Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Mavarez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My passion for photography began when I moved to Panama at the age of 14. The transition was challenging because it was just my mom and me, and leaving everything behind made me feel empty. I felt like I didn’t belong, so I started walking around the streets, listening to music, and taking photos of architecture and places that I found interesting.
A few years later, I was able to buy my first camera. That’s when I started photographing my friends and uploading the pictures to Instagram. Gradually, people began reaching out, asking me to take photos of them, and this became a regular activity for several years.
In 2021, I was presented with a life-changing opportunity: collaborating with Panama Fashion Week. From the very first day, everything changed. I realized my true passion lies in fashion and art. This experience allowed me to live unforgettable moments and meet amazing people.
Then, in December 2023, a new opportunity arose: reuniting with my family in the United States. Since then, I’ve been writing a new chapter of my life, knowing that I’m destined to go far.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. During the 10 years I lived in Panama, I faced many challenges while trying to find meaning in my life and profession. I tried many things, but everything changed when I became one of the main photographers for Panama Fashion Week. This year in Orlando hasn’t been easy either, but my passion has led me to meet and work with amazing people in the dance and events industry, and I am convinced that it’s only a matter of time before I establish myself in the industry and become one of the leading names in this place.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am someone who often finds a certain romanticism in the past, and this is something I’ve incorporated into my work, both in photography and in audiovisual projects. I enjoy highlighting the beauty in simplicity and telling stories. I’m drawn to the vibe of analog film and the aesthetic of 90’s independent cinema, with handheld cameras and a lack of excessive sharpness. I believe this is what sets me apart from others—my ability to convey emotion through a photo or a video, going beyond just a “wow, this looks great.
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Venezuela in 1999, so I feel like I grew up experiencing the technological changes of the 2000s, but also with the influence of my cousins who lived through the 90s. Music, movies, and video games were key elements as I grew up, allowing me to dream. I remember growing up watching MTV, listening to music in English that I didn’t understand, but I was fascinated by what I heard, and the music videos blew my mind. I also remember being captivated by the aesthetic of Miami in the 90s, watching Scarface and Bad Boys. In one way or another, my influences came from here, and I believe fate had this in store for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filmbyferxo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papiferxo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@papiferxo?si=qVBy2VNCRZ05wBzZ
