FROM
THE
HEART

WHO ARE YOU?

Hi, I'm Rina. I take pictures, and I post them on Instagram.

C: So, I saw a video on YouTube by your friend, Ayden, correct? And you recently got into photography, like February 2023? If I'm not mistaken. So, talk about that!


HOW DID YOU GET INTO ART?

I've always had ideas, and I used to paint and draw. My mom's an artist, so I've always wanted to be like her. She's scared of birds, so I'm scared of birds. I've always been interested in art, but because of the pandemic, I lost all inspiration and skill when it came to painting and drawing. So, that's where I feel like I really stopped doing “art”.

I wouldn’t really say what I do is art, because I don't fully see it as that. For something to be art (to me) I need to put a pen to paper. Painting, drawing, stuff like that. I know that doesn’t fully make sense, but that's just the way that I've seen it. I obviously like to admire other photographers. I think what they do is art, but just what I do, I feel like, isn't art because what I have always grown up to see as art.



HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY

I started because I had this idea, which especially developed through COVID, seeing all these people with masks and thinking, what do they do when they go home? Who are these strangers? Like they are not here for my existence. They are their own people. I'm a background character on their train ride just as they are to me.

So, my first project was called "Four Corners of the World." The idea was that I went and got off at these strangers stops on this hypothetical train and went along their day with them. And truthfully, like, they were all really strangers. Even if we were acquainted, I had only had brief interactions with them up until the shoot. Now some of them are great friends. So, shout out, Carmen. But yeah, that was my first project. I just used filters at that point. I took pictures, put them in an app, and picked whatever filter I thought was prettiest.

E: What were you shooting on when you started?

This camera. It’s a Canon. Canon PowerShot, the 1100.

E: And that's the camera you are still shooting with?

Yeah, it was 30 bucks off of eBay. Sometimes I use a polaroid, the big one.


(This was the first Acedia Spotlight recorded outside. We recorded while sitting on a rock in Central Park, in the middle of the interview a few birds joined us on this rock.)



Can you guys shoo away that bird? I'm really scared of birds.

E: I got you.

Thank you. But yeah, it's okay to be in a slump and want to create something to feel less lonely and to make people feel like we can be close. That was just more ideas through COVID. And then, in 2023, I feel like we were “normal again”, and I had just gotten a camera and was like okay, I'm gonna do this.

E: You mentioned that you had just put filters on photos at that time. Now, do you have a better understanding of what goes into editing a photo? Like in Photoshop or what's the other program..? 

C: Lightroom

Lightroom, yeah. - Yeah, I use Lightroom. Yeah, and back then I just used the tint and warmth line for my second project. Not sure what it's actually called. I really just don't have much knowledge of these things even now. I use a really basic setting camera and I use the free version of Lightroom on my phone because you gotta pay for it on your computer, but I don't have a computer so aye it works. 

E: I mean you can pirate it.

I mean, true, but I had it for a little bit. I had a free trial, but that's what I do. I have a lot of free trials on a lot of apps. When I started I just used the tint and warmth things. And then, as I've gone on, I've learned more about other things I can do. And I feel like it's definitely, I don't know, I like it more now that I understand what I'm doing more. So I feel like lately, after I hit my one year, I don't know, I've been more comfortable. 'Cause I actually know sort of what I'm doing.

E: So, were you self-taught, or did you have any type of academic backing in photography?

No, I go to school for environmental science, so I'm not going to school for any sort of arts.

E:  But have you ever gone to YouTube or taken any online courses? Or you literally just like, I'm going to go into this. 



I never took any online courses. One day, I posted on Instagram and asked if anyone wanted to be a part of something. I think I had like 800 followers at the time or something like that. Surprisingly, about a lot of people slid up to that, and I thought it was crazy. Considering the fact that I didn’t have any work out at that time. People like to get their picture taken. Yeah, so I got people from that. Ended up only doing it with four, hence four corners of the world. Thought it was cool 'cause it's a square, perfect shape. But yeah, so that's how I started. I have never really watched any YouTube videos about editing. I used to have TikTok when I started photography. I don't have it now, but I would just like to watch things like how to color grade or whatever. But I wouldn't actually get those settings 'cause it was just like, you have to pay for it, and there were just so many things that I really didn't even care to do since I was just starting. But yeah, no YouTube, self-taught.


