10 Questions with @angeloriggi

1. Can you please tell us a few words about yourself, where are you from.

I was born in Lima, Peru and lived there till I was 13 years old. I moved to Los Angeles, California and after that, I fell in love with the city at a young age. I saw lots of potential as a young kid on what I wanted to do and accomplish for my life. I originally studied architecture but fell in love with photography along the way and now I see life completely different. I am more aware of my surroundings and always trying to frame a moment with my film camera.

2. What is your photography story, how did you start? How did you get where you are now?

I remember traveling to Amsterdam when I was 19 and was just sitting by the canals, staring at these beautiful and interesting buildings by the water. Listening to Pink Floyd and Marc Bolan at the time I thought to myself; I need to start carrying a camera everywhere! Or at least when I was traveling or on the road. I saw everything as it was out of a movie and started framing photos with my head. I studied photography for 2 years for fun, I never knew I would do it as a career. In the beginning I would do freelance jobs I wasn’t too passionate about (weddings, events, boring portraits) but I thought to myself; I gotta build my way up. I was wrong, I decided to strictly shoot what I loved and get into that even if I don’t get paid in the beginning. I worked my way up after a few years and ended up getting some of the most incredible jobs I could ask for with lots of freedom for me to create. It’s difficult since everyone in Los Angeles wants to be in this industry so there is so much competition. You just have to have a style and work your way up until people start recognizing it. Don’t settle for a life you don’t want or aren’t happy with.

3. What’s your favourite gear to use (camera, lens, film) ?

My work gear is a Canon 5D Mark IV with a 24-70mm 2.8 which is my favorite lens, also an 85mm and a 70-200 zoom lens. Those 3 lenses are all I really need, even the 24-70 alone. I was able to shoot more film for work these last few years which is my favorite since it’s a different world and feeling. No editing involved just pure magic as you shoot.

For my film gear I have many cameras; Minolta Maxxum 7000 35mm, Rolleicord Medium Format, OLympus MJU 2.8 (which has been my favorite point and shoot lately) Canon EOS Rebel k2 and the list goes on.

4. What do you enjoy shooting the most? And Why?

My favorite thing to shoot is nature. Why? Cause you can’t control nature, you can’t tell it how to pose or be. I love its beauty and stillness. I have always found nature my favorite.

5. How do you educate yourself to take better photos?

I tend to have a similar style in my photos, trying different films, but I can educate myself just by taking photos all the time. I can finish a couple rolls in a week or so. I don’t look at inspirations much cause that is someone else’s ideas. I try to create my own even if it looks funny or weird!

6. Have you ever doubted yourself? And what helped you to overcome that?

Of course, we all doubt our work at some point, but you are your own worst critic. You just gotta believe in your art and continue creating without the approval of others at times. 

7. What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you? 

The most rewarding thing about being a photographer is seeing the world in your eyes and showing that vision. I have always loved sharing my work as much as I can. Also it’s my passion, it’s what I love so I don’t think there is anything better than that!

8. Among your works, which one is your favourite? Tell us the story behind it. 

One of my favorite photos is probably a photo I took of myself. It was in a bio dome and I took my reflection from the second floor into the water. In that reflection you see parts of the plants and trees. It looks like a painting to me.

9.What gives you inspiration? 

I see inspiration all around me, maybe cause I love to shoot nature and things that are happening in the moment. I can go on a walk by my place and finish a roll no problem.

10. Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs?

I don’t necessarily know what I want to say with my work, but what it reflects is me. I think my photos represent who I am as a person. I Love to travel, camping, see new things and never stop exploring. Continue to see as much as I can in this world for as long as I am here!

You can follow Angwl on Instagram @angeloriggi and visit his website angeloriggi.com