ANDREW QUESADA

Bred in Los Angeles, Andrew Quesada is a photographer whose use of rich tones and high contrast brands his work. With a gritty appeal, Quesada's approach to photography is fresh and perceptive in the sense of L.A. street culture. When asked what makes the perfect shot, he replied "the photographer." This response was interesting in a sense that most photographers name an element of the shoot in which they feel seals a perfect shot, not Quesada. In an interview we discuss the rebirth of instant film, Instagram, Influence and the launch of MaricelaMarcel. 

Q&A

COCAINEPRETTI: Photography experienced a revolution with the digital era, along with other media mediums. As of late, there have been campaigns on instant film and stores "culturally inclined" marketing instant film as the new cool, such as Urban Outfitters. What do you think about the rebirth of instant film?

ANDREW QUESADA: When it comes too this, I’m split down the middle. I love the fact that people are still interested in instant film and are attempting to bring it back. I've shot the  new film urban outfitters released and to be honest for the price they give and the product it releases, I rather be on the search for the original Polaroid film and the effect of expired film. I’ll say one thing, Instagram is killing the photographer. That’s another story though.

CP: Elaborate.
AQ: Well it's one thing to have fun with Instagram. Everyone should enjoy the feeling of taking pictures and adding effects and so on. But it's another to claim to be a photographer if all you do is shoot Instagram and present an Instagram portfolio. If you don't shoot with an actual camera, besides your phone, I don't see the whole "photographer" thing at all.

CP: Looking at fashion photographers such as Bill Cunningham, Terry Richardson and Mario Sorrenti they are all realist in some sort of aspect with their work, yet their styles are very distinctive. In fashion photography, or photography period, is it about capturing a real moment or creating a real moment?
AQ: I think it’s a little of both. When you go into a shoot you have an idea of  what you want, but what happens during the shoot are the real moments that make it that much more distinctive.  If I had to choose between creating a moment or  capturing a moment, I would say capturing a moment. If you look at most photography books it’s usually people, events and so on that are caught in a real moment and last a lifetime.

CP: What and/or whom influences your work? 

AQ: A lot of people might think that photographers or photography books or even movies  have a big influence on me, I’m not saying that they don’t, but I wouldn't call them my main influence. Music has such a huge influence on my creative process. I play music while I shoot, while I edit and while thinking of an idea. I’ll play music, sit back and let my imagination go to work. I see things better with music. When I hear music I see visuals.  Also my girlfriend, she’s my muse; everyone needs a muse, they keep you on your toes, especially if they are your girlfriend.

CP:  Tell us about some of the people you've had the chance to work with and the experience you gained. Are there any collaborative projects in particular you'd like to work on?  

AQ: I’ve had the chance to work with man musical artist out of Los Angeles. What makes it that much more is the fact that I’m a fan first. Most of the musical artist I've worked with, I also have in my ipod.  There’s one person I must thank and that is Matt (The Kone). When I first started shooting, I hit him up asking if I could shoot him while he played records at a local bar. From that moment on he introduced me to many musical artist and well, amazing artists in general.  So as far as collaborative project,  I would like to get something cooking with the Kone.

CP: What can we look forward to from Andrew Quesada in 2012?  

AQ: Growth in my creative process so that I can share with all. 

MaricelaMarcel in 60 Seconds

CP: MaricelaMarcel, what original designs can we expect in the store?
AQ: We'll start simple with the printing of original photography work onto shirts. We wont give all the details, but we have some pretty cool ideas. 


CP: What eras will the vintage pieces range from?
AQ: It will be everything from the 60’s to the early 90’s. We don’t want to limit ourselves to one kind of look, we want to cater to all. 


CP: Will the selection be unisex or geared more towards one sex?
AQ: It will be geared towards men and women, and of course we'll have some unisex items. 


CP: Possible launch date?
AQ: We are hoping to have everything online by the end of February. We are really excited about this and putting full effort into it. We are already getting a great response and it makes us proud and humbled.

View his online portfolio at www.andrewquesada.com

All Images Copyrighted By Andrew Quesada