HOW WAS IT GROWING UP WITH ARTISTIC MOTHER?

C: So you mentioned that your mom is a painter, correct? Growing up, was there any pressure for you to follow in her footsteps? Is that a possibility of why you got burnt out because of COVID, or is it unrelated?

My mom says she wants me to do whatever makes me happy. She's Korean. Surprisingly, she doesn't want me to be a doctor or like to do any of that stuff because she feels like it's too hard and I am not built for that. But she didn't really think art was good for me either. She never really liked what I did. When she would see my drawings she would say things like, "You have to perfect the curve of the top” stuff like that, you know, small things. She was always super specific with me. When I had an idea, she wanted to know every detail. And she told me, "Art is pointless if it has no meaning, 'cause anything can look good." You can take a photo of a bad bitch, and it's just a bad bitch. "Like, is the photo good, or is the bitch bad?" That was with everything. 

E: She said that word for word?

No, I said that. (both laughing) - But yeah, so I don't know. That's just how she is, art has always been something that I've loved because of her. She would draw me when I was a kid and draw and paint so many things whenever she felt like it. If she had a spurt of energy, she would just stay in her room for days and then come out with some insane painting. That’s kind of the way that I work, too. I just like to bury myself in my bedroom and get everything done. And then I pop out with like 10 things.




HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

C: So you said your mom never really approved your paintings and drawings. Do you show her or just keep it more to yourself and more for people online?

I mean, I show my parents. I show both of them. I send them sometimes in the family group chat when we go on a trip. We recently went to Rome, and I sent them those photos. They don't really say much. I don't think they really care about it that much. So yeah, but my family isn't supportive but they also aren’t the opposite. What I do (photography) is seen as the lesser art form in my family. Which, like I said, I understand isn’t exactly true, but that's also been engraved into my mind when it comes to myself. It's not art unless you put something on paper with your own hands. I make a space for people really, but that's not seen as art in my household.



TALK ABOUT PROJECTS: STRINGS

C: So if you wanna talk about your last few projects, like Strings and #OfAnAge  Like how did those come about? How'd you arrange it?

E: How'd you meet Lauro?

Shout out to Lauro. - I met Lauro from my second project, but I believe we were TikTok mutuals in 2021. I don't have TikTok anymore like I said but usually, I just like to transfer the bad bitches to Instagram. Like, 'cause I was- -

E: Were you big on TikTok?

No, I had a hundred something followers or less, but that's all right. I didn't really understand it. The trends just moved too fast for me. But now I realize it; I'm late for the trends and I always catch them after they end. I’ll find out about a trend like 6 months after its peak. I'm like, this is so funny, guys. And they're like, bitch, that was last month.



But yeah, no, Strings was just. Usually, I work with only women. I felt this was a great way to highlight that I work with only women. So, I decided to just center it around that. That project was just about connections in this world, like girls and their moms, their friends, siblings, literally whatever meant something to them.' Cause I feel like I have so many female friends in my life, and how they think about things interests me. And I wanted to highlight that by asking them what the most important things are to them. So that was, I think, one of my, well, #OfAnAge is my bigger project, but I'll get into that later. That was the first time I did a shoot with more than 10 people. I would just have maybe four or five shots, four, yeah, four or five.  

C: It was 20, right? 

Yeah, I think so, 20. 

C: So why'd you take down the substack low key? I was trying to read about it.

Oh my God, this is too much. - Well, I took my substack down because it was too much for me, I was saying too much. And I was like low-key tweaking over some dick. And I wrote about that dick for like a year. Yeah, but I found out dick was reading it. He was my first subscriber, and I didn't know that. 

C: Was it like a fake email? Or he just didn't know his email?

- No, it was his government name. And I did not realize it.' Cause he would never like anything and I would never go through my subscribers. He would never interact. And then he told me when we started talking again, he was like-

E: I don't give a fuck what SHE is doing. 

- Literally. Nah, whole thing was lowkey crazy as fuck. But it wraps, you know. So I might put it back up and just block him. But I don't know how to block on substack, or if I can even do that. But yeah, I tweaked over some dick. So I just took everything down because I realized said dick was reading it.



