Cinthya Guillen
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I capture real-life moments; the details that often go overlooked, but that add substance to memory. ”
I photograph kids, families and people doing what they do.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I first picked up a camera 20 years ago and fell hard for film photography- 35mm, medium format and peel-apart polaroids. I then went to college and studied Anthropology but was able to incorporate a visual aspect to my projects by photographing the cultures I studied. So basically, I got here by never putting down my cameras.
How do you stand out in your field?
My film background, which gave me the experience of having only a limited amount of images per roll, allows me to be present and intentional about what I am capturing. Creatively, my wide range of experience gives me the ability to tackle projects from various angles. Being a mom of 3 also makes me really great at getting down on the ground and doing anything for the shot!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
In my personal work I am expanding on a project that bridges the gap between Los Angeles and Tijuana by photographing the domestic architecture of both cities and placing them side-by-side in order to address biased assumptions. I am also working on expanding my family and childhood photography after realizing that I happen to be really good with kids (it’s the mom in me).
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style leans toward reportage or photojournalistic and I place a strong emphasis on capturing things as they are with minimal (or no) manipulation.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would really like to travel more to focus on my work on space and identity. Photography is such a powerful medium to confront socially constructed ideas and I wish I had more time to work on those projects.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Marketing! Marketing is frustrating and I wish I was better at getting my work in front of people.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Definitely publicity. I would love to pay someone to optimize my social media and help me market myself to the right audience. Getting rid of that stress would allow for more time to be out in the world getting inspiration.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could go back to tell myself that I was just as good, if not better, than anyone else. My younger self needed to believe in her abilities and not let herself fall back because of fear of failure.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Darkroom printing, without a doubt. I still shoot film and love to spend time in the darkroom making my own prints. There is so much more I could learn though and sitting with a master printer would be amazing.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for projects that involve capturing families, kids and real life. Editorial or photojournalistic or an innovative combination of both!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal collaboration would involve a client that would want me to capture candid subject matter. Whether it’s a magazine feature or a portrait assignment, I would love to work with a client who wants to allow for real-life to take the forefront.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My hourly rate starts at $200 but can be higher depending on the project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email scope, ideas and budget so that we could get the conversation started.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
By devouring the universe daily!
This member profile was originally published in December 2019.