. It’s through this unwavering dedication that I’ve been able to build my business from the ground up, one photograph at a time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, here’s your response to the prompt:

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As a creative freelancer, pivoting has become a regular part of my journey. In the unpredictable world of freelancing, business can fluctuate drastically, with periods of abundance followed by lulls in demand. Since I’m still early in my career, I’ve learned to adapt by picking up work in other industries, particularly hospitality, which is a familiar territory for me.

For years, I’ve juggled various roles in bars and restaurants, from serving tables to bartending and making coffee as a barista. The ability to seamlessly transition between these positions has been a valuable skill. It’s allowed me to remain financially stable during slower periods in my freelance work while also gaining diverse experiences and insights from different industries.

While my ultimate goal is to focus on my art full-time, I recognize that the journey may be filled with twists and turns. For now, I remain ready to pivot at a moment’s notice, embracing new opportunities and challenges as they arise. With each pivot, I continue to grow both personally and professionally, knowing that every experience brings me closer to realizing my aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: amielianarivero.com
• Instagram: @foto__mami
• Other: My design instagram @_airedesign_

Image Credits
Amieliana Rivero