Today we’d like to introduce you to Elysia Fernandez.
Hi Elysia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m born and raised in SATX. I’ve been submerged in the music and arts realm for as long as I can remember. My father is a musician and my mother a painter and art director. Given, one can only be so surprised I also found a comfy spot in the creative field. I moved to Austin in 2017 to start my journey in audio engineering, only to later fall in love with analog photography. I was given a couple of point and shoot 35mm cameras and started goin’ off. Taking photos of my daily ventures and really fall for life through the photo lense. To take it to the next step and truly be apart from start to finish, I decided I wanted to process film. Something about being so meticulous with the whole process I adore. How film photography has this texture to it, leaving you with a story and an experience.
After several years of trial and error, teaching myself the craft of analog photography & film processing, I started freelancing and working on zine concepts. I had to step back and look at how I wanted to represent myself as an artist and a photographer. I’m a queer, plus size Hispanic women that has felt some backlash. It’s been hard in the past being able to fully represent myself as I am in the fashion world, with the comfort of security. In the beginning of 2020, I started reselling vintage clothing under Softcore Vintage, mainly in plus sizes to do my part in fulfilling that aspect of individuality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve been super fortunate honestly throughout my whole experience thus far. There’s countless incredible artists and creatives in Austin. Collaborating and finding models hasn’t been so hard, you can find a lending hand closer than you’d think. Helping each other’s vision come alive while building a network all at once, it’s quite amazing. My friends and peers have been so helpful and supportive from the beginning and I’m so, so grateful.
Given the past year and a half or so it’s definitely been hard mentally with everything that’s being thrown at the world. While feeling as if life’s on pause, coincidentally it’s only pushed my drive further. Igniting my passion and just wanting to submerge headfirst. It’s been loads of fun, I’m forever learning and growing in this industry and it keeps me goin’.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I took a step back and thought about what my photography style is, it’s pretty all over the place; Street photography, lots of nights out with pals, fashion photography, some contemporary styles. I realized the common factor was that I was often taking advantage of my surroundings, seeing the beauty in everyday life and capturing it. I came up with Loverz Only Photography, with the idea that my style isn’t limited, allowing me to shoot in whichever direction I’d like. Really focusing on keeping the flame alive, the passion for photography and its art form.
From film processing and scanning, portrait photography to more conceptual shoots – my favorite part is getting to style my client. Being confident is such a great feeling and part of what I do to make you feel like the most beautiful human in the room and I absolutely love it! It’s super important to me in making sure my client feels they’re in a safe space. Communicating full transparency in what the shoot will entail and encouraging conversation in making sure all sides are happy. 🙂
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
JUST GO FOR IT. I think we can all relate to that. Thinking you’re not ready, not good enough. We all know that’s an excuse, you’re amazing! Only way to get better is to do the dang thing, throw yourself into it and learn from your mistakes! Took me forever to build up the courage to process my own film, only to find it was super easy and gave me so much more flexibility with my work. Always ask questions when you can. There’s not a correct way so the more you learn, the stronger photographer you’ll become.
Contact Info:
- Email: elysiafernandez123@gmail.com
- Website: https://loverzonlyphotography.darkroom.tech/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loverz_only_photography/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/softcore_vintage/
Image Credits
Loverz Only Photography