TALK ABOUT #OFANAGE

#OfAnAge Is a project that I started in August. It's just about firsts in life. It's about curiosity, innocence, friendships, relationships, family, chosen family. Everything is very broad and vague. And the hashtag is actually a part of the name. Kind of a reflection of social media and part of this whole growing up thing is being so invested in the digital age we are in. I know a lot of people who are glued to their phones. For example, when you go to a restaurant, kids stare at their phones, watch YouTube, or do things like that. The online persona and the online life that we have is such a big part of our actual lives. So that's why it's a hashtag kind of mimicking that. But yeah, that project, a lot of the shoots are based on my experiences and life. I have a list of ideas written down. It's probably a minute-long scroll on my notes app. And I share that with anybody interested. And like I said, it's based on my own experiences, my own stories with friends, romantic partners, family, or anything like that. But really, that's just there to inspire people who want to take part in the project and think, hey, this relates to me.


I mostly shoot for this project in very intimate spaces, and the people I work with tend open up to me a lot. I think that makes for a better space. I want my photos to just look like I took photos of my friends. It makes the photos look vulnerable in the best possible way.



USING OTHERS AS VEHICLES TO SHARE STORIES

C: You use others as vehicles to share stories, and you said those stories relate to yourself. Have you ever considered doing self-portraits to express those stories through you since they're so intimate?

Actually, yeah, I've tried to do self-portraits. I tape my camera to my wall and take a piece of gum & eat it, or don’t. Then I use the wrapper & I make it into a ball and tie a rubber band around it to the button. So then it just keeps clicking. And that's how I do self-portraits. But they never make it anywhere because they're not the best 'cause its dead a camera taped to the wall.

E: That's cool, though. That's a really cool idea. If I saw a photo of someone, I'd be like, that's alright. Like, that's okay. But then if they're like, yeah, I took this photo by chewing gum and then taping a rubber band around. I'd be like, okay, then that's a lot more interesting now.

C: Especially if it's like, 'cause all your, what's it called, posts or photography is all story driven. I feel like that adds another element to it. So it's like the creative process of how you took the picture, the picture itself, and the story you're bringing in. Even if the picture is subpar to your standards, I think that would be a pretty interesting thing for a viewer or anybody else or someone, whatever. You should tap into that.

I think it would be, but I don't like to write too much. As for my current project, it's three words long. My other one was one word long. That's what my substack was for actually, I would write about my projects, what I learned, and what they meant to me there. I don't like to write big explanations and captions 'cause nobody’s reading that shit, I know I wouldn’t. And I shouldn't have to write much for it to be understood. It should just be like you look at it and take it the way you want. I don't like to write, because I don’t want to dictate how you should feel when you look at my work. Because it's all about interpretation! If somebody feels sad when they look at something that I made, that makes me feel happy. I made them feel something. So I did my job.



BREAKING INTO PHYSICAL SPACES?

E: And I guess that can kind of lead into a question I had about how you talked earlier about art being physical and there being kind of a tie-in to the way we view art digitally. We talked about this with one of the people we interviewed before. His name is Brayan, but for example you talked about three sentences, right? Chances are when  you're scrolling on your phone, you probably won't read more than three sentences while just scrolling on Instagram. But given that your work is in a physical space, like a gallery, I feel people would be more inclined to read there. Have you ever considered trying to break into that physical space?

Well, chill, 'cause spoilers, I guess. But I am gonna have a magazine release soon, with a friend. But yeah, so we will be having that physical space. And I do have the magazine, which is physical work in a book, which I think is crazy for me. And that's what I feel like is really art, the magazine itself. Anyway, July 5th. Midtown. Be there.

E: I guess, how does that make you feel that you're finally crossing that digital barrier, in which so much of your work is centered on going into a physical space? Are you going to think of your work differently after this, I guess?

- I mean, I'm still like a small fish. Like, I live in Jersey. I'm not crazy big or anything like that, or I wouldn't even say big at all. But yeah, I am really excited to have that still. Nothing much is going to change I don’t think. I know a lot of friends who are coming, like people from other states who are coming for this (hopefully) 

E: Damn, so that's the playoffs then.

Yeah, ultimate baddie link up make sure to pop out.

E: So we will be there.

Yes, you're two of them, actually.  

