More than a year has passed since photographers took part in the Vogue Cover challenge. One of the biggest names who dominated the trend was Los Angeles photographer Beacasso.

Beacasso, real name Beatriz Valim’s journey within photography is nothing less than inspirational. Beacasso’s growth from digital to film and motion picture is something many aspiring creatives can look to for the courage they may need to experiment and grow within photography.

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Beacasso’s started photography at the age of 14. Since then she has been studying photography and cinematography in class where her passion grows each year. As an artist, her work has multiple layers of inspiration.

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“I get my inspiration from watching movies. When I have free time, that’s all I do. It’s my form of entertainment and education. I study lighting and composition and try to emulate emotion and the use of color theory within my photography,” said Beacasso.

How identity and location influenced Beacasso’s art

One of the most noticeable aspects of some of Beacasso’s images is her use of bright colors and wardrobes.

“Having a Brazilian background has inspired a lot of the use of bright colors in my work. Brazilian art from Brazilian artists is vibrant and bold and I can see how much that has impacted me and within all of my work,” said Beacasso.

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The journey from digital to film 

Part of what makes Beacasso inspirational is her courage to experiment and push the envelope.

Beacasso started experimenting with film because of the 365-day art challenge her and other artist are doing. Beacasso’s influential growth into film photography and super 8 films represent how unrestricted the community is and that photographers and videographers are not limited to digital. 

For many photographers, film photography is intimidating. Film cameras are less forgiving and won’t hold your hand as much as a digital camera.

The number of shots is limited, and the development cost is a factor in the shooting. Not only that but there’s no preview, so the person behind the lens must be more attentive.

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“I started film photography because of my challenge and it’s been the best decision I have ever made. Film photography made me want to slow down and think about what I want my photograph to look like before pressing the shutter,” said Beacasso.

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At the end of the day, all great artists are only human. Like all creatives, Beacasso has faced obstacles herself.

Her challenges don’t always come from a technical aspect. To simply dive into photography and sharing an artistic perspective is a challenge but Beacasso intends to teach other aspiring creators to overcome them by sharing her own 

“I could only think of one big obstacle I face every day, and that is overthinking. I think too much and this prevents me from finishing work sometimes, or from even starting,” said Beacasso

“It is important for me and other artists that also have this challenge, to take things one step at a time. Slow down. Stop thinking of the end result. You are doing great!”

– Beacasso

Beacasso didn’t stop at still images. Her creative journey continues on Super 8 format. Her 365-day art challenge ended on September 8, where she released her first directed and shot fashion film.

“Photography means everything to me and more! Photography makes me smile big! Photography makes me feel so alive! In many ways, photography has affected my life, but one big thing was that it has saved my life,” said the photographer.

“Days feeling that have no meaning, now have a meaning for me. Photography gives me a reason to get up so happy every morning, meeting amazing people who have become my friends, and making memories that will last forever”

– Beacasso

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Becasso gives advice for new creators 

“The best two pieces of advice that I can give to new creatives is create, create, create! Every single day. Never feel discouraged! Practice makes perfect. Lastly, be authentic. Make art that makes you smile and makes you have happy tears. Make art that is meaningful to you. Make art for you.”

Beacasso

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Be sure to check out more of Beacasso’s work on the gram and also her new film photography class on Moment (click here).