Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Lucero.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started getting into portraiture in college a little over 10 years ago. I tried all sorts of photography but ultimately ended falling in love with taking photos of people. Landscapes, food, abstract, and nature photography were fun to try out but didn’t really let me be as creative as I wanted to. In college, I made a few sugar skull portraits and decided to expand upon making more. I love the concept of Dia de los Muertos and so I made it my own with a little twist.
With portraiture I loved making people look unique. I love trying to bring out emotions in people through a photo. With each sugar skull portrait I take I want to share emotions and stories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part it’s been a smooth road. Except when it comes to planning out a photoshoot. Each portrait takes a while to complete. When I first started I worked with various make up artists. I would draw a basic concept of what I would like painted on my models face and they would do the face painting. It was hard having to find time for everyone to be free on the same day. Scheduling a photoshoot was hell and sometimes took over a month to plan. Now, I do everything to cut back on time. I facepaint, photograph, and photoshop.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I interview, direct, photograph, photoshop, and edit peoples summaries. At least that’s what people don’t see.
What people see is a sugar skull portrait of a person coupled with a short 500 word summary. That summary details a short slice of that person’s life. The topics discussed with the model can be vast. I’ve interviewed retired police officers, mountain climbers, teachers, monarch advocates, widowed wives, former marines and army veterans, aspiring singers and artists, and even pageant winners.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’m the only sugar skull portrait photographer I know. I guess I fit a very niche type of art.
Also, I’m quite proud of the fact that I have 3 of my portraits blown up to over 8 feet tall on the side of a building in my home town!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Always talk to people! Be open to being vulnerable. You never know who could help out with your art. Don’t be afraid to go to art shows and just chat with random people.
Pricing:
- $250 for a 20×30 metal print
- $100 for a sugar skull portrait (Also you’ll be in a book!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calaverasofchicago.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: LooseArrow
- Facebook: Facebook.com/CalaverasOfChicago