Them Future Frames: Carlos Salinas | csalfilm
All images by csalfilm. Used with permission.
In this first edition of Them Future Frames, I speak with 18-year old photographer Carlos Salinas - aka csalfilm in the digital space. He’s young, but already getting attention for his skillset, with gigs for Fitted, UW and The Daily UW. His work shows a lot of promise and I’m excited to see where his journey takes him.
Editor's Note: Them Future Frames is about giving a platform to young photographers between the ages of 18-22, encouraging them to speak about their photography and to share what they hope to achieve in the industry.
Carlos Salinas - aka csalfilm (self portrait).
Them Frames: What first drew you to photography, and when did you realize it was more than just a hobby?
Csalfilm: I first got into photography by randomly signing up for a high school class which at first I didn’t enjoy and I even took a year off. Yet, photography slowly became a way for me to express myself and get more involved with what was happening around me.
When I picked the camera up again during my junior year, I started shooting for fun and for my school newspaper. Since then, I’ve kept learning and taken every chance I could to grow and connect through my work.
Them Frames: If you had to describe your photography style in three words, what would they be and why?
Csalfilm: I would say grainy, moody, and intimate. Although I tend to shoot pretty wide portraits, I also shoot with the intention of conveying a sense of intimacy and emotion. I want my photos to not just be something people see, but also something they can feel.
I’ve always really liked grain too. It's something I’ve incorporated since the start, especially once I learned how to use it to my advantage in my portraits.
Them Frames: What's one photo you've taken that you're most proud of, and what's the story behind it?
Csalfilm: One I’m really proud of is an experimental portrait of my friend Chanyoung. We had planned to shoot something different for a while, especially in thick fog. So the day I saw fog outside, we rushed outdoors. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, it had completely cleared. We decided to shoot anyway and ended up with something even better. An unplanned, unique image that came from just adapting and trusting each other and our creativity.
Them Frames: Who or what inspires your creative vision right now?
Csalfilm: I’ve been following Gunner Stahl for a few years, his portraits within the music scene have a grainy intimate feel, and I feel like I really connect with that style. As I begin exploring filmmaking, Cole Bennett’s work with Lyrical Lemonade has also become a major influence.
Them Frames: Where do you see your photography heading in the next few years? What kind of photographer do you want to become?
Csalfilm: Within the next few years I hope to move more towards filmmaking and continue to strengthen my skills in creative photography through the music scene. Ultimately, I’d like to become a film director and to create content that's timeless and widely recognized. I’d like my work to be everywhere, whether through photography, filmmaking, or both.
Them Frames: What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a young photographer, and how are you working through it?
Csalfilm: Time management. Trying to balance school, shoots, family, and my personal life can get pretty overwhelming. I’ve been working a lot on staying organized and planning ahead when I can.
It's hard to be creative when you're burnt out.
Them Frames: Please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Csalfilm: because it’s how I express myself, and hold onto the moments that matter the most to me.
You can enjoy more work by Carlos by visiting his Instagram and Carrd.
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