Luna Sweetheart: Beatriz Valim Explores The Concept of Bold In Every Way
SHOWCASING THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY OVER QUANTITY — photographer Beatriz Valim speaks on the importance of intentional art. In an attempt to come out of a creative slump in December of 2020, Valim made the switch from digital photography to film. The crutch of digital storage was no longer a resource, working with as little as ten frames per roll. Only ten opportunities to execute her vision. Though seemingly limiting, Valim used film to enhance her photography with purpose and intention— a change she attributes to her artistic growth.
Valim’s photography is coated in self-proclaimed loudness. Bold eyes, flooding green light, bunched tulle dresses, bare skin on a light-coated horse, models wearing gloves and holding flowers— Valim adds softness to sharp angles, and then vibrancy to plain white walls and bare fields.
When there are only ten frames per roll, you better make it good. And Valim does just that. As Valim has continued to build their portfolio and foundation as a creative, they truly wow their viewer with each shot. Read below to learn more about how she got her start in photography, what she loves about film and more.
LUNA: What was your transition from pursuing photography as a hobby to a career like?
VALIM: At a young age I have always known I wanted to be an artist, I just didn’t know what kind of art I would be pursuing. I fell in love with photography HARD, I quickly realized it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. Transitioning from hobby to career was a bit challenging for me because I had to learn how to price my work, communicate with clients, and self promotion. It was intimidating to me at first, but after some practice I had found my confidence.
LUNA: You shoot 120 film to get that crisp feel but still have that grainy aspect of film we all love - what drew you to film to begin with?
VALIM: I began my film photography journey in December of last year, and let me say one thing WOW! Towards the last few weeks of 2020 I hit a bit of a creative slump. I felt like I wasn’t getting that amount of joy out of photography as I once had before. I knew that I had to change it up a little bit! (or a lot!) So I got myself my very first 35mm film camera, the Canon AE-1 Program. Making the digital to film transition was… difficult. Realizing I had (only) 36 frames to finish a roll of film felt so important to me, knowing that I was super shutter happy when I was shooting on a digital camera. A few weeks later, I stepped it up a notch and got myself a medium format film camera, the Mamiya RB67. Realizing medium format film had (only) 10 frames to finish a roll of film felt SUPER important to me now. (Also, 36 frames feels a lot to me now that I only have 10!) Shooting on film has made me more of a conscious photographer. A better photographer than I once was. Slowing down and thinking before pressing the shutter has led me to create some of the best photos I’ve ever taken.
LUNA: Does your creative process differ when shooting film over digital?
VALIM: In every way! Shooting film has slowed me down a lot, and that’s a good thing! Since I’m limited to 10 frames on a medium format camera, I try to make the best photographs out of each frame. While on digital I can take as many as I want and pick the best later on. Which isn’t the best method for me since I’ll be stuck choosing 1 from the 20 photos that look almost identical. I’d rather have 1 really good photograph that took me 2 minutes to plan and create over anything.
LUNA: How have you seen your style evolve since you first started taking pictures?
VALIM: Absolutely. I feel like my work has matured a lot more, especially since starting film photography. I've become more intentional with my framing and use of color theory in my work to tell a story.
LUNA: From this past year, what photo are you most proud of?
VALIM: The photo I’m most proud of is the one I took of my friend Jordan holding a colorful bouquet of flowers. I remember taking that photograph and I just knew it was going to be one of my favorites forever.
LUNA: How do you think your Brazilian background has shaped you as an artist?
VALIM: Having a Brazilian background has definitely inspired me to use vibrant colors in my photography. Brazilian art is bright, loud, and powerful, and that’s exactly how I would describe my style of photography.
LUNA: You work with such an array of clients and always make them look their best. What steps do you take to make sure your model is comfortable?
VALIM: Anyone I’ve had a photoshoot with can tell you that I’m a goofball! I try to make my models feel like they’re having a photoshoot with one of their best friends. Photoshoots can be very overwhelming, especially for clients that have never done a photoshoot before. Making them laugh and playing some of their favorite music during the photoshoot will definitely make them feel a lot more comfortable and help you achieve some amazing work!
LUNA: Outside of photography, are there any creative paths you’d like to explore more?
VALIM: Outside of photography I feel like I’d love to dive deep into fashion design. Since photography is my life right now I don’t think I would have time to do both, but who knows, maybe I’ll figure something out one day!
LUNA: What’s something you wish more people knew about you?
VALIM: I wish more people knew that I make mistakes all the time. Especially when shooting film photography. Mistakes are bound to happen every time I go out for a photoshoot, either I load film improperly or meter incorrectly. I’ve done it all. Hundreds of times! Nothing is perfect and that’s the greatest thing of it all. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Let go and have fun!
LUNA: Best gear for film photographers just starting out?
VALIM: I haven’t experimented much with other film gear besides the two that I own, but check them out! They’re great! For 35mm film I have the Canon AE-1 Program and for medium format I use the Mamiya RB67 (beware it’s heavy, but you two will become best friends) I definitely recommend going to local thrift stores and vintage shops where you’ll be finding super cheap film cameras, and start creating your work with those! Also, don’t forget to have fun!
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming months?
VALIM: For the next upcoming months I want to expand more on my fashion editorial work. I want to create huge concepts and collaborate with a larger team to make that all come to life! Along with making video work, which is super new to me but practice makes perfect! I can’t wait to see all the progress I’ve made at the end of this year.
CONNECT WITH Beatriz Valim
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