Today we’d like to introduce you to Diva Hammad.
Diva, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been into photography as a kid, I taught myself how to use a camera but I didn’t go to school for photography until 2013. I started getting into the EDM scene at 18 years old and I would sometimes bring my camera just for fun. At 21, I started getting into the bar scene. I went to a party at the red balloon and was taking pictures of my friends. A guy walked up with his camera and my friend said it would be funny to take a picture of each other and we did. The other photographer and I talked about how long we have been shooting and hit it off. He asked me if I wanted to be apart of him and his brother’s entertainment company. I said sure and met his brother Carlos Ramos of SeenSD.com (the website isn’t around anymore unfortunately). Carlos automatically took me under his wing, taught me about the nightlife scene and I learned A LOT. For the next 15 years I’ve worked in San Diego and Los Angeles with some traveling in between.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no, There is a lot of competition. There is always room to change and grow. It’s part of the journey. One of my main struggles as an artist is that I am my biggest critic and I deal with imposter syndrome (which I know most people do) I have ADHD so it is hard to concentrate sometimes but also helps me with my work. I always attempt to push myself no matter how hard things get. Some other struggles are Investing in equipment, having a full-time job and having time for myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I photograph a variety of different events like: engagements, weddings, birthdays, quinceaneras, portraits, models, family, nightlife, events, live band photography, food, conferences, baby showers, maternity, accessories, clothes, landscape, street photography, candids and sports. I also edit, retouch as well as being a second shooter and assisting others.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, I feel men and women should be created equal. Women can have any career that they choose. Not everyone can do a certain job so it just really depends on the person regardless of their sex.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://divahphotos.com/
- Phone: 858-926-6653
- Email: divahphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @divahphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Divahphotos
Image Credit:
My portraits: Ryeo Lee
Girl in purple light: Little Black diamond
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