Meet Paul Velas | Fashion and Portrait Photographer – Writer – Photography Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Velas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think my life has become about taking risks, but I think very well every step I give. From going to another country on my own without knowing anyone to choosing between eating or shave my beard because the budget was tight. One of the most important things for me it’s not giving up when it’s hard. I’ve been fighting to do what makes me happy but is not always a safe zone. As photographer I’ve challenged myself to look different. Sometimes turns out amazing, sometimes it’s a mess but you learn by making a lot of mistakes. But also learning from another people’s experiences will make you risk better. I love to watch another people giving steps of faith and God has already made us powerful and wise, so just trust in yourself and make a change. In the process of taking risks is important to rest. I feel like I’m in that moment now, to refocus and take more risks later.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always wanted to change the perspective of how my country was viewed. Not all the architecture was beautiful like Europe nor the people so “aesthetically beautiful” like the standards were but that was one of the things that made me unique. Because I started to shoot purposely different, not the blonde girl or white studs with six packs, I wanted to shoot what was inside of each people. I normally like to choose my models, location and everything, first because it’s a challenge, second because it’s part of my essence. I’ve become one of the most sounded photographers in town but because the art is not part of the culture yet so it’s been a thing of teaching people the value of art. So it’s hard in a place where your work is not well seen. Even tho I’ve had the blessing to have beautiful people around who have helped through all this journey. My best advice as artist is go and find your essence and create from there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is fun, okay: since you arrive in the airport I take you to one of my favorites coffee shops called La Central, get some coffee, then we go and give a tour in the art gallery near the coffee shop so we are walking distance. Later, we go to eat some pasta at mines or to an italian restaurant, but since you’re in town I would love to cook for you. After we rest a bit, we go take a few drinks at San Roman and spend the evening there. Down the stairs we have Sublime, eat dinner and then we go to dance to Solemne (if it’s thursday night or saturday).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all thanking Jesus, because when I can’t He’s always right there to cheer me up. Second, to all my friends, they are my family. Also thanking my clients, they have been one of my biggest support in my journey.

Instagram: instagram.com/paulvelas

Image Credits
Portrait of myelf: Stefanos Stefanou