We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christian Lora. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christian below.
Christian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
“The whole idea for me to start shooting photos actually came from a very dark place. I was going through an extremely difficult time in my life and I needed some type of outlet before just to express myself, so I chose photography. At first I just wanted to go out and explore, street and nature photography only. I didn’t want to take pictures of people at all. A few weeks into shooting, my good friend who’s in the industry Jake Plowden noticed my eye for photography and invited me to a photoshoot for a rap group from NYC, The Joint Cheefs. I arrived to the shoot and another, more experienced photographer with a better camera was already there. I thought to myself ‘why am I here if he’s here?’ Part of me wanted to go home. But I decided to stay and just do my thing. Long story short, all my photos were chosen over his. That’s when I realized maybe I do have a calling in this. The rest is history”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
“My goal at all times is to create ART. To create compelling images, spectacles, that’s where my passion comes from. I want to make memories that will last forever. Freeze a moment in time in the most aesthetic way possible. That’s what you can expect from me if you book me for any type of photoshoot or event.”
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
“When I first started shouting, after that NYC shoot I mentioned earlier, those first 6 months – 1 year we very hot and cold for me as a photographer. I wasn’t a professional at all, I actually don’t even count that as part of my professional career when I talk about my career. During this time, I was robbed for everything I had. Not just my camera gear and laptop, but literally ALL the property I’ve ever owned. Gone. I went to jail for a bit, came out and wore the same clothes for weeks. The darkness I was experiencing when I first started shooting was back.
Desperate for money/help, I started a GoFundMe page to share what was happening because nobody knew, I just wanted to get a new camera to get to shooting again. I raised the money very quickly at my surprise.
It was quite a bit of money, so I had a moment of ‘is this what I REALLY want to do?’ Like I said I lost everything so I really could’ve used that money for a lot of other things. But I put my head down and decided to just go for it. I couldn’t let myself quit on this, what would I do then? Start something else? How would I look to everyone after just asking for help but then quitting anyways? No way. So I bought the camera I still use till this day and decided to stop playing and give it my ALL.”
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When it comes to funding my business, I started from the bottom, I after buying my 2nd camera, I bought a used lens and called myself a “natural light photographer” haha. Really I was just too broke to get lights. Eventually I bought myself some GVM LED panels thinking they’d do the same thing strobes would, they didn’t. They did hold me down though until I was able to get professional strobes. I also recommend renting out studio spaces that include professional lighting. Another thing id say is, use the money from your gigs to buy your equipment while working a side 9-5 job until you’re settled. It will almost feel free.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stillsbychristian.com
- Instagram: @stillsbychristian