Fashion Photographer
Guilherme Benites
Gui Benites has manifested the vision he had for his life as a child. Always drawn to photography and storytelling, he’s cut his teeth shooting for the likes of Marie Claire and Larroudé—we’re blushing. An innovator through and through, he’s sharing the images he’s drawn to, how he’s feeling on the other end of the pandemic, and his advice for aspiring young photogs.
First of all: how are you doing?
I’m doing well! Considering the crazy year we had, I have to say I’m pretty blessed!
If you could send a DM to your younger self, what would it be?
Do not give up on your dreams, even if they sound way too distant. Put in the work and they will become your reality! Also, don’t care so much about what people think of you!
What are you most looking forward to doing outdoors this Spring?
Can’t wait to be able to see and hang out with friends & family and do what I love the most: travel and go to my favorite restaurants!
What are you reading right now?
I’ve been obsessed with thriller/mystery books. I just finished The Silent Patient and now I’m reading Central Park by Guillaume Musso. Loving it so far!
What are you watching right now?
Nothing too crazy! I just finished Wandavision and I LOVED it!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Find what fulfills you even if it’s not what other people think is best for you. Put in the work and whatever you want will eventually happen. As cliché as it sounds, it was truly the best advice.
What’s the biggest takeaway/learning you’ve had from the past year?
That nothing is permanent, so don’t be afraid to be your true self and do the things you want to do. I feel grateful that last year wasn’t catastrophic for me and my loved ones.
What brings you joy lately?
Honestly, the simple things. Walking around the places I love in the city and BK. Eating good food, reading. Talking to the people I love. Being able to work and shoot again makes me really happy too!
Favorite instagram accounts?
Ooh, that’s a hard one. I like so many! I’m about to start decorating my new apartment so I’ve been very into home decor and interior design accounts. These are a few that I always check out: @eyeswoon, @fiorelladelubbe, @ariviere, and I love @gregntore for some outfit inspo!
Where do you get inspiration from?
Pretty much from anything and everything I see. I get inspired by looking at other artist’s work on social media, movies, books that I read, people I see in the streets, places I visit. I love observing everything!
Can you share with us your on-set playlist?
I have a few that I love but this is what I’ve been listening to and playing on set recently:
Also love this one:
How did you start in your career?
I started pretty young. Well, at least I would pretend I was a photographer when I was a kid. My dad used to play Polo, so I grew up surrounded by horses and I would take pictures of them with a film point-and-shoot camera I would steal from my mom. Later, after working part time during high school, I got my first DSLR and I started taking pictures of my friends. Eventually I started Art School and that’s when I feel in love with fashion photography and fashion in general. Had my first Job as a photographer/filmmaker for a fashion agency when I got into school and haven’t stopped since.
What was your breakthrough moment?
I’m not sure if that has happened yet! I do love and appreciate where I am right now, but I think we always want more, right!? I do think though, that moving to New York changed my career and life a lot. Got to meet and work with amazing people and companies that I never thought I would work with like Dior and Vogue.
What is your advice for young photographers who want to start in the business?
I think most importantly you should practice and shoot a lot with whatever gear you have, even if it’s your cellphone. Find artists that you love even if they are not photographers, and try to learn from their art & business as you go and you will find your own voice. Master social media so you can get seen and remember that photography isn’t just an art form, it’s a business, so learn how to make money off of it and have multiple sources of income!
To contact Guilherme Benites visit: https://www.guilhermebenites.com/
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