C: Well, we come as a unit. - So you can count us as one.

Baddies will be there, so be outside!



HOW DID HOMESICK ZINE COME ABOUT

C: So, how did your zine come about? What are some things you wanna touch upon? Like, talk about that?

My magazine is called "Homesick."  It's just about all these things that make me feel at home.

Streets, smells, people. Because I've moved three times. Or wait no, I lived in three places, moved twice. I lived in Washington Heights for most of my life. I lived in Korea for a little bit, and now I live in fucking New Jersey. So, it's just about, I've never really had a place where I call home, like, stably.' Cause I wanna say that the Heights, that's my home, but I really can't because it was so long ago, and that is where my roots were formed, but that's not where I grew.' Because I was not mature enough, I guess. So, when I came to Jersey after living in Korea for a bit, I felt like I had my wake-up call, my growth. All these places helped me just become who I am as a person.

But then again it's like, Jersey wasn't where the roots were laid, so I can't call that my home. And I feel like home is more about the people. Central Park has a bit of home in my eyes. But yeah, so it's just about all these little things. There are photos of the bus in my zine, 'cause the bus, which got me here late actually, sorry about that. It’s a very important part of Jersey, because they are these $1 buses, oh, no, $2 buses, 'cause they wanna inflate their asses. The drivers are watching videos, talking on the phone, singing along to the songs they play and they don't stop unless you say something. That's if you're lucky though. I come to work, hopefully on time, if they decide to stop. So yeah, I have a section for the buses and the boys who ride bikes, which is also a huge part. Lil Tjay, do you guys know who that is?

E: Like we pop out at your party Lil Tjay?

- Yeah, and he would always be on my block, 'cause they would-

C: With the gang?

  Yes, literally the gang. It's crazy because it was like all the football players lived on my block, and they would just go and ride bikes together. And just the bike boys are such a big staple, and it's actually the cover, this guy, fuck, I don't know his name.

E: You don't know Cover Boy? That's crazy.

The boy on the cover? - They were so fried when I met them. They were actually tearing up. Or maybe I’m tweaking, allergies or something. So I was like, "Guys, are you okay?"  They're like, "Yes." They were so, I don't, yeah, I know one of them, his name is Dennis. Shout out, Dennis, that's a king. - Shout out to Dennis, right. - But yeah, so it's just about people, times, even people that I'm not cool with anymore ; I actually have like seven pages to this girl that I haven't talked to in so long.




DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH POSTING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?  

C: Anyways, Homesick is a very intimate piece of work. Do you have any reservations about, like, or struggle with posting something that is intimate to you? 

Actually, yes. I don't like to post about my brother or my mom. I don't take many photos of my dad because he always flips me off. But my mom, I always take photos of her, and I think those are some of my best ones because, as I said, like the emotional connection to them, like maybe somebody looks at it, doesn't feel like it's the best, but I know what it means to me, so it is, to me. And my brother as well. But I don't ever POST post those pictures, and I'm really kind of iffy about putting them in any publicized or published form. So, yeah, but there are a few photos of my mom. But I feel like it had to have those pieces to really be “Homesick”.

E: We talked a little about how when you shoot people, they're like letting you into their space, and that level of intimacy, and kind of breaking down that barrier. Have there ever been any difficulties with entering a stranger's room? Like, is it awkward for you?

Well, I started photography 'cause it was my way of speaking without having to say anything. Basically getting my emotions out without opening up to people directly. So, I actually did get better at conversing. Because of that, when meeting strangers who are also shy, usually the text I get is like, oh, I would really love to do this, but I've never done modeling before. Is that okay?

Of course, that's okay, but it just means that the person will start off more awkward, and it's my job to make them feel comfortable. I don’t feel like it's awkward for either party, looking back or even just in the moment too. I'm like damn, I am really in this strangers room dissecting their ex’s post from last night seeing if that girl is a little too close to just be a friend. The internet is a crazy connector

C: Is it the dog meet-up back here?

- Oh my God.

C: Why is he a full army guard? Should I salute? Man, what were you saying?  

I'm not sure. (laughing) -
(At this point, some sort of dog training camp started to take place about a few feet away from us. Some of the dogs were wearing tactical vests & were very loud. Because of this, we had to move to a more secluded rock in the shade.)


