The Traveling Storyteller | George Arnaldo
Photography feature pages on Instagram such as POP (Pursuit of Portraits) has made it possible to bring together young talented creative individuals from all different ages, races, ethnicity, and backgrounds to connect and interact with each other. For George Arnaldo, a Filmmaker and Fine Art Photographer from Puerto Rico is one of those individuals who uses his love of storytelling, travel, and meeting individuals to document his time in New York City for a month to create stunning images.
How long have you been doing Photography?
I’ve been doing photography for a little more than four years now.
What drives your creativity and what/who influences you?
The ability to tell stories through this fascinating art form. I’m influenced by almost everything that’s around me. Specially people, fine art and travel. When I get to create, I want to people to not just look at my work and see beautiful images, but to feel them. To get a glimpse of the world and the characters inside my head.
What is your go to photography gear?
My go to gear is a Fujifilm XT10 with my all-time favorite lens - a 56mm f/1.2, stunning for portraits - and a Sony A77 with a 24-70mm f/2.8, great for getting all sorts of shots. I also carry a fujifilm instax mini 90. I like to document whoever is with me in polaroids.
What other places have you traveled too?
I’ve been to Peru, The Bahamas, Venice, Barcelona, Orlando, LA and NYC. Just recently arrived from London with a couple of friends. It was our first time in Europe.
Describe your photography style?
I would say that my personal style is sort of a combination between nature and people. I love fine art and story telling, so I always try to bring those elements to life in my pictures. In addition, I’m a big fantasy fan, so every time I get to create, I try to throw that in as well. At the end of the day, it’s all about telling stories, but stories in a different way. Capturing the essence of the place I find myself in, merged with the model im working with.
What is the hardest thing about photography?
I believe the hardest part about photography is trying to stay true to yourself. We all want to create something that is uniquely ours, not just a copy of somebody else’s work. And we want to find our style as quickly as possible. With social media being such a huge impact in the way we acquire inspiration it can be a little difficult. We see lots and lots of amazing pictures daily, so trying to do something different can be a hard thing. Not an impossible one. But I guess, in the end, it’s all about capturing what you want; showing people what you see.
What piece of advice would give to other photographer starting out?
Take tons of pictures. Every time you get the opportunity to carry your camera with you, do it. The more practice you get, the better you’ll become. It’s like playing an instrument or a sport. You can’t get better unless you put time and sweat into it. You need to go out and shoot. Theory is not gonna teach you the practical stuff neither is landing gigs. The best source of learning is by nonstop experimenting with the camera.
How was your experiences at the Pursuit of Portrait Instameets?
It was great! Met lots of amazing people with different backgrounds. It was my first one. So, I don’t have much to compare it to, but i really liked the whole instameet experience. I love connecting with new people. More when we share the same passion and hobby. Can’t wait to go to the next one!
What's your next travel destination?
I’m still not so sure. I tend to improvise a lot. But I do have my eye on Chile and Bolivia.
