Self-taught Filipino lensman shoots the stars in LA
Irvin Rivera at work. CONTRIBUTED
SAN FRANCISCO — His family immigrated to America with no definite plans. Young Irvin Rivera had been a free-lance graphic designer and studio photographer in the Philippines. Little did he know he would become an award-winning photographer to the stars in Los Angeles.
“My dad just retired from the military. I just graduated from college and it felt like we just need a big change in our lives. One day my dad asked me and my sister if we wanted to move to America. We applied and got approved,” recalls Irvin, now 30, a much sought-after fashion photographer to celebrities.
‘May papel ka ba?’
Upon arrival in the US Irvin took the most common job available — caregiver. He was assigned to a residential facility in Sacramento, California to take care of five persons with autism. He did not have any prior experience in caregiving. He says he just followed directions and read instructions. On the side, he also did part-time jobs for other Filipinos. His family lived in Los Angeles.
“I love taking care of the people. I guess it is an innate thing for most of us Filipinos. What I disliked about it was that I was underpaid on that job,” he recalls. “Some Filipinos commented that what I was earning from them was higher than what I used to earn in Manila. Most probably because they knew I was ‘fresh off the boat.’”
Irvin says he got the worst treatment from fellow Filipinos. There were some who would undermine and discourage fellow Filipinos. “I have also encountered people who would bluntly ask you right off the bat if you are documented or not. (“May papel ka ba?”). I guess that’s their way of saying hello,” Irvin chuckles.
Irvin Rivera’s photo of Kobe Bryant.
After months of being far from his family, Irvin asked his employer for a week off. He was allowed to leave on condition that he would leave his luggage and be gone for only two days. Instead of protesting, he agreed but never came back.
With only a laptop, shirt and a pair of jeans in his backpack, Irvin traveled to Los Angeles to be with his family. He applied for all kinds of jobs — construction, bookkeeping, hardware and warehouse jobs. Eventually, he was hired as an all-around office assistant in a clothing company where he stayed for six years, until he decided to pursue professional photography.
Self-taught
Photography started as a hobby in college. Irvin borrowed a friend’s camera, and they would play with available light, photograph each other and then go to Internet cafes to edit their photos.
When he got his first DSLR, Irvin self-studied to learn the basics. He started by watching YouTube videos, reading online articles and shooting a lot. Soon he was winning contests. He was named photographer of the year in 2012 by RAWartist Los Angeles and had a series of exhibits as far as Busan, South Korea and the Philippines.
Even so, Irvin continues to hone his skills. He has no specific role model that influences him. He merely says everyone has influence on his photography.
“Practice, trial and error and research help me a lot. I attend workshops and take online courses to further my education and experience. My goal is to not just be a professional, but also to be a reputable expert in the field. I am currently holding photography workshops and internship programs,” he says.
Irvin won the 2015 PDN (Photo District News Magazine) FACES Portrait Photography Competition Professional category for Children/Babies and PDN FACES Portrait Photography Competition Professional category Commercial/Editorial/Assignment; 2015 Honorable Mention Moscow International Foto Awards Fine Art Portrait Category; and several honorable mentions from the International Photography Awards (IPA).
He has also joined several photo shows since 2011. His recent show with other photographer was in Long Beach at the Picture This Gallery last September where he sold photos.
Irvin Rivera with Sofia Richie during a photo shoot in Los Angeles. IRVIN RIVERA
Irvin converted his house into a studio and maintains his website www.graphicsmetropolis.com to showcase his photographs and for business purposes. He has photographed celebrities including Kobe Bryant, Lyndie Greenwood, Keith Carlos, Joe Naufahu and Edwin Hodge. He recently photographed Ariel Winter of “Modern Family” for Rogue Magazine and Lucy Lawless of “Xena the Warrior Princess.”
Challenges
Being a photographer entails commitment. As a full time free-lancer, Irvin understands and accepts uncertainty in the highly competitive industry.
“I have to market and position myself in a way where people who could take me to higher grounds, notice and appreciate me. It takes a good presentation and lot of consistency to back it up. That’s how I was able to establish myself on the US market,” Irvin explains.
Irvin says further: “I try to make sure that every photo I take and image I create has soul in it. I want the photos to take you to different worlds and places where the images are from.”
Irvin launched the Portraits of Hope Project where he photographs people and raises funds for various individuals or institutions in need of financial support.
“If you think that the universe does not provide you with open doors, make your own doors. Create gates. Pave your own path to success with no excuses,” Irvin advises.
