Respect the Shooter Interview with Victoria Tarantino @victoriatarantino

How did you get into photography/videography? 

I got into photography after studying film for 3 years in college…I think it’s essential for every filmmaker to understand lighting through photography. It allows you to struggle and strengthen any misunderstanding of lighting you may have by becoming familiar with a camera.

What did you first use to take photos?

Anything I can get my hands on…but for now, Canon 77D and my iPhone!

Where did you go to school? Do you have any formal training/self taught?

I attended Penn State and Cleveland State, but I’ve mostly educated myself with the help of tutorials.

(D for Darius, I love you)

Do you have any nicknames?  How did you get that name?

Victoria is actually my middle name and I use it because it’s easier for those who speak Spanish—rather than them to call me my real name (Bridgette).

If you could take photos of any 3 people who would it be?

I love taking pictures of people who are less likely to be photographed because of they’re not your “typical” subject—whether that is  influenced by gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status etc.

So it’d have to be trans rapper, Ms. Boogie

Snow Tha Product

And my grandma :)

If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living who would they be?

Amy Winehouse

Selena Quintanilla-Perez

and Nicky Da B

If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Tokyo, Japan

Rio De Janeiro, Brasil

What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?

To convey the perspective I have of them, based on the perspective they have prevented of themselves. But sometimes, a perspective is not given—that’s when you have the power to create something with them.

What music do you listen to when you edit photos?

Kelela, Wax Poetic, Amy Winehouse…anything that invokes deep emotion within me.

What's your favorite app on your phone?

Photoshop Express

What is your dream as a photographer?

To help heal certain social issues through the viewfinder and to create an agency where QPOC will be able to thrive as models, actors, filmmakers, and artists in general. I want to be able to give back to my community in an effective way that’s not about profit.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?

People will say that it’s too competitive to do or be good at…I find that to be the opposite.  Don’t accept “no” as an answer…because that’s when you have accompanied them in your defeat. If photography and videography ignite a fire in you, keep feeding that fire.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)

Instagram! @victoriatarantino