This interview was curated by Start Shows

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hello! I'm Steven from Quiubo Photos. I am a street and portrait photographer, videographer, Podcast Co-Host, and Content Creator. I am a first-generation Colombian born and raised in Queens, New York, but I grew up running up and down all of New York and then some.

How did you get your Artist name?

Quiubo is a Colombian term for "Hello" or "What's up" and it's my invitation to people to view my work.

How did you get into creating?

I first encountered photography when I was just about 10-years-old and my parents got me a simple point-and-shoot camera which sparked a world of inspiration. Growing up my brother bought himself a good quality enthusiast camera which, under careful supervision, I was able to use. Since then I've just been going at it and working on my craft and building my repertoire of images.

How has creating changed your life?

It has allowed me to express myself in my own way. when I'm out doing photography I forget about the world around me, my problems, my 9-5 job, and the errands I have to do or finish. I'm focused on being present and the thing happening in the singular moment. It has helped me relax but stay hyper-focused on a single task.

Where are you from?

I'm from Queens, New York but my family is from Medellin Colombia.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

New York has a lot to offer. From fast-paced and always changing environments to slow down park to chill in. I've learned how to blend into the crowds and how I can stand out. How I can just be myself.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

Primarily trial and error, and a lot of it. I used YouTube from time to time, but I learn more from doing something than from someone telling me how to do it. Sometimes I would take notes and try it out on the field but it's hard when photos capture just that 100th of a second. Sometimes you only get one try so it's hard to think about certain things when everything around you s moving so fast.

What does your current setup look like?

Sony A7IV with a Sony 24-70 GM (Mark 1), Sony 20mm G, and Sony 85mm.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

I try to get inspiration from a lot of places. From professional and great photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Stephen Shore, and Vivian Mair, and so many more. I also read a lot and go through different types of photography books as well.
My main source of inspiration though is my friends. Just hanging out and doing photos for fun, bouncing ideas off each other, and just shooting the shit. I am a very big extrovert so I get a lot of strength from the people around me.

What is your goal when you create?

It depends on which task is at hand. If it's my street photography it's just to get something cool. If it's my portraits then it's to capture the person at their best. My podcast is to make people laugh. I just want to enjoy the process.

Why do you create?

It's my escape from the real world.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

I put my music on shuffle and go lol. I listen to everything and skip around a lot so I don't exactly have a go-to song.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

I hope one day I can be a famous photographer and take complex pictures with lots of moving parts, with a team of people. But I want that team of people to be the friends that I made along the way. I want to create a space where people work but feel comfortable.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Just do it. Don't worry about how bad it's going to be. Don't worry about whether people are going to like it. Don't worry about anything except making it happen. Even if you're tight on cash, you don't need the best gear or anything to get it done. You can do it. If it doesn't come out good that's fine. You will continue to do more work, and when you're ready you'll come back to it and you'll do it even better.
You got this shit.

Tell us about your most recent release

“After Hours” is a collection of nighttime photos with a pop of lights and color coming through the darkness. This is a reflection of the layers of myself; each one of these images represents a part of my life that has brought me here today.

On the surface level, this collection is about exploring the city after work; just wandering around and experiencing the different things that go on in New York City.

On a deeper level, Photography to me is my therapy and lets me turn off my mind as I go exploring the city at night. It’s the way I relax, by staying on the move while keeping an open mind; I forget about my troubles for the moment and am able to just be myself.

On a personal note, this collection really represents me as a person. I feel like I am always surrounded by darkness but I do have that inner spark that shines through. There’s a lot to me, but not many people see it.

Check out 'After Hours' on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9L3ZfhHYcYD73WaI4UJRrg/featured

Connect with Quiubo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quiubo_photos

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuiuboPhoto

Website: https://www.quiubophoto.com/

Photography by Quiubo