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

Louis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I’ve always had a camera in my hands for as long as I can remember, but working in advertising gradually shifted my perspective. It pushed me to capture more than just campaigns—it inspired me to explore more of my environments and emotions I would be feeling at the time. Document my own life, and experience the real stories of those I encountered on a daily basis.

Though I remain grateful for the advertising work I do, it was through these experiences that I truly discovered my passion for capturing raw, real-life moments and the unique stories of people.

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

I’ve been a photographer and videographer for over a decade, primarily in the advertising industry, where I focused on crafting visuals that sold products or shaped narratives to convey corporate synergy. While this work helped pay the bills, the more I immersed myself in it, the more I found myself drawn to the raw authenticity of the world around me.

Around 8 or 9 years ago, I began carrying a camera with me more religiously, driven by several personal events, including the passing of a family member. At the time, I realized I had only about six photos of them, and the realization was profoundly emotional. It sparked a deep desire to capture the people in my life—the ordinary, the intimate, and everything in between. I realized I wanted to hold onto these moments in the best way I knew how. Over time, this passion evolved into what’s often called “street photography,” though I still find myself grappling with that label. To me, many of the images I make in the streets of NYC feel more like diary entries—moments of reflection, encounters that speak to me personally, or maybe make me laugh.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was believing my creations were meant for the world when, in reality, they were meant for me. I had to let go of the idea that chasing money should dictate my path. Over time, I realized it was okay to turn down projects and that my career didn’t define my art. By doing so, I found myself in less stressful situations, working on projects that truly aligned with my artistic vision. I made more time for myself and my craft, sharing it with those who genuinely appreciated it.

Especially in today’s era, where creating content feels like the only way to be seen, I’ve had to remind myself that visibility isn’t the same as fulfillment. I’ve had to slow down, reassess, and do it over and over again—and I still do. At the end of the day, I create because it brings me peace. It’s what allows me to rest easy at night.

At this point, all I truly want from my work is for it to say, “I was here, and so were they.” I wish there were something deeper, something more profound to it—but that is what drives me to pick up my camera every day. A sort of digital tombstone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://louismeschino.com/
• Instagram: @louismeschino
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-meschino-03791411a/

Image Credits

Louis Meschino