Aldo Chacon
Aldo Chacon
Photographer/Filmmaker
Los Angeles, California
www.aldochaconstudio.com
www.wildgoatscreative.com
www.papalosophy.com
Instagram @alchaconphoto
Twitter @alchaconn
What do you do?
I am a photographer and filmmaker. I specialize in portraits, advertising and fashion photography, with a strange passion for street photography. I direct small short films and music videos and I also do some mixed media art in between photoshoots.
“I specialize in portraits, advertising and fashion photography, with a strange passion for street photography.”
Give us a specific example of how you do your job like a BOSS. Or, tell us why you are really good at your job. We know you’re humble, but we want to hear it. :)
I work on my craft. I am really focused and determined in getting what I want. I always look for many possible outcomes to one idea and I am really open minded to input from my creative team, I do my homework and I am always prepared for what I am shooting. I enjoy what i do and that´s something you can see in my work.
For other people in your field, what do they usually lack?
I have encountered people that fantasize with the idea of being a photographer or an artist but sometimes they don´t go the extra mile, they get frustrated and they stop shooting and getting experience in the field. They refuse to shoot small gigs and they're not humble. I think that people have to be ambitious and do whatever it takes to make it happen, and never stop.
If you have multiple jobs and/or skills, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to have more time to practice on my mixed media and illustration side, but I just seem to keep going into film and directing when I have some free time that I have left my art skills a bit behind.
What are you working on right now?
At the moment I am working on releasing a digital expo of a portrait series about a creative underground society that I shot in Barcelona. As well I am in the last stages of Papalosophy which is a new photography-cookbook project, finding new clients for a production company I launched with my brother, as well as keeping busy doing conceptual portraits and shooting advertising campaigns.
What is frustrating you right now?
I just moved from Europe back to America and reconnecting with my network it´s been hard work as well as meeting new creatives and getting my name out there, finding great locations and getting to know the city has also been a challenge, but I feel like I am slowly adapting and there are great things coming up.
What task keeps landing at the bottom of the To Do list?
I really have to find some quiet time and write a new short film. I have the idea ready but I have been slacking in the writing process, I guess I've been putting it away until I've had the perfect story but maybe I should start and from there it will flow...
If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone that could take care of my PR. Sometimes I feel I have no time to shoot and be 100% on the creative side plus worry about social media and marketing info.
What are all the tools (digital or physical) you use on a regular basis?
I use photoshop almost everyday. Lightroom and Capture one are also tools on my list as well as In-design, I also use pen and paper to draft ideas, I´m kind of old school.
If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to get some cool advice from Richard Branson on how to rock your business like he did. Or also some cool advice from Mark Seliger or Martin Schoeller, or just to have an inspirational conversation with Nadav Kander or Emmanuel Lubezki.
What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am currently looking to shoot editorial portraits for established publications and more advertising campaigns for clients in the sports / fashion business. I am also looking for projects that can mix photography with other media whether it is CGI, film or illustration.
“I am currently looking to shoot editorial portraits for established publications and more advertising campaigns for clients in the sports / fashion business”
What is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who really understands and values the creative process. Who appreciates the creative input and gives you freedom to create and explore. I enjoy collaborating with creative and talented people from many fields because they always teach me something different and we can both learn new things and grow.
hat are your deal breakers? When do you say “no” or quit.
Working with people that don´t enjoy what they are doing and they bring a negative attitude to set. Not cool.
What is your rate?
For me it depends on assignment. I evaluate projects based on my client, the proposed distribution channels and as well as the project requirements. I like that everyone that works on the project makes what they deserve, that is why I evaluate all the variables first.
How should someone approach you about working together?
I like email, but I prefer meeting in person. I like to discuss ideas and visualize things together in person and establish a connection before we shoot. I like if they email me with a brief of what they need and we go from there.
This member profile was originally published in October 2015.