Diego Campos
- Apr 14, 2016
- 2 min read
1. Please provide a brief description of yourself
My name is Diego Campos and I'm a photographer based in NYC. I am originally from Chicago and miss home everyday. I like to think of myself as spiritual, introspective, social, optimistic, and I like to make people feel safe and comfortable around me. I have strong empathy and like to make genuine connections with others and resultantly expand my spiritual meaning and understanding of life.
2. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the south side of Chicago. Most of my family is originally from Michoacan, Mexico though I was born and raised in Chicago. My upbringing was in predominantly Mexican neighborhoods, which truly shaped me as a person and developing a cultural morality and other values.
3. What does 'being queer' mean to you?
"Being queer" is being a human being with a sensitive heart and a spiritual mind.
4. What are some obstacles faced by people who identify as queer?
There are many obstacles queer people undergo. To name a few, queer people face depression, suicide, bullying, self-esteem issues and the list is unfortunately continuous.
5. How did you become involve with art?
In fact, I became involved with photography at a low point in my life. I was very depressed and withdrawn in early high school due to a familial crisis and accepting being gay, unbeknownst to most in school as I upkept a different facade. I made my best efforts to encourage myself that there was better to life than to be in a dark place. I became involved as an amateur photographer in the yearbook club as an extracurricular activity and my passion for photography was increasingly nurtured. Ultimately, I transitioned from shooting school activities to fashion. I always say photography salvaged me from depression and helped turn my personal life around.
6. How does your gender help you define your art work and viceversa?
I am sure my gender affects my work somehow, but I haven't made such analysis to distinguish that relationship. However, I will point out that my upbringing and interpersonal relationships in familial and school settings strongly involved women. Women are a huge part of my life, and actually I make it a conscious effort in my fashion work that I make women look bold, strong, powerful, dominant, and independent. I especially enjoy shooting women from low angles to give them an altitude of power and at times almost an intimidation, especially in my black and white work. Perhaps, it is a reflection of self-perception but also is certainly a reflection of how I view women.
7. Are you hoping to make a living from your artwork or art form?
I plan on continuing my fashion photography career and hope to be signed with a great photo agency focused on editorial and advertising concerning fashion. Alongside fashion, I also shoot street work and hope to develop that body of work furthermore.
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