We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aulio Ortiz Kokos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aulio, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?
I think in order to be successful you need to be obsessed with your craft. Discipline, consistency, curiosity, being focused on your goals, and being comfortable with rejection, mistakes, and failure will make you grow in a healthy way. Invest in knowledge, tools, and your health always.
All businesses survive thanks to the clients. Networking is my #1 priority when it comes to marketing. Personal relationships and happy and satisfied clients or collaborators will do more good to you than any advertising campaign.
Aulio, 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’ve been related to the film/marketing/performing/photography industries since I finished college. I worked for seven years as an advertising manager in a distribution and exhibition film company. I produced live events, Organized international film festivals, and worked as a radio and TV host.
When that corporate journey came to an end I decided to become an actor and experiment with writing and filmmaking. I have been doing that for the last seven years now. All these experiences create a unique perspective and aesthetic in everything I do. Now, as a photographer, when you explore my portfolio you can tell that I use photography as storytelling as well.
The client’s needs are my priority. I always give way more than they ask. I try to get involved with all the parts of the process as long they allow me to. I help them to pick the outfits or costumes, makeup, accessories, locations, etc. Taking care of them gives me joy and guarantees a better result. As a client myself, I didn’t enjoy paying hundreds of dollars for pictures and overall service that felt, let’s say…not enough.
My pictures are special and look unique because I use analog lenses. My camera is always set in manual because I like to be in control of the speed, aperture, focus, and any other option the moment requires.
The photo sessions I provide are taken outdoors using the sun as my source of light. For night shoots I like to use fire, LEDs, neon, or any other kind of light source that looks interesting. I try to distance myself from the average flashes or soft lights that the photography industry uses. I don’t like to be comfortable. I like to push myself and solve things with creativity.
I am proud of the hard work I’ve been putting into this business. The results are there, the growth is there. I am always in love with the process. For future clients, followers, or “fans” I just want you to know that my brand is all about creating beauty, empowering others, and bringing joy to your journey.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest passion is having as many human experiences as I can. I want to live life, not just survive or go through it.
Art connects people. Love keep us together.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes, mental health advice and psychology. Kindness, compassion, and healthy relationships are things I wish I had more access to.
Contact Info:
- Website: aulioivan.com/aophotography
- Instagram: instagram.com/aulio.opticphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/aulioivan
- Twitter: twitter.com/aulioivan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiEO9KQFCbORGLiRwW63evw
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/aulio-optic-photography-san-diego
- Other: instagram.com/aulioivan aulioivan.com