Celina De Jesus: A Day In The Life of a Buzzfeed Photo Editor
To me, success in my field is all about how I feel, emotionally and mentally, and having the freedom to create work that matters to me. If my heart isn’t into what I’m working on, I can’t truly feel successful.
1.) What made you choose to pursue a career in the photo industry?
My career in this industry was born out of my love of documenting things as they are in an exact moment in time. Whether it’s a local neighborhood or a stunning makeup look, marking a moment through photography is an incredible way to capture memories.
My current role is in photo research, but I also do photography, which, at times, includes videography and light editing. My previous internship as a photo researcher helped me understand all things imagery for posts, and led to my current role. Not only am I thrilled to have this position, but all the new skills I’m learning will assist me in realizing my dream of creating my own articles.
2.) Break it down for us. What does a day in your position look like?
A day in my life as a photo researcher is filled with variety, but generally almost every day includes sourcing imagery, double checking photo drafts, reaching out to acquire images and sometimes even creating my own post.
When I do have the opportunity to work on my own post, it may include things like testing beauty products or vegan foods, but my favorite is when I get to tell other photographers’ stories. It’s a really fun and rewarding project because everyone that is featured gets to meet each other.
The “aha” moment was more of a marathon than a moment, and came over time as I began to notice people who aren’t in the photo industry really gravitating towards my work.
3.) How do you define success in your field?
To me, success in my field is all about how I feel, emotionally and mentally, and having the freedom to create work that matters to me. If my heart isn’t into what I’m working on, I can’t truly feel successful.
4.) What’s your endgame?
My ultimate endgame is to elevate my skills in portrait photography, create a photo book and exhibition documenting the East Village/Lower East Side, and to obtain an acting role in a movie. Being part of the exciting process of memorizing a script and collaborating with others to bring emotion to life in the form of filmography has always been a dream of mine.
5.) What’s one resource that you wish you had right now?
I wish I had a dedicated studio with enough space to store equipment without having to worry about breaking it down, and which also functions as a beauty/food room where I can clear my mind to freely work on ideas.
When I reflect on my journey so far, I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself for not knowing everything about photography immediately.
6.) What was your “aha” moment where you realized that you could actually work in the photo industry?
The “aha” moment was more of a marathon than a moment, and came over time as I began to notice people who aren’t in the photo industry really gravitating towards my work.
7.) What was something that you wish you would’ve known sooner?
When I reflect on my journey so far, I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself for not knowing everything about photography immediately. I realize now that everyone learns at their own pace, and no matter how fast the industry is, it’s critical to take your time. Also, I wish I had understood that if you have an idea that you believe strongly in, chances are other people will feel that belief and naturally gravitate to it - so no matter what, keep doing what YOU love.
Photos courtesy of Celina De Jesus & Buzzfeed.
Visit Celina’s website at the link below:
https://www.celinadejesus.com/