Oh yeah, they're usually shy, so I need to exert myself a little more to make them feel comfortable. And that usually makes me knock out when I get home because it's a lot for me to do. But I don't think I've really ever felt uncomfortable or weird about, you know, entering somebody's home just because we talk a lot ahead of time in text before meeting up.


HOW DO YOU MAKE PEOPLE CARE FOR YOUR ART

C: How do you make people care about your work, or do you even want people to care?

I don't care for making people care. I don't do it to make people care. I think it just naturally happens. I don't know. I appreciate those who do though of course. I feel like people like to see emotions and vulnerability, and I think that's what I do. Or, like I said, I don't write a whole paragraph to tell you how I feel or how it made me feel because it's up to the person. They want to feel something, they want to feel anything at all, or they just think, oh, this is pretty. I was talking to my friend Julia, and she said she didn't know much about what I did, but she liked the post because it was cute. So I don't care what it means to people if it means anything. I'm glad that I have space to put it out. And I don't think I don't care is the right way to say it. That feels dismissive and rude.

C: It's not your intention to make people care. It's your shit.

Yeah. So, I have Instagram and just post whatever on there. I've gotten a lot of strangers who care about what I do which is cool, actually Shout out to Izzy and Emma for being a big reason for that; those are queens right there.

C: How'd that come about?

Oh, that came about because I saw them after a Strings shoot. I was with this girl, Egypt —I wasn't on TikTok, but I still knew them because I loved them when I did have TikTok. Anyway yeah she was like, oh my gosh, that's Izzy and Emma. And then I was just planning to continue on with my day because I don't need to approach them, you know?  

But Egypt really wanted to say hi, so we did. When I got home, I was thinking about it, and I was like, this would be so cool if they were a part of a project of mine. So I stayed up until 12 and usually I slept at 10, at the latest. But yeah, I searched up their instagram and decided to email them because their email was linked to their profile, and they emailed me back at the same minute, and they were like, yes, we love this. We would love to do this. I replied back in the same hour I think, I saw it right away but I was nervous. And then they didn't reply to me for two weeks. It was worth it because they ultimately did, when they did, we met and we did a shoot for that project, Strings, and I feel like that really helped me with #OfAnAge and also the short film thing that I made. So yeah, that just brought me so many other opportunities that I didn't even know could happen. I didn't think they would say yes. I didn't think that I would be doing interviews. I didn't think about all these things, but I am very grateful for them. And yeah, I forgot what the question was.



BREAKING INTO SHORT FILMS

C: Let's talk about that short film and some of the director stuff you've been breaking into. For one, how has the change from photography to film video moved? How's that?

It was really stressful, there was so much to consider, 5 peoples schedules to keep account of when planning everything. I wasn't supposed to film it and that actually, I brought someone to do that but they did not do much. It was one of my closest friends and that was our first time working together as well as our last. Video is not easy at all, I commend everyone who works in that field.

E: I guess there was anything good?

There was. Oh yeah for sure. It was really fun to film. The people were super nice and funny. Chai, Tina, and Jo. It was really fun writing the script too. I've never made anything like that. I went to a film club meeting once. This guy was like, "Do you know the angle M30?", why would I know that. Who knows that. I didn't learn that because I tuned him out for obvious reasons. And yeah, it was my first time making something like that, writing a script. And I actually wrote a few scripts once I got the hang of it, it was so fun. That was the only one that happened.

And I'm really happy that it happened with the people that it happened with. I got to pick out outfits and help create some new friendships, which was awesome.

Making this whole set so personal to me. And I think that's what I'm most proud of. It's “thehumanbehavior” but it's also me, like Rina. I feel like the two are separate sometimes since my physical self is not really present there, my name isn't either. There's elements of me in it, being from New York, being queer and being Korean. I snuck in these three things because that's a bit of who I am, and I don't feel like I have myself on my page directly. It's not really like face card or any of that stuff. So that's my way of sneaking myself in there more outwardly than I usually do. Yeah.



STRUGGLES OF BEING A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED FIELD

E: And then I guess we can touch up on what you mentioned about pretension. Being a woman artist, specifically in photography film, which is so male-dominated, have you ever faced any barriers? Were there ever times when you were at a shoot or doing something, and you were treated differently because you were a woman?.

