Matt and Sean from Machine Girl © Yulissa Benitez

Interview by Yzabella Zari

Yzabella Zari: When did you realize photography was something you wanted to pursue?

Yulissa Benitez: I think initially it was when I first saw the results of photos I had taken, around 2013 and then it happened again in 2018 because for a time although I never really stopped taking photos I was unsure if it was something I really wanted to persue. But everytime I’d get a roll back it would be the most exciting thing ever. Also just overall being able to execute my creativity through a photo, I always found it as a good outlet.

YZ: Who are the people you photograph in these images? Do they serve as a basis of your photography?

YB: The people I photograph are friends, strangers, mutuals, people I look up to. Lots of them are also artist such as musicians or designers. They definitely serve a basis to my photography, without them there is no photo haha. Besides that, my main thing is photographing people.

In Motion for Converse x SNS © Yulissa Benitez

YZ: How has your style of photography transformed throughout the years?

YB: I think my style has closely remained the same, maybe I’ve learned to articulate it a bit better. I’ve learned a lot in regards to editing. When I first started I rarely edited my photos, then I started experimenting with photoshop and some mixed media stuff. I’m trying to find new ways to transform it all the time without losing sense of the style I have created for myself.

YZ: What advice can you give to those who struggle finding an unique style of art that is authentic to them?

YB: I dove into many art forms that didn’t work out for me before I got seriously into photography. I think it’s important to try everything you’ve been wanting to try at least once or twice. I also think it’s important to experiment and see what sticks for you and what doesn’t. If you find yourself questioning it, try something else. I think often times we don’t realize that we may be good at something because we stall and just dont go for it.

YZ: Describe your creative process in one word.

YB: Heterogeneous.

Pasto Flocco for Sneakers and Stuff © Yulissa Benitez

YZ: If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

YB: I think I’m really good at staying calm, it’s really hard to get me angry or to freak out soooo maybe some type of anger management class haha that or some sort of organization class, I think I’m pretty good at (in general) organzing.

YZ: What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

YB: I unfortunately have not been reading as often as i would like/use to but the last film i saw that really inspired me was “Made in Hong Kong” a few years ago. I of course always appreciate good cinematography, but the story line was also very good. Locations were very strong and just overall made me wanna create a film of my own.

YZ: What is the most played song in your library?

YB: LA Hills Burn at the Peak of Winter by Croatian Amor

YZ: How do you take your coffee?

YB: For a long time I would drink my coffee black. Now I just add almond milk, preferred to drink it iced even in the winter time you’ll see me with an iced coffee.