We were lucky to catch up with Clara Toro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Clara , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

As a photographer, I find great joy in offering my services at no cost, to non-profits or to people who might need or want photos of a special event in their lives or to promote their work. Photographic services are expensive and sometimes, out of people’s budgets. I believe in the power of photography to connect, to preserve memories of good moments or as a tool to promote new businesses, and I am always happy to be of help in those moments.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Colombian/American photographer, who works on documentary photography, mostly in the city of Miami. After a pause of several years, dedicated to teaching and to my family, I went back to school at The international Center of Photography (ICP) in NY and returned to the photography practice. I have been a full time photographer for the past 3 years and I am currently enrolled in a master’s program with PhotoEspaña.

The main project I am working on right now is the audio visual documenting of Wynwood Norte and Allapattah, two neighborhoods that are very dear to me as a hispanic immigrant. For the past three years I have been photographing the residents and their homes, with the purpose of creating an archive of two neighborhoods that are rapidly changing.

Besides my documentary work, I volunteer for non-profits when they need photos to promote their foundations or events. I also do portrait sessions at my studio for people who might need or want photos but cannot afford to pay for the session and the printing of the photos. Doing this type of work gives me great joy.

Having had the opportunity to go back to photography at this stage of my life, is something that I am very grateful for. The recognition that I have received by being invited to participate in solo and group exhibits, the 2022 Oolite grant, the classes I have been asked to teach and a big solo exhibit opening in December, as part of Art in Public Places, is something I am very proud of.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have two goals that drive my creative journey: The first, is to make sure I create a visual archive of stories of the people who have lived in Wynwood and Allapattah for decades. I want for people to learn about the immigrants that came to this country and helped build the Miami we live in. As people move out or die, I want for those stories and memories to remain.

My second goal is to use my camera and my knowledge to contribute to those who might benefit from my help or support. There’s a lot of help needed at this time in our city and I hope people know I would love to contribute whenever I am needed.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As I move along in my photographic career, I am learning about the great opportunities that are available for photographers and artists in general.. There are many institutions that are very supportive of the work we do and there are good grants available. I wish I knew more about these options in the past but now that I am aware of them, I would love to share that information with fellow photographers who might no be aware of the endless possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.claratoro.com
• Instagram: @claratorophoto
• Facebook: Clara Ines Londono Arango
• Linkedin: Clara Toro

Image Credits
Portrait of Clara Toro by Victor jaramillo @ba_ji_to