Irvin Rivera of Graphics Metropolis – Featured Photographer

Jute: Where are you from originally?

Irvin: I was born from the Philippines.

Jute: Did you grow up with an interest in fashion?

Irvin: Growing up I was actually one of those people who despise fashion. I used to see fashion as a very superficial field that seems to demand so much attention from the world. I saw it as very materialistic and senseless, at least until I saw the fashion photographs from Avedon, Deborah Turbeville, Penn, Leibovitz, Tim Walker and a lot of other great ones. Their works opened my eyes to a different side of fashion. I realized how fashion can be a powerful tool to influence and shape a culture and a society.

Jute: Where did you get your start in fashion photography?

Irvin: I started in Los Angeles after I got my first DSLR here.

Jute: Where do you draw inspiration?

Irvin: Books, films, music, dreams and random everyday places, objects and life experiences inspire me.

Jute: You seem to put out so much quality work in a month. How do you find time to photograph so many editorials?

Irvin: Well, I have a wonderful team that helps me produce my shoots and put our visions to reality. Also, since I decided to go full time on photography, I got more time on my hands to produce and shoot editorials.

Jute: Tell us about your dream photo shoot. If you could shoot for any magazine, what magazine would it be?

Irvin: I wanna do a highly produced fashion editorial at the Angkor Wat or at some really amazing location Diana Vreeland Style. Something exaggerated, extravagant, dreamy and just beautiful. My dream is to do as much Vogue Covers as I can while I still live. Also, I really want to shoot for W Magazine.

Jute: Give our readers one piece of advice for aspiring photographers.

Irvin: Always train your eye. Keep it as the sharpest tool in your body. Next to that is your heart and soul. Your vision should always have a heart a story.

To see more of Irvin Rivera’s work click here!