We were lucky to catch up with Kalista Tamez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kalista, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As an artist, taking risks is essential to the growth of your craft. Embracing the decision to pursue art as a career is a major risk, in and of itself, as there is not a guarantee of monetary success (which many adults will remind you of at an incessant rate). However, it is a testament to the passion you bear for the creative field you desire to chase and practice, and that is remarkably admirable. Starting up my own photography business last year was a major risk, but while testing out my first camera I knew that there was fierce potential. Proclaiming this discovery and longing of adding photography to my repertoire seemed out of the blue to others initially, but my ambition to learn as much as possible from free editorial photo shoots quickly validated my earnestness.

The level of vulnerability it requires to present my work to an audience is substantial, but the reward is far greater. Choosing to be bold and face my fears is the most empowering feeling. It is incredibly daunting putting myself out there in applying for photography positions at independent editorial magazines, sharing my progress as a photographer on social media, and getting my work published in print. Art is beautifully subjective, which can be frightening as a showing artist, but realizing everyone’s interpretations and experiences with artworks is unique helps relieve my doubt. Trusting that my work is strong simultaneously incites a dangerous cycle of carrying disbelief in myself, but the fear of sharing my work was overcome by the choice to instead be bold and unapologetic.

Obtaining my DBA for my business and officially declaring my name as a business owner in Texas was the most gratifying yet terrifying experience. This pursuit was serious to me and I was even shocked by my eagerness to get my business started. I couldn’t wait to begin this new journey, which was a risk that only motivated me.

Kalista, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Kalista Tamez and I am an Austin-based creative with focuses in acting, photography, and singing. My love for acting began longer than I can remember and I quickly knew, at a very young age, that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. Due to massive life changes from the pandemic, the trajectory of my plan as an actor was interrupted. After a long time away from this craft I love so dearly, I am working to finally again focus on pursuing acting full force. In the meantime, my passion for photography has satisfied and surpassed my innate need to create.

My photography business is named ‘Captured by Kalista’ with an emphasis in avant-garde, innovative editorials. All of my work as a professional Editorial Fashion Photographer is entirely influenced by acting, movement, and directing. I think of a photo shoot as an entrancing dance between the photographer and model(s) in figuring out together the posing, lighting, angles, and more; it truly is an honor to work with so many wonderful local artists of all disciplines. I am passionate about producing bold, colorful, and a mix between abstract and classic photos with heavy editing, while never diminishing the natural beauty of the model. My goal is to help every client realize, embrace, and strut their individuality, glamor, and beauty. I offer multiple packages for Editorial Fashion Photo Shoots with the option to do a studio or location shoot and the planning of the shoot’s concept is a completely collaborative process.

Aside from my own photography business, I photograph for creative editorial magazines in Austin and am granted the fantastic ability to connect with new artists such as stylists, hair and makeup artists, layout artists, production assistants, editors, videographers, writers, models, and more. This past year I have had the opportunity to photograph and direct in teams for A La Moda Zine and Glaze Zine. These outlets allow me the opportunity to collaborate with others, which is crucial as an artist. Working with people passionate about their professions and contributing so much heart into a project is my favorite thing. Seeing my work published in a magazine for the first time in Fall 2022 was the most fulfilling experience. I cannot wait to continue working with the Austin creative scene and getting involved in more projects.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It is vital for society to show up for artists in all avenues. I feel that there is a common misunderstanding that artists “overcharge” for their work, but I strongly disagree. Artists put so much into their work, as it is original, with hours and hours and hours spent constructing what becomes the final product for sale. There are so many unseen struggles experienced in the life of an artist and attempting to sustain a solid income can be dreadful. Community is everything and supporting your local artists must become a priority. Without art, the world would truly be a sad place. We need artists and pursuing this career path is already a risk in a corporate world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am on a mission to get my name out there as an artist, create as much as I possibly can, and continue to get out of my comfort zone. Working full-time as an artist is the dream and I am working to achieve that goal. Each creative project I work on provides enriching insight with something new learned. I am so excited to get back on track with acting and continue photography professionally. I aspire to move to New York City in the next few years and pursue all of my creative passions there. In the meantime, I am continuing to grow my creative Austin community and am so excited to further evolve as an artist.     

Contact Info:

• Website: COMING SOON!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbykalistatamez/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalistatamez/

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Jade Nastasi with Edit by Kalista Tamez, Logo by Rieley Moeller, & All Editorial Photos Taken + Edited by Kalista Tamez