Yea, it has definitely happened a few times but this one's more recent. I'll give you the jist. I was working with someone who didn't know what I looked like, and when he, I guess, “realized”, he didn't take me as seriously. He flirted with me and texted me like a friend. Like damn stand on bizz. “Good Morning beautiful” type shit. I'm like, okay.

C: Freak ass nigga.

Yeah, no, but it was crazy. We did not talk about business after that. I feel like because of the way I look, not like because I'm like the height that I am, because I have, you know, the baby face that I do and things like that. I don't really get taken seriously. Honestly though I let things happen, I don't want to say like, I'm super nice, but if you ask me to come late or if you can't do it now, if you take three hours to do your makeup, I'll tell you it's okay and follow whatever new schedule you can be on. I'm kind of like a pushover in that way, because I just want everybody to be the most comfortable.So if that means that you have to take three hours to do your makeup or if you're walking slow because you don't want your leg to hurt, like then so be it. I'll just be a bit uncomfortable so you're comfortable.  

Um, but no, there've been guys who have booked shoots with me and I don't get paid and there's no pictures taken. They just tell me about their life. I think asking me more personal questions is okay. Like once we've sort of laid down a “base” you know, once we've been sitting there for a little bit, if you want to ask me something about my life, I’ll answer. And that just makes it better for the both of us. But if you start asking me like, like deep ass questions, when I first meet you as a man, when we're both in the car that you own with the door locked in a place that I'm not familiar with, like, please let me out. Like I don't need to be doing that shit. You don’t either. And just like working with men in general, nah. I worked with a guy for my first project. He was cool. Um, shout out Jaden. But yeah, after that, I've just never had a good experience. I did a shoot with a guy and he's like, Oh, like, you know, hug goodbye, which is what I usually do anyway. So I'm like, yeah of course, bye. Then this guy texted me when he got home on some “Oh, I miss you” And I'm like, what do you mean you miss me? Like we didn't link. It's just weird and uncomfortable. And I just don't understand if these people, you know, reach out to me because they want to meet and be friends, or if they want to like, just take some pics and be chill. So the line has been blurred when it comes to men and I just usually say no unless they're like gay and locked in. Because if you're not gay and locked in, like, that's it. It's rough.


FAVORITE PHOTO

In my interview that you saw on YouTube, my actual favorite photo was cut out because it wasn't aesthetic enough. My favorite photo is of this girl, her name is Ken. It's us, well her but I was present as well, listening to Drake in the car in the summer, and he was like, "This is not the vibe," so he cut it out. But that would be my favorite photo; I can send you that, too. It's not necessarily good, pretty blurry actually. It's just like what it meant to me. So yeah. -That was with my best friend at the time. And that day, I think it was just the end of summer. It was getting warmer out. We had just hung out with friends we hadn't seen in a long time and she was driving me home. We're listening to Drake. She's so, like, she loves to dance. She loves to sing. She's super lively. What song was it? Wait, give me a second.

E: Passionfruit?

No, no, no, wait. I think it was, actually. Definitely off the album, I know that. And that was the highlight of my summer. That is all that I remember that summer. I don't remember anything else. I don't remember what I did yesterday. But that's something I remember vividly. And those pictures literally feel as if photographic memories can become physical. Like I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, it would stop moving and just stop right there. That's what I feel like it looks like. So it's not perfect. But it was definitely something for me to remember. Yeah, captured the moment.



E: How do you feel about what Drake is going through right now? -

Honestly? - Drake is going through a lot. - I'm not saying much because I'm not gonna post up on the 'Gram posting the new Kendrick, even though it's fire. Because at the end of the day, I'm gonna still listen to Drake.

C: She’s like Lucy for real.

E: But how do you feel finding out that your goat is washed?

I mean, shit, I already knew it, but it's just like- 

C: That's what real Drake fans are really about.

E: For real, I don't like it when they try to defend Drake; just stand by a bum for once. 

C: Dead ass. - They never wanna stand by a washed man. It's always, oh no, he the greatest, oh no, he dropped hotline bling. Let a nigga like rest a little bit.


EQUIPMENT INSECURITY?

C: Do you ever feel like there's a need to change your equipment?

