Ciarra Walters
Ciarra Walters
Photographer / Art Director
Los Angeles, CA
www.throwingtoast.com
Instagram @cbozthepoetess
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am an artist.”
Co-mingling between photography and film, I use sociology as my base for creating this delicately dynamic perspective between women and men of color, while subtlety unraveling the complexities between the two sexes.”
My photography is raw rhythm filled with stories, emotions, and color. If you don’t feel anything when looking at my work, then I didn’t do my job.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
1. Believing in myself and trusting my instinct despite my lack of knowledge or skill I have for whatever it was I was pursuing.
2. Asking questions to those who have the skills.
3. Opening myself up to criticism about my style and work.
4. Applying to jobs I don’t think I will get.
5. Self-confidence and self-love.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I feel like photography is an oversaturated field, but I also feel like artists and art enthusiasts separate the ones who simply take photos and those who pour their entire soul into the work. I feel people who "take photos" rarely create a space for emotional responses from their viewers. There is a lack of vision, detail, and emotion, which leads to a picture that is simply pretty to look at and meant to be scrolled pass on a timeline.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently I am working on a few photography series and documentaries about self love, discovery and healing. I am using myself as the subject while shooting and directing each project.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love fine art photography. Photography that tells a story is the work I am most drawn too. I only shoot film photography, which I think speaks greatly on the skill and type of work that I love and work with.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
My first love is photography. I want to photograph more campaigns and editorial work for myself as well for other publications and brands. I also want to direct more music videos and documentaries
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The lack of financial funds is probably the most frustrating part of being a freelance photographer and artist. There are so many projects and series I want to start and have art exhibitions for, but the lack of funds makes it extremely difficult. Working to supply yourself and your art is a tricky balance. I do think it's a great way to learn and create ways for you to get what you want to be done.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
If I could have an assistant I would ask she/he to help organize my life! It would consist of making my appointments, managing my bills and schedule, assisting with my shoots and reminding me to sleep.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
It will all be ok. Trust your vision and intuition. Everything you are looking for is looking for you too.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How do you successfully work with friends on projects/collaborations/business?
How do you create a business and finding the proper funding to fund it?
How many people would you have on your creative team when starting out?
What is important to include when applying for residencies and grants?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking to work and collaborate with other artists and brands who have authentic visions and stories to create for the culture.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client/job/collaboration would be with other artists who are open to sharing their ideas/visions as well as listening to mine. Freelancing for a brand/company who has a culturally progressive agenda and is looking to make an impact on their clients/audience fits with my vision and practice. I believe it takes a community to successfully build and curate a vision.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My day rate for photography and/or creative direction starts at $550 and $100 hourly. I am willing to negotiate and collaborate as well! Email me!!! I am always looking to collaborate and feed the culture.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send an email. I love when someone approaches me with a professional pitch, a treatment or mood board, for an idea or project. Every detail matters like budget, visuals, location, equipment, inspiration etc. It saves us both time and can lead to the opportunity of collaborating and working with one another quicker.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Drink water, stay in the sun, study other artists’ style, work, and practices.
This member profile was originally published in July 2017, Updated June 2018.