Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Henry Lara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Henry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Writing stories about the people of Los Angeles is not something I initially set out to do. I began walking and taking pictures of the streets and buildings of Los Angeles as a hobby. Soon I found myself talking to people on the streets. In doing so, I listened to their stories which I found unique. Some of them impacted me. Afte a month of this, I began to approach people with the intention of getting their story. I don’t think I would speed up what I do. Talking to people and listening takes time. I have learned that giving time to each person is valuable. With patience you can get parts of the stories that are important. When you rush, you may miss something valuable in the story.
Being friendly and kind has been my best asset. It has helped me to get people to open up to me most of the time.
Sometimes rushing a story has been my biggest obstacle. I have learned to be patient with people. I meet people from all walks of life and listening and being patient has helped tremendously in writing a story. Rushing was my biggest obstacle.

Henry, 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 don’t consider what I do a business or a brand although some people have told me that they associate black and white photos with a story with the word, Angelenoheart (My Instagram page). I began doing what I do by walking the streets of Los Angeles. In time I found myself talking to people on the streets which led me to photographing them and telling their stories.
I have an above average following on Instagram and I think that its due to my photographs and my style of telling peoples stories which is always tole in first person. I basically listen and type the words as if they are talking to the reader.
I’m proud of telling Angeleno stories. Everyone has a different situation and a different background and with a population of nearly four million people every story I have written has been unique.
Homeless stories from drug addicts and military veterans have been the core of my stories. Not too much because I have seeked them, but mostly because that’s who I have run into.
Los Angeles is a perfect example of beautiful mixed salad with different flavors and toppings. I want the people who read my stories not to judge the person who I am telling the story about. I want them to see the reality of each person’s life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is for the readers of my work to open up to a nonfiction Los Angeles. To read stories of reality no matter how bad or sad the story may make you feel after reading it. I don’t want the reader to feel I’m exploiting the person I’m telling the story about. Rather, I want them to read reality. We are all unique, good and bad. I hope readers understand Los Angeles a little bit better after viewing my pictures and reading my stories.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think approaching the streets with an open heart and open eyes. It’s not easy approaching people. It’s a delicate thing. I think readers appreciate my honest and gritty approach. Being real is what has helped built my reputation as a storyteller of the streets.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: angelenoheart

Image Credits
Henry Lara