I do. Yeah, yeah. I did at first when I would meet people, and they're like, oh, like, where's the camera? Like, did you forget? I was like, no, like, this is it right here. And they're like, Oh, shit, like, damn. Like you shoot everything on that. They gotta make sure everything they see me come out with is from that camera I came with. It's smaller than my hand, which is already not the biggest. So it's like, it's really little. And when I shoot outside, I have to focus on the sky first or wherever the light is brightest and then go shoot. So it's just like, the way it looks, it looks like I brought the wrong one. Yeah. And at first, I was really insecure about that. And just like, I don't know if I can be taken seriously just because I was just starting. But now people are like, Oh, that's so dope that you do all that stuff on that little thing. So I think I'd like to take pride in it. And I think I do well without the big expensive camera. Yeah like I said I got mine for 30 beans. So, facts, and I'm content.



PAYMENT

E: Regarding what you said, you've done shoots before where you haven't been paid. Was there ever a shoot where you got paid? And if so, what do you feel is a fair price for your work, especially considering you're so new to photography and do not have too much skin in the game?

Oh, I actually do everything for free. So, I don't charge because this is a hobby. I don't want to get paid like it's a job. If it's a job, it would start to feel like a chore. So yeah. But bookings like, if people have something specific they want to do outside the realm of whatever my current project is, then that's different. If I post something, if you say you're interested, it will be free. I'm the one that's sort of asking you, so we would be working on something together. You're letting me into your space. I'm not paying you for that. People pay me in meals or flowers, things like that. By doing it for free, I feel like we create more of a bond. It's not much of a client - “job-doer” relationship.

For example, I have hookups at many places. People I shoot with, discounts at their jobs, parties, or even just a friend of a friend type shit. So many of these people that I’ve met work at clothing stores or work in art or have really cool experiences like Rambler magazine, for example, which I'm actually featured in. I don't know if you've seen that. Yeah, I was featured in Rambler, and they have an event. I'm pretty sure today from five to something, but I won't be there tonight sadly.


WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?

C: You gonna meet Troye Sivan?

Yes. I actually am.

C: You're gonna work with a guy with Vogue? Are you gonna love more? Are you gonna meet new people? I forgot what the rest of it was.

That's like the crazy as fuck that you remember all that.

E: You're meeting Troye Sivan?

Well, I'm gonna go to a concert, and he's gonna be there.

E: That's not meeting him, bro. Acting like he will point you out and say, "The human behavior! Oh my God, you shot Lauro!" Yeah, so what's next?

The Vogue cover is happening. What else is happening? I am loving more. Being nicer.

E: Are you being loved more as well?

C: Type shit.

E: 'Cause you can give it, but you gotta open your heart. You know what I'm saying? That's what I'm saying. I'm not gonna lie. You can give it, but you gotta open your heart. You know what I'm saying? That’s coming from me, a real lover.

All right, that's what I'm gonna do. That's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna open up. But yeah, the goal is to print more magazines, have a successful turnout, and have the actual event so I can have a successful turnout. But yeah, I just wanna get more involved with people locally. That's my big thing. Like Jersey, I didn't see its beauty until recently. I think that there are a lot of people and things around here that are hidden gems. There's a lot of creatives that I think are really cool. And a lot of women who are creatives, which I really love, that I need to get more involved in.



HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK IN ONE WORD

Human.

E: All right, that's good. Any shout-outs?

Shout out to Ben. That's my evil twin. Shout out to Amar. He's super cool. Oh, Taryn. She shot some Homesick promo photos. So I think everybody should check her out. Because I'm a big-ass dick rider right over her. I really be bouncing on it. So yeah. Oh and shout out Jeffrey I’m seeing them after this. Hey Jeffrey.Oh, shout out to you guys. Shout out to everyone who’s in Homesick, oh and Abby that's my cuz.

E: And most importantly, shout out to the people reading this. We love you!


(Chris & Ethan post interview! Thank you so much to Rina for agreeing to do this!)

CREDITS

SUBJECT/BRAND : RINA KEI @thehumanbehavior

PHOTOGRAPHER : RINA KEI @thehumanbehavior

MODEL : RINA KEI @thehumanbehavior

EDITOR: E&C* @acediastudios

TEXT : E&C* @acediastudios