The internet allows us to plug into a nearly limitless flow of artists and artwork- every once in a while I come across someone who I want to dive into a deeper conversation with. Today, that person in portrait photographer Gabriel Rivera. His film work evokes a nostalgic feeling, and the way he communicates online helped to pique my curiousity. Let's dive into that conversation.

What attracted to you to photography in the first place?

I've always been attracted to photography since a young age. When I was a kid, I would run around with a cheap point and shoot DSLR and take pictures of everything. I never took it seriously, I just loved the idea of creating something. That camera ended up breaking and I would take pictures of everything with my iPhone 3 at the time. I took a lot of inspiration from the Tumblr minimal aesthetic.

When I turned 19 I bought a cheap Nikon from a friend who was selling it, and from that point on I fell in love with photography and had a new and deeper understanding for it. When I first started I actually shot a lot of photos on film, but never ended up developing them. So I guess I've always been attracted to photography naturally.

Thats cool to hear you fell into it from such a young age. Photography is such a fascinating form of visual art- especially portrait photography, where there is this dance between artist and subject. What is it about capturing images of people that you are drawn to?

It's funny because I never saw myself getting into portraits of people, I've always been to myself, I love space, science, things that have nothing to do with people and more to do with the beauty of the world and the universe. But the older I grow, the more I realize the importance of connection, family, and friendships. Photography gives me a way of meeting new people, making new friends, doing things I wouldn't normally do, going places I wouldn't normally go. Photography gives me a place in society, and with portraits of people, it gives me a place with the people too.

How do you go about creating a dynamic between yourself and your subject?

When I meet a person to shoot, I love trying to make them laugh, and connect with them. A big reason I shoot is to make a connection with someone and capture their essence. My style is always evolving, but I like to keep the same vibe throughout my photos with the subject I'm shooting. Though everyone is different, I can achieve this "vibe" by treating everyone I meet how I like to be treated, and vocalizing my appreciation for their willingness to shoot with me.

Beautifully put. Those sentiments really resonate with me. Theres a certain intimacy to photography, because its a moment where we look and absorb the world with such deep intention. It's meditative a bit. You do wonderful work with film- does this method make you feel more connected to the process?

When I originally started to take photography seriously, all of my inspiration and mood boards were shot on film. Though I shot on digital for the majority of my career, I've always held the belief and opinion that film is more "real." Something about loading up a roll of film, and having the light of the subject absorb into the material feels special. Then having to care for the roll, developing it at just the right temperature, washing it, and hanging it to dry. It's truly a different experience from shooting digital for me.

Regardless of what medium I shoot through, I will always feel connected to my work, the people I shoot, the things I create.

I can understand that completely. It's a more tactile process, especially if you develop and scan your own film. It also feels like it is fundamentally tied to the great arc of film work spanning back many decades.

Let's talk a bit about the effect that social media has on your own trajectory and craft. What are some pros and cons of the hyperconnected world of social sharing we find ourselves in?

Almost a cliche at this point with how much this phrase has been said, but social media is a blessing and a curse. Social media has greatly impacted my life. It exposes my work to the world, helps me pay some bills, allows me to meet people and find subjects to shoot. It allows me to put my thoughts out for others to hear, but in a coherent organized way.

Social media is the reason I take 'Behind the scenes' photos of all my shoots, for the sole reason of showing others how a photo was constructed. Social media is the reason I have so many of my photography friends today, and it was a driving force for my early work on digital. I do find myself exhausted from photography when I solely shoot for social medias sake. It can drive you to continue shooting, but it can also kill any excitement if you let likes and followers determine the worth of your work.

Like anything, moderation is essential when you have a platform on social media. If I let myself get consumed by social media, it affects my mental and physical health. It can guide me into shoots that I'm not really passionate about, though you shouldn't let passion be the only fuel you run on (you'll burn out fast). So there are pros and cons to everything, but the main thing is how you use it- just try your best to not let it use you.

You can connect with Gabriel Rivera on his website, his Instagram, and his Twitter account, where he shares a lot of behind-the-scenes as well.