Are great photographers born, or made? Hearing the story of street and portrait photographers Eriberto Oriol and his son Estevan, you’ll find plenty of evidence for both.
Both LA-based photographers, Estevan traces his love of and passion for photography to his father, who handed him a Minolta at a young age, and sent him on his way. In this short UPROXX documentary, we get to find out about the father and son, both of whom have managed to create incredible portfolios that converge and diverge in fascinating ways.
It’s clear Estevan was influenced by his father’s work—inspired to carry on his legacy, as it were—but his work stands on its own.
“I saw a rawness, there was a real edge to the work … it was coming form the gut,” Eriberto says about his son’s work. “He’s very good at drawing out a person’s character. That’s what I appreciated the most, I think that’s why celebrities have come to him, because that’s what he’s able to pull out.”
For his part, Eriberto captures “the essence” of LA in a more environmental way—classic street photography with a focus on social, political, and economic issues. But the influence now goes both ways.
“I’m very proud of what he’s done and what he’s accomplished with his work. He’s internationally known,” says Eriberto. “From never having gone to school for that type of an art form, he just learned it by doing it. He’s influenced me.”
Seeing their work side-by-side, it’s hard to discount the similarity in their vision … that component that can be “passed down” (maybe even genetically) from father to son. But you also can’t overstate the unique vision, skill, and work Estevan has brought into the world. Photographers are born; they’re also made.
(via Fstoppers)
